Late-summer Mushroom Foraging

Mushroom Season in Full Swing: A Guide to Foraging and Events in Southwest Germany

The mushroom season is currently in full bloom in the forests of southwest Germany, with a variety of edible species such as chanterelles, porcini, and morels making their appearance in late summer. However, it's crucial for those who are unsure if collected mushrooms are edible to consult a Mushroom Expert.

If you find yourself in doubt, the German Society for Mycology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie, DGfM) can help. They will be represented at the garden exhibition in Freudenstadt / Baiersbronn on September 6 and 7, 2025. The event, titled "World of Mushrooms," will offer a selection of fresh mushrooms from the local forest floor, as well as insights into the fascinating world of fungi. The Stuttgart Mushroom Friends e.V., the second-largest mycological association in Germany, will also be present, showcasing a selection of fresh mushrooms and providing valuable information about these fascinating organisms.

The Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection (BMLR) has issued a reminder that only small amounts of mushrooms can be taken for personal consumption, as per the Forestry Act of Baden-Württemberg. For those who may encounter mushroom poisoning, University Hospital Freiburg provides first aid information (Link) and the BMLR has a contact form for citizens (Link) for any related concerns.

August's rain has ensured that mushrooms in the forest have grown well, and some species are appearing earlier than usual, such as the trumpet chanterelle. Other mushrooms such as the wrinkled truffle, shaggy ink cap, large smut, and field mushrooms can also be found in local forests. Moist, warm weather conditions are favored by mushrooms, and autumn will bring further mushroom varieties such as webcaps or honey mushrooms.

Minister of Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk, made these statements about the mushroom season. For those interested in learning more about mycology, the BMLR has a press office (Link) and the freshness of mushrooms can often be determined by a smell test.

Remember, when foraging for mushrooms, it's always best to consult a Mushroom Expert to ensure safety. The German Society for Mycology e.V. (Link) can help find Mushroom Experts for your queries. Happy foraging!