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Mushroom mania!
Mushrooms are delicious, right? Of course you could just stock up at your local Woolies or Pick n Pay, but it’s much more fun to go find them yourself. You can even grow your own at home. Here’s what you need to know. You can’t just pick any mushroom growing in the forest. Not all are edible and some are even poisonous. Gary Goldman is South Africa’s resident mycological expert. We asked him what to bear in mind when you’re out foraging. When should I go? Early morning is best, when the mushrooms are still fresh. This is especially important if you want to transport them. And if you’re out early, you’ll have a better chance of gathering a good collection before anyone else. Mushrooms grow in a variety of conditions, but most species can be found about two weeks after heavy rain, followed by hot, sunny weather. Where should I look? Mushrooms such as porcini grow in pine and oak forests like Tokai in Cape Town and Jonkershoek near Stellenbosch. Other types, like parasol and field mushrooms, grow in grasslands like in the KZN Midlands. Search the area systematically so you won’t miss well-camouflaged fungi. And try not to disturb the surrounding vegetation and soil when you pick them.
How do I pick a mushroom? Carefully remove it from the soil by hand, with a twisting movement. Pat down the soil and cover the hole. Once you’ve identified the mushroom (you have to be absolutely certain it’s not poisonous), clean it and add it to the other edible species you’ve gathered. If you have any doubt, wrap the mushroom in wax paper and store it away from the edible species. How do I transport my harvest? Use a container with good ventilation, like a basket. Don’t put the mushrooms in plastic bags because they’ll sweat. Put the sturdier mushrooms at the bottom of the basket and the more fragile ones on top. If you’re unsure what kind of mushroom you’ve picked, contact Gary before you serve it to your guests! Send a photo to gary.goldman@ cybersmart.co.za or via WhatsApp to 073 936 2378. Or visit mushroomguru.co.za and facebook.com/shroomguru for online advice. In June and July, Gary Goldman will lead mushroom-foraging tours through the forest
Report injured raptors
at Delheim Wine Estate near Stellenbosch. As you forage, Gary will teach you everything you need to know about identification and harvesting. Afterwards, you can sit down to lunch and a glass of wine. The rate also includes a bottle of Delheim wine and two glasses to take home. When? 16 & 17 June; 1 & 2 July Time? 10 am Gear? Wear comfortable walking shoes. Cost: R650 per person. Bookings: There are only 40 places available per day, so book in advance. 021 888 4607; restaurant@delheim.com If you want to grow your own edible mushrooms, order a kit from The Mushroom Factory. The box contains everything you’ll need to grow your own white oyster, Shiitake or button mushrooms (kits from R200 each). The kits are sold at select markets, nurseries and food shops in Gauteng and Cape Town, and online at mushroomfactory.co.za. When you’re on the road, keep an eye out for injured or dead birds of prey, especially vultures. The Endangered Wildlife Trust and Eskom are working together to ensure that infrastructure like telephone lines and cellphone towers aren’t harmful to wild animals. Your sightings can help them identify and address problem areas. Report your sightings to 0860 111 535. More info? ewt.org.za