Autumn is here and many collectors are looking for mushrooms in the woods. Mushroom experts explain what needs to be considered.
As soon as summer is over, the mushroom season begins. If you walk through the forest with your eyes open, you can spot some edible mushrooms in the undergrowth in early autumn. The main season is September and October. That is why "the mushroom season is already in full swing in many parts of Germany," explains Andreas Kunze from the German Society for Mycology (DGfM). However, newcomers in particular should consider a few things when collecting mushrooms.
The best time of day to pick mushrooms
Whether or not many mushrooms grow depends on the temperature and humidity of the forest floor. "In the regions where it has rained enough and will continue to rain, a lot of fruiting bodies can be expected," says Kunze. If you want to go home with a full basket, you should get up early. "Quite a few collectors go into the forest in the morning to forestall others," says the expert. In addition, the early morning hours have another advantage: "The dew often makes the hats shine and the mushrooms are easier to see."
Once in the forest, the question arises: Where do you start looking? "Places with a lot of soil, especially blackberries and nettles, are not worthwhile," explains the mushroom expert. In contrast, mossy areas along the forest path or at the edges of the forest are promising. But: "Mushrooms have no limits", says Dietmar Krüger, also a member of the DGfM. While some varieties would prefer the flat land, "others can only be found at certain altitudes," says Krüger. But be careful: collecting in nature reserves is prohibited.
Fungus found: cut off or unscrew?
According to the German Society for Mycology, collectors recognize a fresh mushroom by the fact that it has neither moldy spots nor discoloration. In addition, the mushroom body should feel firm. Once such a fungus has been found, it is important to get it out of the ground as gently as possible. In the flyer "Small 1×1 of mushroom collecting", the DGfM advises cutting off known mushrooms just above the ground.
It is best to screw out unknown mushrooms. This ensures that all characteristics are available for determination. Some types of mushrooms can be identified from the style base. How can you safely distinguish poisonous from edible mushrooms? "Only one's own knowledge protects against mushroom poisoning – simply don't eat unspecified mushrooms," advises Krüger. If you are unsure, you should consult a mushroom expert, advises the expert. In order to safely transport the sensitive plants home, Krüger recommends an open wicker basket.
So many mushrooms can be collected
What many do not know: There is a maximum collection limit for mushrooms. According to the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, protected mushroom species, which also include boletus and chanterelles, may be collected "for personal use" and only "in small quantities". An exact weight specification is not anchored in the law. According to the DGfM, the benchmark is one to two kilograms per collector and day. However, this upper limit can vary from state to state.
To be on the safe side, collectors should inform themselves beforehand from the responsible state authority or mushroom advisors. Otherwise it can be expensive: "If you get caught, that would be an administrative offense that can be fined," warns Krüger. In Baden-Württemberg, according to the German catalog of fines, there is a risk of up to 2,500 euros for larger quantities. There are, however, mushroom species that are subject to strict species protection, such as local truffles. Collectors are not allowed to take these home with them at all.
Mushroom picking is trendy
Mushroom picking has seen a real boom in recent years. "More and more people, including young people, are more in touch with nature and remember what grandma said about herbs and mushrooms," says Krüger, explaining the trend. "In addition, Chernobyl has now been forgotten." How long will collectors find what they are looking for in the forest this year? "The season can go on for a long time if the weather is good," says Andreas Kunze, but an exact forecast is not possible.