Autumn is in full swing. One would like to abandon all affairs, dress warmer, take a basket or bucket and go to the forest for mushroom hunting. Is it possible to find an activity more fascinating than walking between trees, inhaling fresh air, enjoying the smell of fallen leaves and looking for between them brown boletus, late russula and honey mushrooms? Autumn is the time for mushroom pickers. However, do not forget that in the summer you can enjoy this fascinating activity. Already in July, you can start searching for forest gifts, and August will delight you with mushroom abundance. Chanterelles, russula, mushrooms are waiting for those who want to take them to their basket. This article is about how to cut mushrooms, and whether it is worth doing at all. You can decide for yourself. Also in the article you will find tips on how to behave in the forest.
Actual question
Most people take with them into the forest not only buckets, but also knives. But there are those who are asked by the quite appropriate question, whether it is necessary to cut mushrooms with a knife or you can simply twist them. There are different opinions on this. Which way to use it is up to you to decide - we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of both methods. Also, it will not be superfluous to learn how to cut mushrooms correctly.
The first advantage of cutting is that part of the leg remains in the ground, which means that the mycelium will be safe and sound. That is why experienced lovers of "silent hunting" come to the same places from year to year. They are sure that they will find there a family of their favorite mushrooms. The knife is also useful if the legs are wormy or you need to clean them of earth and dirt.
You will also have to use it if the mushroom leg is firmly pressed to the ground, which means there is no way to unscrew it.
How to cut mushrooms?
Many novice collectors are interested in how to cut mushrooms properly. The answer is simple: at the very bottom near the ground. But if the leg is worm, then it is better to cut it in the place where there are no traces of worms. If the pests have not exuded a hat, you can take only it in the basket. How to cut mushrooms? Of course, carefully so as not to harm the knife with the knife. In no case can they just be pulled out.
Cut or twist?
Let us return to the arguments about cutting or twisting mushrooms, and consider the advantages of the last action.
- Twisting is necessary if you want to pick up the whole mushroom. However, as mentioned above, this action can injure mycelium. Therefore, you decide what to do.
- Adherents of the twisting theory also argue in their favor that when cut, the remnants of the fungus that remain in the ground can become a favorable environment for the propagation of worms and insects, which does not benefit nature.
- Mushrooms that have a full leg, it is better to unscrew. These include, for example, boletus.
Let's talk about the chanterelles
Chanterelles can be found in the forest in August. In relation to them, no one even asks whether to cut mushrooms with a knife. The answer is unequivocal, not worth it. As a rule, they do not even need to be twisted - chanterelles are taken out immediately with a mycelium. And only then, at home in the kitchen, they should be cleaned of soil, sand and dirt. These mushrooms are summer favorites.
How to behave in the forest? Some rules
Very often in a forest glade you can see a sad picture: worms are lying on the grass, it is wrinkled, the mycelium dries. You can see right away that there were not even beginner lovers, but simply uncultured people who were not at all interested in how to cut mushrooms correctly. They cannot even leave the lawn after themselves in order. But there are rules of conduct in the forest that you just need to follow. Regardless of what decision you made - to cut or twist the mushrooms, it is necessary to sprinkle with earth and moss mycelium. And lightly, very slightly, push the sole of the shoe onto it. Easy, right? By doing this simple action, you will not harm the mycelium, and next year you can find a rich mushroom "crop" at this place.
Now you can safely go to the forest and not be afraid to do something wrong. Tell these simple rules to those who are just starting to get involved in this exciting business - "silent hunting." Enjoyable and productive walks! Let your buckets be filled with beautiful and selected mushrooms to the top! Master this art and avoid inedible specimens!