How To Determine Which Wild Mushrooms Are Safe To Eat

How To Determine Which Wild Mushrooms Are Safe To Eat
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Many people may ask the question of, “Which wild mushrooms are safe to eat?”

The answer to this question is those mushrooms that do not cause harm when eaten. Now, you may be asking the question of, “But how do I know which ones do not cause harm?” That answer is also very simple; either you know or you need to find out.

Knowing Is Key

“Edible mushrooms are known to be safe to eat because they have been eaten frequently with no ill effects. Poisonous mushrooms are known because someone ate them and became ill or died. There is no test or characteristic to distinguish edible from poisonous mushrooms,” according to the “Wild Mushrooms Fact Sheet” published by the University of Ohio.

This means that methods such as determining safety with a metal spoon, by observing which mushrooms animals eat, or making a judgment based on where the fungi is found should be avoided.

Wild mushrooms can be found growing all over the planet. The Wild Mushrooms Fact Sheet notes that there may be over 2,000 different types in Ohio alone. Since there is no way to distinguish between the good and the bad, the first thing that wild mushroom eaters need to do is to eliminate any inclination to take a risk.

“Mushroom poisoning can vary from a minor upset stomach to a rather painful protracted death, depending upon the species of mushroom eaten, the amount eaten, and the person who has eaten it,” according to the “Wild Mushroom and Poisoning” article published by the North Carolina State University.

Considering the potential side effects, don’t eat a mushroom you might have picked unless you are absolutely sure what type it is and if it really is indeed safe to eat.

Getting To Know

What if you are not familiar with any wild mushrooms? Or, what if you are interested in trying new varieties or those in a new place?

For many people, collecting, cooking, and eating wild mushrooms is a very exciting hobby. If you are one of them, it is not necessary to sacrifice this enjoyment because you are not sure which wild mushrooms are safe to eat.

Instead, it is advisable to get mushroom guides for the areas where you will be collecting. There are many published works in circulation, both in print and online, that identify good and bad mushrooms. These generally include photos and other detailed information. If you have not read these before you collect, avoid sampling your findings while in the wild. Wait until you can positively identify your goods before you put them into your mouth.

Safe Alternatives

“For many wild-mushroom fanciers, it is no longer necessary to foray into lands festooned with poison oak and to risk a wet-footed trip through the forest,” says the book Wild About Mushrooms. The popularity of wild mushrooms has motivated many grocers to do the field work. All you have to do is make a worry-free selection and pay.

Of course for many, much of the thrill is in the hunt; buying wild mushrooms from a retailer just does not offer that sense of adventure.

When you find wild mushrooms that you cannot otherwise identify, you may have other options. Wild About Mushrooms notes that in some European countries, government inspectors will for a nominal fee separate edible and inedible fungi.

If you are not in an area where this service is available, you may be able to get assistance from a university; these educational institutions often have departments that are interested in identifying and documenting regional fungi as part of their research projects.

Another alternative is a mushroom expert. In many places where wild mushrooms are commonly collected or included in the cuisine, there are very knowledgeable individuals who can help you to identify your mushrooms.

If none of these options are available, and your mushrooms are tempting you, remember the first thing that wild mushroom eaters need to do— eliminate any inclination to take a risk.

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