The forests are full of mushrooms !
The wet summer in Norway has given excellent conditions for mushrooms, and the forests are already full of them. Although September is considered the major fungal month, you may already enjoy the most delicious mushrooms.
More than 1000 different species of mushrooms are to be found in the Norwegian forests. Of these 10-15 can be deadly. However, a number of species are extremely sought after and considered a delicacy.The funny thing is that once you locate a spot with a certain mushroom, it will come back year after year at approximately the same time , at the exact same location depending upon climate conditions.
Most notably, numerous and impossible to mistake is the cantharelle (Cantharellus cibarius) . Golden yellow, delicate and tasty. Referred often, and rightly, as the forest gold. The Cantharelle is never worm-eaten; - a definite plus. This species are among the mushrooms you can find earlier in the season - in hardwood and coniferous forests across the country.
be gray on top. Funnel Chanterelle like in coniferous forests with acidic soils and heather. This is a real autumn mushroom. The season is at its peak in October. Since the fungus can tolerate frost, it may appear in November and maybe later. Basically not to be mistaken, but often grows in clusters with other mushrooms - so sort good and check each mushroom.
Another safe and good mushroom is piggsopp (Hydnum repandum) .
Hat is smooth, and underside has the characteristic spikes. There are more species of the piggsopp, the white one, and the smaller brown. It Grows in clusters and often grows together. Pigg mushrooms are best young as the can be worm-eaten as old . It grows as cantharelle in hardwood and coniferous forests across the country. The season is from late July until well into the autumn.
Another thought after mushroom, but rather rare, is the black trumpet, or "horn of plenty" (Craterellus) The mushroom relates to the cantharelle family, and taste like fruit. As dried, it makes an excellent taste reinforcement for sauces and can be preserved for years .
Most Norwegian mushroom enthusiasts keep their mushroom spots secret. They go back year after year, to the same places, at the same time to "gather their gold", - and are mourn when their spot has been discovered by another enthusiast, - or the forest has been cut !
Get out in the forest before the season ends. Pick only the ones you are 100% certain of . To learn more, bring your catch to the nearest mushroom control, - organized on a voluntary basis on many parts of the country in the week-ends.
Here are some useful links to more mushroom resources in Norway
Norges Sopp og Nyttevekst-forbund (In Norwegian)
The Norwegian Biodiversity Information centre
