Q&A for How to Pick Mushrooms

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  • Question
    Is it better to cut or pull mushrooms?
    Olivia Choong
    Plant & Gardening Specialist
    Olivia Choong is a Plant and Gardening Specialist and the Owner of The Tender Gardener. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in gardening, permaculture, and self-sufficient and low-impact living practices. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia (CNA). Olivia holds a Bachelor of Mass Communications in PR and Journalism from Murdoch University.
    Plant & Gardening Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Both methods work! To pull a mushroom, gently grip the base and twist it in an anti-clockwise direction, pulling it off the mycelium from which it grows. Try not to damage the mycelium in the process!
  • Question
    Is a big and flat mushroom I found at the top of the body of a dying big tree safe to eat?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    Is the mushroom in the spore print section on the guide upside down?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it should have the the stem cut off and be faced down so the spores can be released.
  • Question
    Do mushrooms have roots?
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    They don't have roots as such, but mushrooms do have structures that grow underground (or under the surface of whatever surface they're on) called mycelium. The mycelium of some mushrooms looks a lot like roots.
  • Question
    I found Chanterelles in the woods, but plucked them from the ground, rather than cut with a knife. Did I ruin chances for them to grow again?
    Easton Wilson
    Community Answer
    Fortunately, no. Remember, they release spores. Even when cut, the spores will leave the Chanterelle shroom right away.
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