With the arrival of the autumn, also comes the mushroom season! Here in Catalonia, we like looking for mushrooms in the mountain almost as much as eating them. It is a very typical tradition which, moreover, serves as an excuse for walking in the mountains and enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Do you dare to try?
Before you walk into the mountain, we will share a few basic tips to be a good mushroom hunter.
Tips to be a good mushroom hunter
The first tip is to use a knife or razor to cut the mushrooms. Do not take them from the root, as you would be preventing their reproduction.
It is also preferable for you to carry in a basket to collect mushrooms, rather than a plastic bag. They will not only be better preserved, but also you will be letting the wilt spores that may fall from them go back to the forest. This way next year there will still be many mushrooms in the area.
And, obviously, respect the environment and in front of the slightest doubt about whether a mushroom is edible or not, do not pick it! You’d rather limit to the varieties you identify and avoid potential trouble. Some can be poisonous.
Mountain areas where to find mushrooms
Now, let’s see some of the areas where to go to pick mushrooms in the Costa Dorada and its surroundings… One of our favorite areas is the Natural Park of Ports de Beseit. It is an area where you’ll find varieties such as what we call rovellons, camagrocs or chanterelles, among other species. Prades mountains also have many dark corners where mushrooms grow. One of the most interesting spot is in the area is the Mussara area, where you will find many rovellons, wild mushrooms and fredolics.
Finally, it is also easy to find mushrooms in the forests of Poblet, Vimbodí and L’Espluga de Francoli. However, if you go to pick mushrooms in this area, keep in mind that you need to get an accreditation for it. Otherwise, you could be fined.
Good luck with the search!
