For mushroom pickers, the mushroom season lasts from the beginning of spring until the first steady frost. However, the region of residence plays a big role in this. There are a number of special signs that will help you figure out when to go for the harvest, which mushrooms can be harvested, and which are better to bypass. Experienced mushroom pickers talk about them.
When to go to the forest
To understand that the forest is full of mushrooms and it’s time to harvest, just look around. Nature gives clear hints:
A swarm of midges indicates that the harvest will be successful. The fact is that midges love very humid and warm weather after heavy rain. Namely, such an environment forms good places with mushrooms.
If the first dense fogs appeared in autumn, it’s time to gather for mushrooms. It is believed that at this time, to harvest a rich harvest of mushrooms, boletus, boletus, porcini mushrooms, milk mushrooms, chanterelles, etc.
If the first fly agarics are found in the clearings, it’s time to go for the porcini mushroom. Experienced mushroom pickers claim that these two species are almost always located in the neighborhood.
If leaf fall has begun, it’s time to go for mushrooms. Autumn mushrooms are more often located near old rotten stumps and wind-blown trees. They grow in groups, so you can quickly pick up a basket.
Experienced mushroom pickers recommend looking for productive places in thickets of needles and ferns. It is among the pines and spruces that porcini mushrooms settle.
It is better to go to the forest early at dawn. When it is still quite cool, the mushrooms are quite strong, vigorous. With the onset of heat, they tend to sag.
What to take with you
First of all, you should take care of comfortable clothes and shoes. Especially if you go to the forest in autumn and at dawn. High boots, a thick windbreaker or a waterproof raincoat will come in handy. Definitely a hat or cap. Of the necessary will also come in handy:
basket for mushrooms;
sharp knife;
a long shelf for searching for a crop;
disinfectant, plaster and necessary medicines;
tea in a thermos and sandwiches;
GPS navigator;
fully charged phone with emergency numbers.
You don’t need a wall charger for your phone. But a completely ready-to-use power bank with a capacity of at least 10 Ah will definitely come in handy.
Important recommendations
When picking mushrooms, you should be careful. The fact is that even familiar varieties have poisonous counterparts:
Therefore, if you are not sure, it is better not to take some dubious mushroom.
It is better to harvest in buckets. Bags and plastic bags are not suitable.
Do not taste mushrooms on the spot. This is fraught with serious consequences.
Culinary processing of the harvested crop is desirable to carry out immediately or at least the next day.
It is strictly forbidden to store the crop in a warm place.
And remember: mushrooms are undesirable for children under the age of 10 years. This is a very heavy protein food that the children’s body can not cope with. Better offer treats to relatives and colleagues who will appreciate your culinary skills.