Mushroom Safety Guide

Firstly, toss out the collection of myths about mushrooms as there isn’t one that is true. For instance, some people suggest that a poisonous mushroom will either stain a silver spoon or turn garlic to black. Harvest mushrooms that are eaten by animals is another example of the mushroom myths since animals can fall victims to poisonous mushrooms too.

Here are some basic mushroom safety rules to follow if you want to ensure that whatever you forage in the Northwest forests is indeed safe to ingest.

• Never guess – Consequences of eating the poisonous mushrooms are extremely serious and can lead to liver damage and even death.
• Be very suspicious – Toxic species tend to resemble edible types; so, you must be cautious even if you are familiar with some mushrooms.

Most cases of mushroom poisoning in North America involve Death Cap, Deadly Cort, Deadly Lepiota, Deadly Galerina, and False Morel mushrooms. It is easy to confuse toxic false morels with the edible species while edible Chanterelle is commonly confused with toxic Jack O'Lantern Mushroom or False Chantarelle.

• Consult the experts – If unsure, take the mushrooms to experts for proper identification. Use a few field guides and practice to cross-reference.
• You should also collect mushrooms in separate baskets with one for those that you are sure about and the other for those which seem confusing.
• Watch out for your pets – Dogs often fall victim to poisonous mushrooms. So be very watchful when you take your furry friend out to forage mushrooms.

• Never eat wild mushrooms raw
• Eat only those mushrooms you are absolutely sure to be edible
• The first time you sample species, eat a small quantity to observe your reaction
• Keep unknown species in a different container to avoid contamination
• Avoid collecting mushrooms that are too large
• Collect only fresh mushrooms unaffected by larvae or worms.

Non-gilled mushrooms are fungi with pores, spines, ridges, and domed caps including bolete, hedgehog, suillus, and chanterelle.

Bolete

This is a brick-red, brown, or black-capped species with a variable-colored bulbous stem. Boletes can be found in late summer and early in fall and have a smooth meaty texture with a rich earthy flavor.

Pacific Northwest Boletes

Hedgehog

Hedgehog is easy to identify by light-brown tooth-like spines. Hedgehog could not be confused with any poisonous mushrooms and is considered as good as chanterelle. These mushrooms are similar to chanterelle by its color and texture and can be sauteed or preserved.

Hedgehog aka Sweet Tooth - Wild Edible

Chanterelle

Chanterelle is recognizable by a distinct inverted umbrella shape and ridges as opposed to gills. The best-known Pacific Golden chanterelle has a rich fruity aroma that makes them excellent when sautéed.

Oregon Chanterelle - Wild Edible Mushrooms

Slippery Jack

The term "Slippery" applied to the mushroom's cap that is is slimy and sticky when moist. The slimy skin should be peeled off the cap before cooking to avoid gastric upset. Slippery Jack is good for pickling, preserving, or sautéing.

Slippery Jack & Other Suillus