Gastronomic delights depend to a large extent on the ingredients. One of the most ancient, and otherwise dangerous without proper knowledge, is mushrooms. There are many varieties, including edible and poisonous ones. They exist in natural medicine and are used in our food. It's worth a good study of how to collect them.
The mushrooms
Unicellular or multicellular organisms, usually with a colony structure, lacking photosynthetic pigments and having a chitinous cell wall. We learned in primary school that they play a special role in the living world. They are neither plants nor animals. A mushrooms are mostly adapted to terrestrial conditions, but are found in all environments. They play a very important role in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter. They have been consumed by mankind since ancient times, but they also play an important role in fermentation processes and in the production of antibiotics by the pharmaceutical industry.
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Mushrooms are amazing creatures
They are an integral part of nature, of the forest, which allows the forest to live longer. The trees keep their seedlings under them, the acorns fall, the fruit falls. But on the ground, they have no access to sunlight, they cannot assimilate, so they cannot feed. What happens then is that the mother tree asks the fungi for help. Since the fungi are symbiotic, figuratively speaking, but they feed the little sapling. So the parent trees look after their offspring as a mother looks after her child. This even includes the fact that if a tree notices that the seedlings of other trees in its vicinity are struggling, it „tells” the fungi to feed them too. It's a special way for nature to try to maintain forests.
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Our country is a mushrooming paradise
The whole Carpathian Basin is a special place when it comes to mushroom picking. It is no coincidence that we used to supply Europe with this raw material. We probably have the most ideal conditions in the whole world. One of the best known and best known in gastronomy truffles are also an amazing species, and an even more unique variety, the white truffle, is also native to our region. It is a treasure of natural resources, both nutritionally and economically. What few have heard of, and is even more valuable, is the mushroom, which is almost unique to our area, a great treasure. Unfortunately, it was declared protected by the „incompetent” authorities. In the case of mushrooms, it is the growing body that needs to be protected, which is perennial, underground and can live for hundreds of years. The fruiting body can be safely harvested. The other is the white truffles, which is abundant in our country, is sought after all over the world and has a population that is completely unique in our forests. Our country has given us amazing treasures that we are not exploiting. If you can feel the spiritual, intellectual community that a forest can provide, it is a very healthy thing.
How to collect mushrooms
Basically, it's a pleasant pastime for nature lovers, as you can find mushrooms while walking and exploring in the forest and fields. However, in order to make mushroom hunting a really pleasant and useful pastime, it is important to follow a few basic rules. The first is to be aware of the protected mushroom species, the seasonal restrictions on foraging and to recognise the dangerous poisonous species. Most importantly for novice mushroom pickers, only pick what you already know well. It is advisable to clean the collected mushrooms in the forest to remove any impurities (soil, straw), taking care to ensure that the valuable parts are placed in the basket without damage. It is also important to note where you find them, as they can be very useful later on.
Mushrooms can be collected in practically every season. Their appearance is mainly influenced by the weather. The most recommended periods are late summer and autumn. However, the legislation contains some pointless and totally unjustified conditions.
The mushrooming community
On social media platforms, you can find many communities that gather people who are open to mushroom picking. They offer tips, solutions and even organise mushroom hunting are created. It is also important to increase the knowledge of the sites, making it easier for people to find and pick the valuable mushrooms.
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There is also a hierarchy among mushroom pickers
For those who do this, the passion for mushroom picking permeates their whole life. There are more and more places to take mushroom picking courses, but of course there are also levels. There are primary, secondary and tertiary courses to acquire the necessary knowledge. Those who have a „paper” can go around the countryside as official mushroom pickers and do their work in an organised way, according to a framework set by the forestry authorities.
If you're a hobby forager and not a mushroom expert, never prepare a mushroom dish without checking the mushrooms first! Never just taste them raw, a single taste test can lead to serious poisoning or even death. If it does happen, in case of diarrhoea, nausea or fainting, seek medical advice immediately!
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Where to collect mushrooms
It is good to be aware of the legal provisions that describe the rules for mushroom picking. If you have this, you can actually do it anywhere, as mushrooms grow almost everywhere. In deciduous forests, pine forests, fields, pastures, fields, gardens, parks. It is always worth looking under oak and beech trees, where you can also find chanterelles and toadstools. Each mushroom prefers different vegetation and habitats, so it is no longer a good idea to look for them in the woods and bushes. consciously prepared get started, you will be successful much sooner. Always keep an „open eye”, especially for fallen trees, rotting stumps and dense rotting debris, which can be particularly successful places to find things. A maximum of 2 kg may be collected in one mushroom picking, which again is a rather farcical legal environment, as the „so-called” big mushroom pickers are in contact with the forestry. For them, interestingly enough, there is no limiting criteria of any kind.
The most important thing is not to pick or even touch the mushrooms you don't recognise. Use mushroom picking books, mushroom traps. If you are unsure of the species, be sure to pick them separately so that they do not come into contact with others. Never pick killer gall, white gall, pine helmet mushrooms, poisonous cobweb mushrooms, flesh brown deer foot mushrooms...
The indispensable help of mushroom pickers
If you're serious about the mushroom hunting lifestyle, you need a trained dog. There are two types of dog. One that sniffs underneath, such as labradors, dachshunds, spaniels, who can actually find mushrooms, even underground. The other is the one that smells high up, like the vizsla, who can smell from a distance that in that forest there are mushrooms. The French use pigs, but most people prefer dogs.
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Equipment of the mushroom picker
Be prepared for all weather conditions, rain or shine, and be sure to dress appropriately. As we will be walking through the countryside, through unknown terrain, off the forest paths, it is a good idea to be prepared. A map and compass used to come in handy, nowadays a mobile phone and a suitable app will come in handy. These can help you easily mark the spot for your next hike. It's not uncommon to lose track of time while mushrooming. Simply because we're busy enjoying the beauty of nature and mushrooms, we always carry a torch. Of course, there's also a mobile phone, but it's easy to run out of battery. The most important tool for a mushroom picker is a sharp knife or a knife that will allow him to pick the treasure worth picking without damage.
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Mushroom picking in a basket only
The wicker basket sounds quite retro, but it is the best tool for collecting. There are several reasons for this. The basket is made of natural material, so the mushroom does not come into contact with other compounds. It is ventilated, which allows you to keep it fresh. What should not be used is a nylon bag, plastic box, paper box, plastic bucket. In these, the mushrooms are easily crushed and ruined by the time you get home. A basic rule is never to fill freshly picked mushrooms, remember they are very delicate.
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When we finished mushrooming
The mushrooms we collect should first be taken to a mushroom expert. Never prepare any food from them until they have been deemed safe by experts! Clean and use the right mushrooms as soon as possible!
We wish you all a successful mushroom hunting, but never forget the rules listed above - for your own good!
