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and their role in our world. Fungi play an incredibly important role in
breaking down organic material and returning those nutrients to the
soil. Many form mutually benecial relationships with roots of trees and
other plants, increasing their capabilities to absorb water and nutrients
that help them survive and ourish. In fact, researchers are learning that
soil health and function are based to a large degree on the relationship
between fungi and plants.
Once the fascinating natural history, variety, and function of
macrofungi in our environment have captured your interest, you may
nd that some of your most enjoyable moments spent mushroom
hunting might even be the times you nd unfamiliar yet nonedible
mushrooms.
Ensure a Positive Experience
Always practice caution when gathering mushrooms for the table.
Follow these tips to help ensure a positive experience all the way from
forest to fork.
Collect carefully. Carry a digging tool and a roll of wax paper (not
plastic wrap, which hastens decay) in a at-bottomed basket. This kit
will allow you to collect entire specimens (including the base), keep
them separate, and avoid crushing them. Record eld details for
mushrooms that need to be identied: where the mushroom is growing
(on wood, soil, or decaying organic material), habit (single or in
clusters), the color of the various parts of the mushroom, and distinctive
features such as staining or bruising. Take only fresh, young specimens,
and wrap them so that different species are kept separate.
Check and double-check the identication. To be completely
condent that a mushroom is edible, make sure that all the features
of the mushroom in hand match those described in this guide. If all
but a few features match, the mushroom may be a similar-looking yet
poisonous mushroom.
Be sure to inspect every mushroom. It is easy when gathering
mushrooms to harvest a similar-looking yet different and potentially
dangerous mushroom. Give each mushroom a thorough inspection.
Try a small amount rst. Even popular mushrooms like morels
can make some people sick. If you have never eaten a certain kind of
mushroom, try a small cooked amount of it rst, then wait at least 24
hours before eating more.
Never eat a raw mushroom. To rid mushrooms of insects, slice
them lengthwise and soak them in salted water for a few minutes.
Cooking will kill any harmful bacteria that might be present.