Finding fungi in the wild
2021-03-04T23:20:05+11:00
Mushroom foraging is a fun activity in autumn but do it safely with help from experts. Taking a course or foraging with a guide is best.
Helen McKerral is a proficient mushroom forager, but she has discovered that although you can learn about foraging in books and online, there is no substitute for hands-on experience with a skilled guide, especially in your local area, with follow-up mentoring.
Luckily, foraging workshops led by knowledgeable chefs and mycologists have sprung up around the country, teaching Australians to accurately identify mushrooms, and to forage in the safest way possible.
Do not try to forage mushrooms without following the basics and getting some guidance. Helen has written an article that outlines some dos and don’ts – you’ll find it in OG Issue 124.
If there are no experts around, then consider growing your own mushrooms instead. Below are some workshops listed by state, as well as kit suppliers.
Workshops:
NSW
SA
VIC
Australian Wild Herbs & Mushrooms
TAS
Sirocco South Forage and Feast
QLD
Regional and throughout Australia:
Kit suppliers:
General resources:
- Wild Mushrooming Alison Pouliot & Tom May, CSIRO publishing, $49.99.
- General information: australasianmycologicalsociety.com
- For list of state fungi groups: fungimap.org.au/explore/
- Atlas of Living Australia: ala.org.au
