What is mushroom hunting?
mushroom hunt, also known as the collection of a mushroom or a sponge, is an act of picking up mushrooms from nature. While mushroom hunting is usually done as a hobby, collectors usually cook or store mushrooms for later consumption. The collection of mushrooms is a family tradition in Slavic countries, especially in Poland and Russia, where even young children can recognize edible mushrooms of poisonous species; Mushroom collection is also common practice in Italy and other South European countries.
Mushroom hunting is a safe hobby if you can recognize the types of fungi that are safe to eat. There are few species to avoid, but it is important that you learn to identify them, because some of them may be deadly. Poisonous mushrooms to avoid when hunting mushrooms includes a destroying angel, deadly webcap and all members of the species Lepiot. There is no single characteristic that meant a sponge as poisonous, so it is important that you embark on what the species look like.
Although not all fungi are deadly, some can cause serious poisoning, kidney failure and allergic reactions. To make things even more complicated, some people are immune to poison in certain mushrooms, while others can forcibly respond. Always bring a full colorful guide when collecting mushrooms, so you can compare photos with a real sample and then decide whether to take it or not. Another option is to go on a hunting trip, which is usually led by an experienced mycologist or herbs that can help you get started. The big advantage that you have set out on your first expedition of mushroom hunting with an expert is that they can point out which areas we have to avoid because of chemical contamination or personal data protection problems. If you hunt mushrooms yourself, spring and autumn are the best seasons, although mushrooms in most climate grow all year round.
Finally, resist the urge to eat a large amount of mushrooms picked up during the hunting trip. ATSurely you know what kinds you have chosen, and always eat nothing more than a tablespoon on the first day to wait for any potential reactions.