Liz Gattry wrote:He also knew how to identify and pick edible mushrooms. (That's a skill I wish had been passed down- the message I got was not to eat any wild mushrooms because they're all poisonous).
I grew up in East Europe and one basic thing about picking wild mushrooms is looking at the bottom side of the head. (applies to east Europe
- If you see sponge-like structure ( like here on wikipedia :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boletus_edulis#/media/File:Boletus_rex-veris_42967.jpg ) - You are pretty much safe (worse thing that can happen to you is that it will be bitter enough to not be edible
- If you see lines from the center to sides like on Shitake and other stuff you buy in shops, you need to know what you are doing, because some of that stuff can get you with quite a painful death.
My family mostly picks Porcini anyway, they taste and smell way better than anything else. - One exception for Porcini looking mushrooms - If you cut it and it starts getting blue, get rid of it.