There are more than 1,500 species of mushrooms in Spain, including chanterelles, boletus and trumpet mushrooms. This month marks the beginning of the harvest season , when many mushroom lovers head to the mountains and forests to collect their favourite specimens.
However, the coronavirus situation requires us to be cautious if we are going out to pick mushrooms. It is important that we go in small groups of people, respecting the rules of the area in which we are and the schedules established for us to avoid crowds.
Know the terrain and the mushrooms beforehand, bring one or bank data more baskets ready and you'll be ready for action. Here are the tips we've prepared so you can safely go out and do this fun family activity.
How to collect mushrooms safely and with peace of mind
Some perfect places to give free rein to your passion for mycology are Soria, Zamora or Asturias. Natural parks such as Montseny , in Barcelona, are protected areas that require a special permit, but there are also beautiful spaces such as the Hecho Valley, in Huesca; or the Unzúe trail , in Navarra.
Before you go mushroom picking, keep in mind that some species of mushrooms grow on living or dead wood and others on soil or manure, so you will have to check the trees very carefully to find them. Another very important tip is to make sure you turn it 360º, or cut it delicately , so as not to damage its mycelium and preserve many of its properties when you cook it.