Mushrooms’ popularity is booming, but so are poisonings, experts warn | CNN
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Mowing the yard outside his home in Windham, Ohio, William D. Hickman discovered what he thought would make a delicious addition to his dinner. A beautiful handful of mushrooms had popped out of the shaggy green lawn.

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People have been foraging for mushrooms since the Stone Age, but mycologists across the country say they’ve seen an increased interest in the hobby and a significant increase in poisonings, too.

“Fungi are kind of a hot thing right now,” said Dr. Matthew Nelsen, a research scientist at the Negaunee Integrative Research Center at the Field Museum in Chicago who is also president of the Illinois Mycological Association, a group that describes itself as “fungal enthusiasts.”

Mushroom motifs now decorate all kinds of things: tea towels, toddlers’ sweaters, table lamps. But when interest extends beyond mushroom stuffies to the real stuff, people really need to be careful.

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Even experts can have a hard time telling the toxic from the edible just by sight, mycology instructor Rick Van de Poll said. He has to examine some of them under the microscope to be sure they’re safe.

  • rayyy@lemmy.world
    38·
    11 months ago

    There are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.
    Seriously, If you don’t know or are unsure, find someone who is knowledgeable and learn the commonly found deadly poisonous mushrooms in your area before you even collect mushrooms. Only start with good edibles that are easy to identify - there are many. Some like the Parasol mushroom should be left to seasoned mushroom hunters. At the very least you should get the “Seek” app for your phone but don’t bet your life on it. Death by a Destroying Angel or Deadly Galerina is a horrible way to go.