Foraging For Dinner
Mushrooms teach us history.
Did you know that the largest and oldest organism on the planet is a mushroom? Known as the “Humungous Fungus,” it is actually located in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. This famous mushroom covers 2000+ acres and is over 2000 years old.
The fall season in Oregon creates prime conditions for mushroom growing so I thought it’s a good time to venture out and learn more. Besides I find that getting out into the forest is a nice way to enjoy nature.
The ranger-led wild mushroom hike I attended was hosted by Ranger Dane Osis at Fort Stevens State Park. Ranger Osis shared with us about the role that the mushrooms play in the forest, the tools to have, rules to keep in mind, and when and where to look. Then we went out to forage and found many surprises!
Tools to have on hand. A pocket knife with a brush or simple plastic knife is needed to dig the mushroom up. Also a basket is necessary to carry the findings (just be sure to avoid plastic bags). And a field guide is a necessity to help recognize key features.
Mushrooms love to hide. So knowing where to look and how many mushrooms you’re allowed to pick for private use is important. When harvested for private use, you’re not allowed to sell the mushrooms. Did you know that a commercial permit is required if possessing more than one gallon of mushrooms in Oregon?
The highly coveted Matsutake mushroom, or “Pine Mushroom"“, often grow under the red pine trees in the Tamba region of Japan. They are considered a Japanese delicacy for their spicy flavor and have been priced into the thousands of dollars per pound.
Know where to go. Understanding the role that the mushrooms play in the forest is important and helps one know where to look. Mushrooms tend to be found near trees, so “sprucing up” on tree identification is important. Douglas firs, spruce and pine are common in Oregon which is key in knowing where to look. Because of their location, wild mushrooms have to be hand picked, hence, the high prices that they command.
A field guide is necessary. David Arora’s pocket guide is a handy tool and may be cross-referenced with his other book, “Mushrooms Demystified”. Foraging for these tasty fungi is fun and they deserve a spot on our own dinner table. So a simple guide is important so we’re 100% sure before eating them.
I hope my blog inspires you to continue with your own adventuring this fall!
- Linda
It is no dream!
Matsutake are growing
On the belly of the mountain.
- Shigetaka
