Mushroom season begins in Sweden, but early picking has risks

The mushroom foraging season is underway in Sweden, with early-season finds appearing in forests, especially in the southern parts of the country. While some prized edible mushrooms are now available, experts recommend patience for optimal quality and size.

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The mushrooms are small and have not had a chance to grow as they would later in the season.

According to mycologist Michael Krikorev from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the quantities of mushrooms in June are generally not large, and the specimens are often small. However, he highlights the fine-rooted bolete (finluden stensopp) as a particularly excellent edible mushroom available now, belonging to the same group as the popular porcini. The classic yellow chanterelle and the saffron milk cap are also among the early finds. Krikorev suggests the saffron milk cap as a good alternative for those who dislike the soft, spongy texture of other mushrooms.

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Fine-rooted bolete is one of the best edible mushrooms we have.

Krikorev also points out potential downsides to early harvesting. Mushrooms picked too soon may not have reached their full potential size and quality. He notes that chanterelles, in particular, grow slowly. He even mentions a colloquial, somewhat critical term, "chanterelle pedophiles," used for those who pick mushrooms before they have a chance to mature properly. While acknowledging the temptation to pick early, he advises observing known spots and letting mushrooms grow, though this carries the risk of others harvesting them first.

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Some call those who go out picking mushrooms now 'chanterelle pedophiles' because they don't let the mushrooms grow undisturbed.

Beyond the timing of the harvest, Krikorev strongly emphasizes the importance of identifying poisonous mushrooms. He specifically warns about the deadly Amanita virosa, describing it as one of the world's most toxic fungi. The article also lists other dangerous species to watch out for: the Death Cap (vit flugsvamp), which can be life-threatening and whose symptoms appear 8 to 24 hours after ingestion, and the Cortinarius rubellus (toppig giftspindling), which can cause permanent kidney damage with symptoms appearing two to seven days later.

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It is one of the world's most poisonous mushrooms.