Mushroom Poisoning: Hunting and Collecting Common Edibles - Part 2

Keep in mind that even though these fungi are wildly grown, care should be taken as not to over-harvest them, and proper harvesting techniques should be used along with the right tools to ensure the continuity of mushroom preservation. A collection basket, a "mesh" bag such as an onion bag, a sharp knife, paper and pen for note taking would be suitable. Otherwise, over-harvesting can result in extinction of the species and create a new, prohibitive law with rules and regulations to include fines for harvesters.

Collecting mushroom is like an art and science because of the technique and the tools used. On my first foray I had with me a mesh bag so the spores have a chance to fall back onto the ground, a digital camera, a pair of shears, and a whistle in case I need to be heard. At that time, I was merely collecting any sorts of specimen; whatever that looked good enough for a photograph, showing colors, size, texture, and pattern. I was careful to leave the stump in the ground for next year's growth. Surprisingly, the area where I collected the assortments fruited a number of species I have not yet identified accurately. As I walked the path, I was fully aware that a poisonous Amanita mushroom that resembled a destroying angel was not that rare. Its flat white top on its slim stalk standing alone, saying "Do not get too close, except maybe for a photo."

I am not certain of how I became interested in mushrooms. Though the Arts, sports, and science are all interesting, biology has remained a mystery to me since childhood, that which I enjoy. It was not until 2002, that I became more active with mycology, the study of mushroom. So far, I have about five books on the subject and other wild edibles. From them I have gained valuable insight on species identification. I am nowhere near an expert, and am aware of the risk, but this is a challenge and a hobby I would like to continue exploring.

Hunting for a wild edible mushroom is more of a challenge. Not knowing exactly where you need to look because advice varies, does not give you solid ideas, so the best way is to just keep your eyes open and keep the clues of what trees and what area in mind as you walk. Many stories of successful morel finds occur in areas of recently burned or disturbed areas, old apple orchards, and near dead elm trees, but so far I have not come upon a single delight. I however found the next best thing, considered by others to be morel-like in flavor, the mini puffballs, which I thought was not that appetizing. Upon a mini adventure up Owl's Head in Vermont, my friend and I discovered a dead maple flourishing with young oyster mushrooms. They were not ready for harvesting for another three weeks.

When we did get the chance to go back, we harvested nearly three pounds worth in a large paper bag. It was indeed a successful hunt. The size of the collection would mean storage. There was just too much, and fresh mushrooms go bad quickly if not taken care of right away. Some methods of preservations are drying, canning, freezing, or pickling using only firm, fresh, insect-free, young fruiting bodies. It is recommended that a pressure cooker be used for canning since mushroom are nonacid, to avoid botulism. When freezing mushrooms, partial cooking is recommended to avoid freezer burn, which will prolong freshness. Although a food dehydrator is a good choice for drying, one can be made inexpensively using a set of screens, create a chimney using a flame retardant material around the frames, and arranged the mushroom over a low heat or hot plate.

Sources:

The Complete Book of Mushrooms
The Mushroom Hunter's Field Guide, Smith page 15