Fungi represent a special category in the animal and plant kingdoms. Since they are not classified as animals, but due to the lack of photosynthesis they are not classified as plants either, the many different species of fungi are grouped together under their own order “Funga”.
What types of mushrooms can you find in nature?
Mushrooms are classified in their own order “Funga” and are divided into edible mushrooms such as porcini mushrooms, button mushrooms and chanterelles and poisonous mushrooms such as fly agaric, panther mushroom or death cap mushrooms. Be careful when collecting so as not to confuse poisonous mushrooms.
Mushrooms and the danger they pose to the uninformed
Mushrooms are often surprisingly colorful sights in forests and meadows, especially in summer and autumn. For many centuries they have been a regional and seasonal addition to the menu in many areas. However, since there are many poisonous species among the mushrooms, some of which are extremely similar to edible mushrooms, caution is advised when collecting mushrooms, especially for beginners.
Warning signs about mushrooms
In principle, mushrooms should only be consumed if they have been determined to be clearly suitable for consumption by an expert or based on an identification book. The following warning signs often indicate a potential danger when it comes to mushrooms:
- striking coloring in red, green and yellow tones
- pungent smell
- Lamellar mushrooms in particular are often poisonous
Even mushrooms suitable for consumption can be poisonous when raw. However, conversely, the poison in inedible mushrooms is not broken down by cooking.
The most dangerous mushrooms in forests and meadows
The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) and the panther mushroom (Amanita pantheria) are relatively quickly identified as poisonous mushrooms due to their striking coloring. On the other hand, poisonous mushrooms are more dangerous and can be confused with typical edible mushrooms due to their appearance. While the white, pointed-capped death cap (Amanita virosa) and the white, flat-capped death cap (Amanita verna) are often confused with the meadow mushroom, the green death cap (Amanita phalloides) often looks dangerously similar to the brown forest mushroom.
Common edible mushrooms in Central Europe
Among the edible mushrooms, porcini mushrooms with their firm pulp and mushrooms are important representatives in Central Europe. In particularly productive years, porcini mushrooms can also be dried and, if necessary, processed into porcini mushroom flour. Chanterelles can also be picked in summer and autumn and used as a refinement for many dishes.
Tips & Tricks
Inexperienced mushroom pickers cannot avoid the danger of poisonous mushrooms just by buying them at the market or supermarket. Complete sets for mushroom cultivation from specialist retailers contain the spores of edible mushrooms on a suitable substrate, which can then be grown independently.