This is not a great year for mushrooms. The
hot, dry summer may have damaged the delicate underground parts
of the organisms. The fall rains may be too late for them to
make a recovery. Still, I go out for a walk in the forest most
days to have a look, hoping some of my favourites will make an
appearance before the ground freezes.
Last weekend I was walking with a friend, who
naturally asked, "Is there a way to tell which mushrooms are
good to eat?"
The answer is sadly, no. Each mushroom must
be learned as an individual. There are no shortcuts. There are
thousands of mushrooms. Only a few hundred will be described in
any particular mushroom guidebook. It takes time to learn which
are good to eat, and which are not.
Identifying mushrooms is like getting to know
the people in your community. It takes time. Some people you
already know, and you know them well. You know who they are at
a glance. You know if they are trustworthy, you know if they
are friendly, you know if they are not.
Other people you know a little bit, and some
people look familiar, but you don't know anything else about
them. So it is with mushrooms.
Relatively few mushrooms are dangerous. The
same is true of people. But that doesn't mean you can take
chances. You still have to get to know their
name before you invite them in for
dinner.
Some mushrooms (and people) are very
beautiful. But that has no bearing on their "goodness". Some of
the most beautiful mushrooms are very poisonous. And some of
the ugliest mushrooms are the most delicious.
Some families of mushrooms have a bad
reputation. Several of the most deadly mushrooms are in the
Amanita group. But there are also a few very safe and delicious
Amanitas. Hmmm. The comparison with people is noteworthy.
Mushrooms, like people, are often found in
the same place at the same time of year. You see the same kids
at swimming lessons every week, the same people at school and
work. Occasionally you will see them in a different place or
time, but generally it can be predicted when and where you will
come across a certain kind of mushroom.
So, how can you learn which mushrooms are
safe and good to eat? It takes time. It takes patience. If you
can find a friend who regularly picks wild mushrooms to eat,
ask to tag along next time they go foraging. Take notice of the
time of year, the habitat, the shape, colour, smell, texture,
and size. Ask questions. Especially ask if there are any
mushrooms similar in appearance to the one you are going to
bring home to eat.
Choose your mushrooms as you choose your
friends. Get to know them well. Then enjoy their company.
Viki Mather lives by a lake near Sudbury.
