Introduction to the Abundance Nature Has to Offer

In this post, I’m going to take a different path and discuss something far more ordinary than an exotic road trip in South Africa: mushroom hunting (and later on give a few interesting facts about mushrooms). Why? Because mushroom hunting is truly fantastic, just like other activities that involve wandering through the forest and gathering nature’s bounty.

For instance, nothing beats the joy of collecting fresh herbs in the spring and summer. Bringing home a bag filled with freshly picked herbs from the unspoiled soil of forests and meadows is an unparalleled experience.

After carefully picking them, I allow the herbs to dry in the fresh air of my attic. Once dried, I pack them into beautiful glass bottles to enjoy during the cold winter months. Of course, they are perfect for brewing hot herbal tea, especially when paired with local sweet forest honey and a squeeze of lemon.

Happy me while herbs picking and collecting.

Or Picking Wild Garlic

Spring brings forth the delightful aroma of wild garlic, and it always grows in the same spots year after year. I have a few favorite locations where I collect it, and they never disappoint.

There’s something incredibly comforting about walking into the woods and being greeted by that familiar garlic scent. Suddenly, the smell aligns with the sight of a breathtaking green carpet of soft, young wild garlic leaves. It’s a joy to kneel down and gather the leaves, bringing them home to clean and prepare for lunch. Alternatively, I freeze some to enjoy later when fresh wild garlic is long gone, which happens surprisingly quickly.

Fresh wild garlic in packages to freeze and wild garlic pesto

I could go on about collecting wild berries, nettles—which are a special challenge but very rewarding—and chestnuts, rosehips, and so much more. However, I’ll pause here and shift my focus to the main topic: collecting mushrooms.

When is the perfect time for mushroom hunting?

Me in forest, harvesting some of the gifts Nature has to offer and meeting curious creatures

Well, It All Depends on the Type of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are available from early spring to late fall, but I typically begin foraging in the fall. Sometimes I start as early as late August, extending my hunts until late October or early November.

So, when is the perfect time for mushroom hunting? Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be forced or accurately predicted. There are seasons when hardly any mushrooms appear, and then there are years when the abundance is so overwhelming that there’s simply not enough space in the freezer for all of them.

Lets move to the most valuable question, that is:

Where can you find these mushrooms?

7 Tips and Rules to Follow While Mushroom Hunting

There are essential rules to follow when mushroom hunting. While many mushrooms may look tasty and edible, that is not always the case. In fact, around 70% to 80% of them are poisonous to some degree. In the best-case scenario, you may experience nausea or digestive issues after consuming one; in the worst case, the consequences can be severe…

So, Rule #1: DO NOT PICK MUSHROOMS YOU DO NOT KNOW!

It’s as simple as that. If you are a total beginner, spend time with experienced and knowledgeable mushroom hunters who can advise you on which mushrooms to pick. Accompany them or show them your harvest.

Rule #2: IF IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT.

This is quite similar to Rule #1, but it’s so important that it bears repeating. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Rule #3: COLLECT MUSHROOMS IN AN OPEN BASKET.

Always collect mushrooms in an open basket or a paper bag. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to spoilage.

Tip #4: TAKE A SMALL KNIFE.

Using a small knife can make it easier to collect mushrooms and can help you check for any maggots inside. You can cut the mushroom in half to inspect its condition.

Tip #5: GLOVES CAN BE VERY HANDY.

For those who want to keep their fingernails clean, gloves are an excellent option.

Rule #6: COOK THOROUGHLY.

It’s advisable to cook whatever you harvest thoroughly. Better safe than sorry! While some mushroom species can be eaten raw, it’s best not to take the risk.

By following these tips and rules, you can enjoy a safer and more rewarding mushroom hunting experience.

5 Funny Facts About Mushrooms

⭐ Mushrooms are neither animals nor plants. So what are they? They belong to the kingdom Fungi!

⭐ They glow in the dark—can you imagine?

⭐ In Slovenia, there are limitations on the quantity of mushrooms one can pick per day, which is capped at 2 kg (about 4.4 lbs) per person.

⭐ Not truffles, but the Yartsa Gunbu mushroom is the most expensive in the world, costing as much as $63,000 (£51,600) per pound (450 grams). Wait, what? Maybe I should specialize and move to the area where they grow…

⭐ The biggest organism in the world is—yes, you guessed it—a member of the kingdom Fungi! In the US state of Utah, an enormous honey fungus has been discovered that is probably more than 2,500 years old and covers an area more than half the size of a football field.

Summary

One should not be deceived by the appearance of mushrooms. Just because they look amazing and edible doesn’t mean they are! That said, I completely understand the rush of mushroom hunting and the thrill that comes with finding, cutting, and placing a mushroom in your basket. It can be quite addictive! So, be wise, and all will be well.

As much as mushroom hunting is an incredible experience, it should be approached with a certain degree of caution.

I hope you enjoyed this little off-road blog post about activities you can try. Would you be interested in more posts like this? Let me know in the comments below. Love to you all, have a great week ahead, and all the best!

T.