Gathering mushrooms in the southwest region - the current possibilities - Harvesting Mushrooms in the Southwest - Updated Availability Locations
Summer Mushroom Picking in the Southwest: A Guide
Summer is a prime time for mushroom enthusiasts, as the Southwest forests offer a bountiful harvest of edible fungi. Mixed hardwood forests, particularly those around oaks and pines, are rich in summer mushrooms.
Liss Hoffmann from BUND recommends searching for mushrooms in deciduous and mixed forests, especially along paths and forest edges. Katharina Krieglsteiner, a trainer with the German Society for Mycology, agrees and adds that forests with old trees and dead wood are particularly rich in mushrooms.
One of the most sought-after summer mushrooms is the chanterelle. These mushrooms are often found in hardwood forests with red oak trees and emit a distinctive apricot-like smell. Chicken of the woods is another common summer mushroom in this region, noted for its foraging opportunities.
While truffles, which grow underground, can also be found in mixed hardwood forests with oaks and pines from late summer into fall, they require more effort to locate near tree roots.
It's important to note that only known and edible-looking mushrooms should be picked to avoid poisoning or allergic reactions. Experienced pickers can find pearl mushrooms and webcaps, but they have poisonous look-alikes. Those who are unsure about mushroom identification can consult mushroom experts from the German Society for Mycology.
In Baden-Württemberg, the guideline is one kilogram per person for mushroom picking. As a rule of thumb, the "hand bouquet rule" is recommended for the amount of mushrooms to be picked.
After picking, mushrooms should be stored cool and airy, avoiding plastic bags. It's also recommended to prepare and eat mushrooms quickly in moderate amounts.
However, it's crucial to remember that picking mushrooms is prohibited in nature reserves, national parks, and reforestation areas. Hoffmann warns against using apps, photos, or videos to identify mushrooms, as they can be misleading.
In case of mushroom poisoning, consult the poison control center immediately. Autumn is traditionally considered the classic mushroom picking season, but opportunities for mushroom finds also exist in the summer, particularly in recently rainy regions of the country.
Joining local mushroom society forays or guided events can enhance the experience by providing expert identification and access to prime local spots. For example, the Arizona Mushroom Society hosts mushroom forays in the White Mountains of Arizona in early August, indicating that country forests here are productive for summer mushroom hunting.
So, grab your basket and head out to the Southwest forests this summer for a rewarding mushroom picking experience!
[1] Mushroom Expert, "Truffles in the Southwest," www.mushroomexpert.com/truffles_southwest.html
[2] Arizona Mushroom Society, "White Mountains Foray," www.arizonamushrooms.org/forays/white-mountains-foray
[3] Mycological Society of America, "Arizona Mushroom Society," www.mycological.org/societies/arizona
[4] Chanterelle, "Identification and Habitat," www.chanterelle.info/identification-and-habitat
In the Southwest, it's not just autumn that offers mushroom picking opportunities; recently rainy regions are also productive during summer. (lifestyle)
For home-and-garden enthusiasts, learning about edible mushrooms and their growing habits, like chanterelles and chicken of the woods, can add a unique twist to gardening. (gardening)
