FALL MASHROOMING

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Gary Davenport, nephew of the author, holds a giants puffball (Calvatia gigantea), which sometimes grows to diamaters larger than a basketball

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BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS

One of fall's greatest tastes is as easy as a stroll in the woods.

By Les Davenport

AUTUMN IS A TIME OF CHANGE in the woodlands. The vivid green hues of summer fade into the auburn shades of fall as plant life in the great outdoors prepares for a long winter's sleep.

During this period of transition, many who enjoy harvesting Mother Nature's abundant vintages miss one of nature's finest bounties—the fall mushrooms. Learn to distinguish a few choice edible species, and hours of enjoyment can be added to your autumnal calendar.

Understanding the dos and don'ts of fall mushroom foraging is key to enjoying the rewards of harvesting them. As in all outdoor ventures, a novice should start slowly and gain confidence before taking on the role of a veteran.

The first and foremost rule when harvesting fungi is to get to know just a few species—and get to know them well. To achieve this, purchase a field guide to North American mushrooms. Most bookstores stock one or can quickly order it. Though local libraries typically stock several, buying your own copy is a wise investment. Pocket-size editions with color photos are easily carried and help assure positive identification. Never be without it in the fall woods.

A quality guide should contain the following species subheadings: description, edibility, season, habitat, range, and look-alikes. Each category lists attributes that help even the veteran mushroom hunter to learn more about North American fungi.

Personal Favorites

Fall mushrooms have many different flavors and textures. The majority of edible varieties have nicknames that mimic their characteristics, much like the spring morel, which is dubbed the "sponge" mushroom. Its colors can blend with the drab shades of dead bark or stand out like the colors of Christmas. Harvesting mushrooms for the dinner table while hiking the woodlands enhances the appreciation of forest ecology. Here are some of my personal favorites.

Pear-Shaped and Giant Puffball(Puffball Family)

Puffball mushrooms are among the most recognizable of fall fungi. They are round in appearance and range in size from the pear-shaped puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme), of approximately one inch, to the giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea), which may reach diameters larger than a basketball. Most are rated "choice" for eating. The few that are not won't affect your health and can easily be distinguished by their rank odor. The fruiting body of a puff ball grows directly from its root system. If you find one with a stalk or stem, discard it, It's not a puffball and may very well be a very unsuitable look-alike, again characterized by a rank odor.

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