The debate over which mushroom harvesting technique—picking or cutting—is better doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.
Each technique has its own proponents.
Those who prefer picking the entire wild mushroom argue that cutting can leave a stump that may decay and become a source of fungal or bacterial infection.
On the other hand, proponents of cutting argue that it causes less disturbance to the mycelium underground and may help protect future mushroom yields.
So, which mushroom harvesting technique should you choose: picking or cutting?
This article will take a closer look at each harvesting technique so you can make your own decision.
Some mushroom foragers in North America believe that cutting is the better technique for harvesting wild mushrooms.
The argument is that cutting the stem above the ground causes less disturbance to the underground mycelium. However, scientific research has not established that cutting is generally better than picking.
A study conducted by the Oregon Mycological Society in the Bull Run Watershed of Mount Hood National Forest examined the effects of cutting and pulling Pacific golden chanterelles (Cantharellus formosus).
Researchers harvested mushrooms by cutting them at the base in three plots and pulling them from the ground in another three plots, while four plots were left unharvested as controls.
The study found little or no clear relationship between harvesting method and chanterelle productivity in its early years. However, subsequent observations showed somewhat lower mushroom abundance and biomass in the cut plots than in the pulled and unharvested plots.
The researchers cautioned that the study was limited to a small number of plots at a single location, so the findings may not generalize to other forests or mushroom species.
Another long-term study, conducted in Switzerland over 29 years, found no significant difference in future mushroom yields between plots where mushrooms were cut and those where they were picked.
The results suggest that, under the conditions studied, neither technique had a significant effect on future mushroom production.
Although both techniques have their proponents, the available research does not establish that cutting or picking is universally better. The choice can depend on the mushroom species, its condition, and personal preference.
When harvesting mushrooms that grow in clusters, such as chanterelles, consider selectively harvesting the larger, mature mushrooms while leaving smaller ones undisturbed.
Whether you cut or pick them, take care not to damage the surrounding forest floor or unnecessarily disturb the growing area.
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Thank you
“It concluded that yields in the cut plots decreased over time while the yields in plots harvested by pulling mushrooms out increased during the study period” – this is so important to be known!!
Also, very important is not to harvest young mushrooms, but mature ones and to use baskets so that we help them spreading the spores!