FAQ
FAQ about wild foods
Welcome to our FAQ site! We will do our best to answer the most frequently asked questions related to wild mushrooms e.g. chanterelles and morel mushrooms, berries, and other wild foods.
Section 1: Questions and answers about morel mushrooms
What are morel mushrooms?
Morels are highly coveted and relatively rare edible mushrooms. This combined with their special, honeycomb-like appearance makes them very valuable.
Where do you find morel mushrooms?
Morels can be found in the spring and are typically found in coniferous or deciduous forests, along hedges or in bushes, where the soil is rich in nutrients and is calcareous.
How do you know if it is an edible morel mushroom you have found?
If the mushrooms are found in the spring in a nutrient-rich place in e.g. a forest or a garden, and the mushroom has a honeycomb-like hood, there is a high probability that an edible morel has been found. However, remember to get help from a mushroom connoisseur or use a mushroom book before the morel mushrooms are prepared.
What do morel mushrooms live from in nature?
The “roots” of the morel consist of a cobweb-like “mycelium”, which grows through the upper soil layers. Here, the mycelium secretes enzymes that typically break down various plant debris on the soil surface and dead roots in the soil. In particular, various fallen fruits and pieces of bark are efficiently utilized by the morel mycelium.
Why are morel mushrooms so coveted?
Morels are highly coveted, as they have an exquisite taste, are relatively rare in nature, and look very special with their honeycomb-like caps. In the world market, the demand for morels is currently increasing. It is also remarkable that morels are among the healthiest mushrooms you can eat.
Why are morel mushrooms so difficult to cultivate?
To date, it has not been possible worldwide to grow morels indoors all year round under completely controlled conditions. This is because a large number of physical, chemical, and biological conditions must be met in order for cultivation to be carried out. In this case, both the soil and the source of nutrients must be specially composed, just as the climate must follow a very special program throughout the cultivation process so that morels can be grown efficiently.
When can you find morel mushrooms in the nordic countries?
You can find morels in nature in the spring. Typically in April-May.
How do you clean fresh morel mushrooms?
As soon as a morel mushroom is harvested, any ailments are cut off, such as snail bites, after which the entire surface is brushed free of soil, small animals and cobwebs, etc. If necessary, cut the mushroom in half to make sure that no animals are hiding in the cavities. After returning home, especially rinse the cap in cold water and drain thoroughly before further use.
How to soak dried morel mushrooms?
Place e.g. 10 grams of dried morel mushrooms in a plastic bag containing approx. 60 grams of cold water. Close the bag. At regular intervals, the contents are thoroughly mixed after which the morels are ready to be cooked. Alternatively, use a bowl instead of a plastic bag, but make sure the morels are turned regularly so that all mushrooms absorb enough water.
What is the best way to cook morel mushrooms?
There are many ways to cook morels. A classic method is to cook the morels in heavy cream. Initially, over low heat, fry the soaked morels in butter for a few minutes. Add heavy cream and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve the creamy Morel Mushrooms on toasted bread.
Which ingredients go well with morel mushrooms?
Morels go well in rice and pasta dishes, such as in a risotto, tagliatelle, or as filling in a ravioli. Worldwide, morel mushrooms are often used in tasteful sauces, which are typically served with beef, potatoes, pasta, or rice. Furthermore, it is super delicious to cook the morels in heavy cream and serve on toasted bread.
By which trees can you find morel mushrooms?
Edible morel mushrooms are found under the treetops in deciduous forests consisting of typical elm, ash, and maple, while Cone Morel mushrooms are often found in spruce and pine forests.
How can the quality of the morel mushrooms be preserved in the best way possible over a longer period of time?
If you are lucky enough to find or just buy fresh morels, the quality can be optimally maintained for a number of years by drying the morel mushrooms at room temperature or in an appliance where the air exchange is very large. If the temperature exceeds approx. 30° C, it significantly degrades the quality.
Can dried morel mushroom be frozen?
Dried morels can be frozen, but have no major effect, as dried morels themselves can retain quality for years.
Are morel mushrooms poisonous?
Neither edible morel nor Cone Morel is toxic. However, you should never eat the mushrooms in a raw state, but cook them for at least 10 minutes before use. In addition, one should not consume more than 100 grams of fresh or 10 grams of dried morels per meal.
What are the most delicious morel mushroom recipes?
There are many delicious morel mushroom recipes. Try for example this recipe with homemade ravioli filled with morel mushroom or this classic morel mushroom sauce.
Section 2: Questions and answers about chanterelle mushrooms
Where is the best place to look for chanterelle mushrooms?
At the beginning of the season, it is best to look for chanterelle mushrooms in nutrient-poor deciduous forests. Later in the season, you should head into nutrient-poor coniferous forests instead. In general, it is best to seek out places where the terrain is hilly and overgrown with i.a. heather and various moss species.
Can the chanterelle mushroom be confused with other mushroom species?
Chanterelle mushrooms are very characteristic with their yellowish color and the ribbed, descending moldings under the cap. However, to be sure of a correct determination, one should always look in a mushroom book to rule out confusion with other, possibly poisonous mushroom species.
Where to buy chanterelle mushrooms?
Fresh chanterelles can be bought in a number of supermarkets when they are in season from July to September. Otherwise, they can be purchased at various food markets.
How to clean chanterelle mushrooms?
Chanterelles should be cleaned with a relatively hard brush to remove soil and other impurities. However, if the mushrooms are very dirty, it is necessary to wash them under running, cold water. Be aware, however, that chanterelles can lose flavor and crispiness when washed. Therefore, it is important to subsequently remove any excess water by heating the mushrooms on a frying-pan just before the actual cooking.
How long can fresh chanterelle mushrooms last?
In the case of freshly picked mushrooms, these can last for approx. 1 week in the refrigerator under sufficiently airy conditions.
Can chanterelles be reheated?
Chanterelle dishes can be reheated. But do not leave the dish in the fridge for too long before reheating.
What is the best substitute for chanterelle mushrooms?
If you do not have chanterelles available, it is a good substitute to use either funnel chanterelle or trumpet mushroom instead. Both of these species are excellent for drying.
How to store chanterelle mushrooms?
On the actual mushroom hunt, the harvested and brushed chanterelles are best stored in an airy basket, covered with loose cloth e.g. to reduce the evaporation from the fungi. Immediately after returning home, place the chanterelles in a similar way in the refrigerator for up to one week before cooking the mushrooms. Chanterelles are not particularly suitable for drying.
Why can’t chanterelle mushrooms be cultivated?
Only on a very small scale, it has been possible to grow chanterelles. This is because the fungi can only provide sufficient nutrition to develop the edible fruit bodies by entering into a special collaboration with living roots of e.g. spruce, pine, beech, and oak. Via the mycelium, minerals are transferred from the soil to the tree, while sugars are conversely delivered to the fungal cells.
Section 3: Questions and answers about wild blueberries
Where can you pick blueberries in nature?
The blueberry bush is found in most of Europe in areas where the soil is acidic and more or less nutrient-poor. The plant typically occurs on moist heaths and in light deciduous and coniferous forests.
What can you use blueberries for?
Blueberries can be used in all sorts of desserts, including berry trifles and blueberry cookies, as well as for blueberry lemonade. In addition, blueberries can be used for jams, in fresh summer salads, for breakfast or in a smoothie.
Should you rinse wild blueberries?
Like all other berries from nature, blueberries must be rinsed in cold water and subsequently drained through a sieve or similar before further use.
How are blueberries stored?
Blueberries tolerate a bit more than most other berries. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or be frozen right after picking.
Can blueberries be frozen?
Blueberries are excellent for freezing.
When to plant blueberries?
It does not matter much what time of the year the blueberry bushes are planted if they are grown in pots – but remember to water them during dry periods. Barrod plants are planted in late spring at the latest while they are still dormant.
When are blueberries ripe?
There is a big difference in when the individual blueberry varieties ripen in the summer. Thus, there are both early and late blueberries. Pick the berries when they are completely blue and can be released on the branch with a light touch.
Are blueberries healthy?
Blueberries are very healthy. In fact, they are among the healthiest berries you can ever find. Thus, blueberries have a high content of antioxidants, which are good for the immune system. Furthermore, blueberries are rich in vitamins (A, B, C, and E) and minerals (potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, copper, and zinc). Finally, blueberries have a positive effect on both the heart, blood pressure, and memory.
Are blueberries good for your memory?
A daily dose of blueberries significantly sharpens both your learning ability and memory. Furthermore, blueberries are good for the balance and coordination of your movements.
Section 4: Questions and answers about portobello mushrooms
What are portobello mushrooms?
Portobello mushrooms are just overgrown versions of brown field mushrooms.
Are portobello mushrooms healthy?
Like other mushrooms, portobello mushrooms are healthy to consume, as they contain relatively little fat and carbohydrate and correspondingly much protein. Thus, from a nutritional point of view, they can be considered as an intermediate between plants and meat.
How do portobello mushrooms taste?
Portobello mushrooms taste very intense, i.a. due to a high dry matter content.
How do you store portobello mushrooms?
Portobello Mushrooms can be stored in a refrigerator for approx. 1 week.
Can you eat portobello mushrooms raw?
You can eat portobello mushrooms raw.
How many calories are there in portobello mushrooms?
One portobello mushroom contains approx. 20 kcal.
Section 5: Questions and answers about edible mushrooms
How do you identify edible mushrooms?
There are a large number of edible mushrooms in the Nordic countries, which only experts are able to distinguish from each other. It is therefore very important that you always ally yourself with a knowledgeable person or a mushroom book before you start cooking and eating mushrooms found in nature.
Which edible mushrooms are the easiest to find and identify in the Nordic countries?
For a beginner, it would make sense to start by looking for chanterelle mushrooms, as this species is relatively easy to recognize. Next, it would be a good idea to search for porcini mushrooms which is also very characteristic and difficult to confuse with poisonous species – but you should always ally yourself with a knowledgeable person or a mushroom book before cooking and eating a given mushroom.
How dangerous is it to eat mushrooms found in nature?
If you do not get help from a mushroom expert or look carefully in a mushroom book, you can become very ill and possibly die in the worst case, if you completely uncritically ingest mushrooms found in nature.
Can you freeze mushrooms?
You can preserve mushrooms in several ways. One of the absolute fastest and easiest ways is to freeze the cleaned mushrooms in a raw or fried state. Note, however, that some species of fungi are better suited for freezing than others.
Do mushrooms absorb water when washed – and is it okay to rinse them?
If the mushrooms are relatively dry, washing them will cause the fungi to absorb some of the water. Furthermore, some water will remain on the surface of the mushroom, e.g. between the slats or in the caps. This excess water degrades the shelf life to a greater or lesser degree, which is why the water should be removed relatively quickly by heating the mushrooms on a frying-pan. However, if the mushrooms cannot be brushed clean, it is okay to rinse them.
What are your favorite mushrooms?
Morel, chanterelle, porcini, and Black trumpet mushroom.
Which mushroom species is the most flavorful?
The most flavorful mushroom species in my opinion would either be morel mushrooms or truffles.
Which mushrooms go well with pasta?
Almost all edible mushrooms go well with pasta. Try frying the mushrooms with a bit of shallot and butter and add heavy cream after approx. 5 minutes of frying. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, mix the mushroom cream sauce with freshly cooked pasta before adding freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Section 6: Questions and answers about black trumpet mushrooms
What is black trumpet mushrooms?
Black trumpet mushrooms are funnel-shaped edible mushrooms. They are 5-12 cm tall and are black or black-brown and can be found in a deciduous forest. They can quite easy to identify and would be a good mushroom to start foraging for beginners.
When is the black trumpet mushroom in season?
You can find black trumpet mushrooms from August until November but the high season is in October.
What do black trumpet mushrooms taste like?
The black trumpet mushrooms taste rich and nutty and have a nice and fruity aroma. If the black trumpet smells of ammonia, it is too old and not good to eat anymore.
Are black trumpet mushrooms edible?
The black trumpet mushroom is an excellent edible mushroom, that can be used in a large variety of dishes like pasta, as a pizza topping or in a sauce.
How to dry black trumpet mushrooms?
You can dry the black trumpet mushrooms at room temperature or in an appliance where the air exchange is very large. If the temperature exceeds approx. 30° C, it significantly degrades the quality. This is the same way you would dry other mushrooms.
Where to hunt for black trumpet mushrooms?
Black trumpet mushrooms can be found in a deciduous forest.
How to clean black trumpet mushrooms?
You can brush the black trumpet mushroom with a hard brush, to get rid of dirt and dust. If it is too dirty, I would recommend to wash it, but do it before you cut the mushroom.
How do you store black trumpet mushrooms?
If the black trumpet mushrooms are fresh, store them in a refrigerator. If you have dried them, keep them in a jar at room temperature in a dark place.