Mushroom picking

All our tips for a good harvest!

Mushrooms, whether fresh, dried, or canned, are often sought after by gourmets. Mushroom picking, meanwhile, has gradually become widespread and is now an activity practiced by many amateurs, more or less knowledgeable, who scour woods and forests to find that rare gem. However, despite its bucolic appearance, mushroom picking is an activity that cannot be improvised. Here are some tips to help you organize yourself before, during, and after your mushroom picking.

As you've probably heard, autumn is the perfect season for foraging, as many species are abundant during this time of year. However, it's possible to pick mushrooms in any season. Ideally, head to the woods on a sunny day, two or three days after a rainy spell.

Where is mushroom picking practiced?

For a healthy harvest, it's best to avoid roadsides or polluted areas, as mushrooms have the ability to absorb pollution from the soil. In any case, the best places to harvest are forests, where a wider variety of species can be found. Be careful, however, to check beforehand, since the majority of forests in Canada are privately owned. It is therefore imperative to request permission from the owner beforehand. As for public forests, we strongly advise you to inquire about any prefectural regulations to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

What are the essential items to take?

First of all, it is essential to carry a book listing the different species with you, in order to avoid picking poisonous mushrooms. This book can also, for those who prefer to use a digital medium, take the form of a mobile application. To be as prepared as possible, remember to take waterproof shoes, especially in autumn, as well as warm clothing. To transport your mushrooms, we advise you to equip yourself with a wicker basket, and not a plastic bag, which will tend to ferment the mushrooms quickly and could make them toxic. Finally, don't forget your No. 08 Mushroom pocket knife, which, with its specific blade and cleaning brush, will be perfectly suited to your picking.

Alone or in a group?

If you're new to mushroom picking, we recommend going with a friend who's experienced in the field and knows the area well. For a first experience, you can also check with local mycological associations, which sometimes organize outings open to enthusiasts. These will give you a guided introduction to mushroom picking.

How to pick a mushroom?

Morel, boletus or chanterelle… Once you’ve found your precious treasure, you’ll have to pick it to take it home and enjoy it. First, check if it’s not soft, wormy, or too old. If it is, don’t touch it, as it could be toxic. If you’re sure your future harvest is good, pull the mushroom out entirely. You shouldn’t cut it because the stem will allow you to identify the mushroom (thanks to the shape, color, etc.). Then, get your knife Opinel No. 08 Mushroom and cut off the mushroom stem using the curved blade for easy cutting. Scrape or dust it off on the spot as well to place it clean in your basket.

How to prepare your mushroom?

Since mushrooms act like sponges, it is strongly recommended not to wash them in plenty of water to preserve their flavor as much as possible. To clean them, if you have not done so previously or if there is still dirt, use your Opinel No. 08 Mushroom . This will, with the help of its boar bristle brush, allow you to dust them and remove the soil.

If you can't easily remove everything that might be dirtying your mushroom using the brush, you can also use the scraper back of your blade to gently scrape off any dirt or other residue on your mushroom. Finally, wipe your mushroom with a slightly damp cloth. Now you can show off all your culinary talents for a tasting that lives up to your desires! Note, however, that mushrooms must be eaten within 48 hours of picking, unless you decide to dry or preserve them.