FAQ- Edibility requests

[adampembs]

Any requests for identification for the purposes of eating or for recreational drug use will be deleted.

This is not out of meanness, but simply that it is often difficult to be 100% sure about an ID, without seeing the fungus up close, possibly with microscopy or chemical tests or smell to confirm.

Given the deadly nature of some fungi, who wants to be responsible for someone being poisoned?

You are also putting your life in someone else's hands.

Furthermore, mycologists are concerned about the decline of many species of fungi. Picking rare fungi due to the current foraging fad is not conducive with protecting vulnerable and endangered species. They are not so common as blackberries or nettles. You don't pick bird eggs, do you? Or go to bird-watching groups to ask about the edibility of Willow Warblers or Puffins.

[marksteer]

May seem harsh but I completely agree!
Mark

[Gracie]

I agree too, there are too many people picking the fungi in great numbers leaving nothing for whoever should follow.

[adampembs]

A reminder that admins are routinely deleting posts asking about edibility because the cretins who post them cannot be bothered to read the forum rules or get any concept of the conservation focussed nature of this forum. I have no problem with people who wish to forage sustainably (of small amounts of common species) , it is those who cant be bothered to read who bother me.

[adampembs]

...and not to mention killing themselves or their friends and family..

[gberloff]

Actually it is very possible to be 100% sure of an ID.
I have been 100% sure of IDs for a decade and have never poisoned anyone, and but once when I was ten have I ruined food because I mistook a bitter bolete for a birch bolete.
Send me a DM if you like any suggestions. However, the field I specialise in is extremely small.
Don't believe the people who say it is near impossible to be 100% certain- it is possible and I am living proof of that.
However, NEVER COLLECT ANY fungi if you are even in the slightest unsure

[gberloff]

I agree too, there are too many people picking the fungi in great numbers leaving nothing for whoever should follow.

I remember there was once a situation in which a couple was collecting chicken of the woods and they got yelled at for ruining it for others. Bottom line is, every person has a right to collect mushrooms AND no-one has the right to stop them

[Lancashire Lad]

Gberloff - Your two posts directly above are among the reasons why this website does not engage in discussions regarding edibility.

1), If you think it is always possible to identify fungi from photos and descriptions alone - you are deluded.

2), As to your statement "every person has a right to collect mushrooms AND no-one has the right to stop them", that is utter nonsense.

This topic has now been locked to prevent further nonsense and misinformation being posted.