Mushrooms: how to find the right spot?

The approaching arrival of autumn and the abundant rains which accompany it signal the beginning of the mushroom season. But this year, the harvest is expected to be brought forward due to a cooler and rainier summer. Here are some tips for finding the best mushroom wedges.

The best corners

Taking the time to survey the forests is an essential prerequisite for any good mushroom harvest. Patience, good intuition and a keen sense of observation are the main assets of any good gatherer.

Then you have to take into account the weather conditions. Because mushrooms grow, as we know, in humid areas. Thus, if the rains are weak, it will be necessary to seek the wet massifs. If heavy rains have fallen, it is advisable to favor so-called “sand” forests, with particularly permeable soil.

It is also possible to adapt your strategy to the types of mushrooms you are looking for.

The porcini mushrooms are thus to be found in shaded areas, where moss abounds: under pines, oaks, or beeches.

Ceps can also be found in deciduous forests, where the trumpets of death, the lush and verdant russules, or the clitocybe geotrobe (commonly known as a monk’s head).

In the brighter areas, on the edge of woods, in the grasses or near shrubs, one will find in particular the coulemelle.

Near the conifers and deciduous trees, which grow near water points, there are chanterelles.

Under the oaks, chestnuts and beeches nestle boletus.

the rosé-des-meadows thrives in meadows and pastures.

the hairy coprinus appreciates lawns and glades.

the delicious milk and the earthy tricholoma are found in pine and fir forests.

Bordeaux porcini mushrooms, blue feet, Amanita Caesars, chanterelles swarm in forests of mixed wood, composed of deciduous and coniferous trees.

Generally speaking, it is recommended to follow the piles of dead leaves.

Good preliminary preparation

Be careful, picking mushrooms without a minimum of knowledge and preparation can be dangerous. It is better to seek advice from specialists, mycologists, or to approach dozens of associations and friendly gatherers, who organize mushroom outings in small groups.

Once harvested, it is advisable to distribute the mushrooms well by species, in paper bags (plastic bags favoring the fermentation of mushrooms).

Once at home, it is recommended to keep the mushrooms in the refrigerator, not to put them in contact with other foods and to consume them within two days of harvesting.

Regarding the preparation for consumption, the ideal is to cook the wild mushrooms in a pan for 20 to 30 minutes or in boiling water for 15 minutes.

How to pick them?

In order to take no risk, it is advisable to pick only the varieties that can be identified.

When picking, care must be taken to leave the aging specimens in place, in order to offer the species the possibility of reproducing. Also favor mushrooms that are in good condition, firm and not yet fully ripe.

The technique for harvesting mushrooms is to cut them at the base with a knife and then scrape the excessively soiled parts. There are special knives with a brush to clean the fruits of its picking.

It is also advisable to choose the right outfit before going mushroom hunting, with warm, sturdy clothes capable of withstanding brambles or branches.

Finally, a good pair of waterproof shoes or boots will keep your feet warm.

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