How can I tell which mushrooms are edible and which are poisonous?

There’s a saying that there’s no such thing as an old, bold mushroom hunter. There are no outward characteristics that all poisonous mushrooms have in common, so picking and eating wild mushrooms requires the utmost caution. Of the thousands of mushrooms found in North America, only about five percent are edible. Only about five percent are poisonous, too. And the rest just aren’t fit to be eaten.

Poisonous mushrooms run the gamut of shapes – from a cup to a tongue to a sponge. All the old wives’ tales about how to tell if a mushroom is poisonous – such as whether it tarnishes silverware or turns blue when bruised – are dead wrong. The number one rule for enjoying the fruits of a mushroom hunt is to eat only those mushrooms which you can absolutely, positively identify as edible. But even experienced mushroom hunters can be fatally fooled, since many edible mushrooms have toxic lookalikes. For example, when a dreaded mushroom known as the Destroying Angel is in its early stage, it can look like the harmless Puffball. So – when eating wild mushrooms – take care.

One of the easiest edible mushrooms to identify is known as the Sulphur Shelf. It’s usually found on tree trunks, and it consists of flat, fan-like layers of yellow and orange lobes. Only the tender, young tips should be eaten, and many say they taste like chicken.

Experts also caution that even once you’ve positively identified a wild mushroom as edible, you should taste only a small bit and wait 24 hours. Some people have adverse reactions. Finally, cook all mushrooms thoroughly to be on the safe side.

But remember, to be absolutely safe, the only mushrooms you should eat are those found at supermarkets and restaurants!

Written by Beverly Wachtel Tomov

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Every article I read was extremely discouraging about the practice of foraging for and eating wild mushrooms.  I believe I will follow their advice and buy mine from the grocery store!