Tourists participate in a mushroom hunt in the middle of the forests of Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul

Each step is taken carefully in the São Francisco de Paula, Serra Gaucha pine forest. Armed with wicker baskets, the tourists keep an eye on the ground, covered with dry leaves, searching for mushrooms.

Small elevations in the leaf litter can be an indication of the existence of a mushroom.

And looking at the edges of the forest helps in the search, recommends the biologist Jeferson Timm, who accompanies and guides visitors during the tour.

One of them is to know how to identify the species.

The mushroom hunt has been promoted for six years by Parador Hampel, owned by chef Marcos Livi, the starting point of the “expedition”.

The trips take place on Sundays, starting at 9:30 a.m., between May and June, months that are favorable for the growth of fungi due to the humidity and mild temperatures.

From there, the group drives to the forest for the all-day hunt through three different areas: the Ronda Municipal Natural Park, a private property partnering with Hampel, and the hotel’s surroundings.

How to know if it is edible or not?

Timm explains that there is no specific characteristic that helps identify whether the mushroom is fit for consumption or not.

His recommendation is to know the edible species and, if in doubt, not eat them. However, some toxic species are easier to recognize.

Popularly known as “vein pum”, the scleroderma mushroom is shaped like a lemon-sized ball that, when squeezed, releases a grayish vapor.

It is also not difficult to identify the Porcini, appreciated in gastronomy.

The pileus, as the mushrooms’ “hat” is called, has a brownish hue. The stipe – the stem of the fungus – is thick and whitish.

During the hunt, the biologist sliced and distributed a Porcini to those around him.

In nature, it resembles walnuts.

With information from UOL