Social media brings out the worst in people and pick shaming is common in mushroom picking or foraging groups. Just … More
Tag: mushroom picking
Why Pick Wild Mushrooms?
Mushroom picking is a popular hobby all over the world. In the Czech Republic, it is a very popular activity … More
Morels: Easy to Identify Mushrooms
Morels are delicious mushrooms and one of the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. You can buy them dried … More
The New York Mycological Society
There are strict rules about foraging anything in state parks and city parks. The laws aren’t clear at all, so it’s always best to ask someone more experienced. Whenever we go picking mushrooms, we bring a towel/picnic blanket to drape over the basket just in case.
Giant Puffball: Easy to Identify Mushroom in NYC
Puffballs of all sizes grow in the forest, alongside roads, in the middle of a green grassy lawn, they can really grow anywhere! You can stir fry them, cook them in the oven and my absolute favorite, is pretending they are pancakes!
Hen of the Woods (Maitake): Easy to Identify Mushroom in NYC
I find these mushrooms the most rewarding to pick, because even a small one is enough as a side dish to any meal and the bigger ones can feed an entire family! Every time I’ve looked for hens, I found at least one and usually had 2-4 kilos (4-9 pounds) in just 30 minutes of searching. Of course, you can also find a single mushroom that weighs 13+ kilos (30+ pounds).
Mushroom Picking in New York City
So many people are curious about picking and cooking mushrooms but fear holds them back. It is never risk-free to eat wild mushrooms, but there are certain kinds that are extremely easy to identify. There are also books, Facebook groups and other recourses that can help you. Never eat anything that you’re not sure about or something that has a poisonous look-a-like.