By: Joann Bally CSCS
It seems every year, here in California, someone dies from eating poison mushrooms they gathered in the forest. Recently, an 82 year old gentleman who had been gathering mushrooms as a hobby, and eating them, for many years, was a victim of the death cap mushroom. This was an intelligent man leading an active lifestyle, and we can be sure the page he turned to in his mushroom guide did not say “death cap.?It turns out that poison mushrooms and edible mushrooms look pretty much alike, even to the experienced mushroom hunter. The man’s wife, who never touched any fungus he brought home, said he sautéed, and consumed, a large plate of the poison ones in butter and said they were the best mushrooms he ever tasted. There have been an additional 83 reports of people getting sick from wild mushrooms this year. They probably consumed smaller amounts, not making them their entrée.
In hard economic times, you may think it’s a good idea to save food money by foraging in the natural environment. It’s really not. Officials say you should have an expert clear any mushrooms you have gathered before eating them. Look for such an expert at your local university or county health department. Avid mushroom hunters will probably not pay attention to anything I say. For the rest of us, I suggest foraging at the local farmer’s market, and maybe planting a vegetable garden.
If you have a secure source of income, and haven’t lost your job, think about supporting your local businesses. It seems many people have drawn down their spending, which in many cases is a good thing. Still, when the recession is over, you will want your local restaurant and the bike shop down the street to still be there. Shop responsibly, but don’t stop shopping entirely.
HEALTHandFITNESS.com 
