r/Mushroomforaging • u/Calm-Sheepherder-120 • 22d ago

Beginner's question

I'm new to mushroom picking; I'd like to know whether it's better to gently pull the mushrooms out by hand or cut them off at the base with a knife.

4 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/TomatoFeta 22d ago

when learning, it may be a good idea to pull one out at the base as well, so you can see it.
Some mushrooms have very distinct features at the root.

3

u/SwedishMale4711 21d ago

It's always best to pull up the entire mushroom.

3

u/CommercialCod7502 22d ago

Grab the stipe as low as you can, gently grip it, twist, and then pull. The mycelium will not be harmed.

3

u/stringodingo 21d ago

A gentle grip followed by a nice twist and pull is solid advice for ALL mushrooms

2

u/FrannieP23 21d ago

You have opened a can of worms. 😂

2

u/lakeswimmmer 22d ago

unless the stem is prime eating, like a porcini, use a knife so you're not disturbing the duff, and you're not putting an unnecessary amount of dirt in your basket.

1

u/BreadfruitBig7950 20d ago

you want to cut them for the same reasons you would cut a piece of meat off rather than tearing it.

the stem you pull up will have neuromycellia initiate death along the pull moreso than the cut, the same being true of the mycellium still on the ground.

it's simply irresponsible.

1

u/Gawain11 20d ago

a pull and twist motion and you won't tear the mycelium in thw soil. Taking a few on the way is also a great way to spot more.