Q&A for How to Identify Edible Mushrooms

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  • Question
    How do I tell what kind of mushroom I have?
    Michael Simpson, PhD
    Michael Simpson, PhD
    Registered Professional Biologist
    Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry.
    Michael Simpson, PhD
    Registered Professional Biologist
    Expert Answer
    A field guide can be useful for identifying edible mushrooms that have highly distinctive features. Some edible species, however, are very similar to species that are highly poisonous or likely to induce some interesting dreams.
  • Question
    How dangerous is eating wild mushrooms?
    Michael Simpson, PhD
    Michael Simpson, PhD
    Registered Professional Biologist
    Dr. Michael Simpson (Mike) is a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia, Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in ecology research and professional practice in Britain and North America, with an emphasis on plants and biological diversity. Mike also specializes in science communication and providing education and technical support for ecology projects. Mike received a BSc with honors in Ecology and an MA in Society, Science, and Nature from The University of Lancaster in England as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. He has worked in British, North American, and South American ecosystems, and with First Nations communities, non-profits, government, academia, and industry.
    Michael Simpson, PhD
    Registered Professional Biologist
    Expert Answer
    If the mushroom ends up being poisonous, very dangerous. If you are a novice in identifying them, it is not worth taking the risk of frying up something that you’ll never forget for all the wrong reasons.
  • Question
    Are mushrooms growing on tree bark safe to eat?
    Tom De Backer
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    It's not as simple as that; tree bark does not automatically equate to safety. Follow the tips in this article to identify which ones are and which ones aren't.
  • Question
    Is it completely reliable to consume mushrooms bought from the grocery store?
    HumanBeing
    HumanBeing
    Top Answerer
    Any food may give you food poisoning, including mushrooms purchased from a grocery store. You may also suffer an allergic reaction. However, reputable grocery stores do not sell inedible mushrooms. It's not good PR for them to poison their customers.
  • Question
    Are shaggy mushrooms good to eat and where can i have it identified for sure?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    According to my sources, only the young ones are edible. However, considering my university's mycologist died from eating the wrong field mushroom, I would not dare to be able to tell you how to tell the difference between an edible one and a poisonous one. If you trust a local expert, talk to that person and find out better information than a website can tell you. After all, it IS your life on the line.
  • Question
    Can I eat meadow mushrooms with pink gills?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Never eat any field mushroom unless you trust the person saying you can do so with your life. Always, always research and ask around for local information before putting your life on the line. If you don't know or you're not sure, then it's a big no.
  • Question
    Are mushrooms grown in lawns safe to eat, and is it true that you can peel mushrooms but not toadstools?
    somethingforeveryone
    somethingforeveryone
    Community Answer
    You need to identify each mushroom to determine if it's safe to eat. Any mushroom can be peeled. "Toadstool" is outdated; the correct term is "poisonous mushroom."
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