A red mushroom is using its only natural warning system, it’s color, to tell predators—including you—to steer clear.
For example, white mushrooms may have tan or brown scaly patches.
It can be hard to spot or identify the ring, and no single, obvious trait will tell you if a mushroom is poisonous, so your best bet is to consult an expert. [6] X Expert Source Michael Simpson, PhDRegistered Professional Biologist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
You can connect with a mushroom expert through a local mycological group or at a local university. There is not one particular location that edible mushrooms grow. They can be found on trees, logs, the forest floor, or on moss. There is no need to wear gloves when foraging.
For example, mushrooms of the same variety can develop color differently based on their exposure to sunlight. Experts suggest never eating any variety of mushroom that you haven’t been able to identify at least 3 times in the wild. A professional should confirm that you have identified the mushroom properly each of those 3 times. [10] X Research source
Cut puffballs in half to check that they are good to eat. They should be pure white inside. If they are yellow or brown inside, they are no longer edible.
Avoid picking Shag mushrooms near busy roads, as they may be contaminated with car exhaust.
Many groups may even hold nature walks or other field events for people who want to learn more about foraging.
If your local university doesn’t have classes you can audit, ask your local mycological group what classes or resources they would recommend.
In some cases, gastrointestinal symptoms can progress to impaired kidney function if you don’t seek treatment right away. Even if you feel embarrassed at having eaten a potentially dangerous mushroom, do not be shy about seeking treatment. Medical practitioners are only concerned about your health.
Due to the potential for a rapid escalation in involuntary-nervous-system symptoms, it’s best to call for help rather than attempt to drive yourself to the emergency room. In emergency care, doctors can administer Atropine, an antidote that resolves most of these symptoms. Most people make a full recovery in 24 hours, but respiratory failure is possible without treatment.
Medical teams can provide supportive care for any anxiety and fluid-loss you experience. Typically these symptoms pass on their own without causing long-term damage.
If you have any reason to believe you have eaten an Amanita mushroom of any kind, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Seek emergency medical care right away. Let personnel know what kind of Amanita you have ingested, how much you ate, and how recently. If you have any pieces of the mushroom remaining, provide them to the staff for analysis.
