is there any easy way to tell if a wild "mushroom" in UK is safe to eat, particularly those found in woods?

Question

I regularly walk the dog across fields and woodland and there are always lots of mushrooms or funghi growing, especially near rotton tree stumps.

Answer 1

You could join an organised 'Fungi Foray' - check websites to see if there is one is your area. They frequently have them on Wimbledon Common.
That's probably the safest way. This is really not something to muck about with. As they say - 'there are old mushroom hunters and bold mushroom hunters - but no old, bold mushroom hunters.'

Answer 2

If you're looking for universal signs of edibility or danger, there are none, unfortunately. Many people mistakenly believe that mushrooms which have white gills are always safe, mushrooms growing on this-or-that are safe, or mushrooms which have been partially eaten by animals or insects are safe. Many mushroom poisonings each year occur due to these beliefs. Identifying mushrooms is a tricky business, and isn't entirely safe even with an identification book. I myself was hospitalized for mushroom poisoning because I ate a poisonous lookalike of the species I thought I had identified. The photo, description, and every attribute matched up perfectly to what was in the book. Ironically, the mushrooms themselves were delicious. Easily the best I've ever eaten. The best way to safely identify local mushrooms is to have someone that knows what they're doing point them out for you. One still photograph and a description in a book is not nearly enough information to positively identify a mushroom, as I conclusively demonstrated to myself. Find someone that knows how to identify the mushrooms that grow in your area, go out with them, and have them educate you. I'd ask them eat one of every edible they point out to you just to be sure!

Answer 3

I'd recommend buying a book. I go mushroom picking regularly, but my husband has been mushroom picking since he was a boy and you really have to know what to pick. A book should help. If in doubt, leave it alone! Freshly picked mushrooms are a delight, though, so worth studying a bit if you come across them regularly when out walking your dog.

Answer 4

No. There is no easy way, and the results of a mistake can be lethal. Many - indeed, I have heard that most - are harmless, but unless you have really studied your mushrooms and funghi - maybe even have a degree in the subject, then you are taking a big risk.

Answer 5

The only safe way is to leave the fungi in the woods and buy your mushrooms from the supermarket.

Answer 6

theres no easy way to tell, you really have to be a bit of a expert before risking eating one.. ones that grow near rotting stumps or in fields where cows are are more likely to be of the "Magic" sort im told . never risked trying tho.

Answer 7

Unless you are an expert or, have an expert with you don't risk it! Some mushrooms/fungi that look like the edible ones are deadly poison!!

Answer 8

Apparently if you take the mushrooms to a registered chemist they have to check it for you and tell you if its edible. I've never tried this out, so you could ask your chemist and see

Answer 9

Why risk it? A nice packet of supermarket mushrooms is only 57p :)

Answer 10

you need a professional advice who knows about wild mushrooms whether it safe to eat or not......