How do I identify an edible and/or poisonous mushroom?
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I wouldn't take the risk with that.
Most edible mushrooms have a poisonous look-alike and sometimes edible mushrooms may become toxic if they grow in a polluted area.
You can't for sure, unless you are an expert. Do not rely on books and guides, where the colors and photos may be misleading.
See if your local Audubon society or nature group sponsors trips where you learn about wild mushrooms. NEVER consume any of them, no matter how much they resemble the harmless portabellas! Only eat those you buy in the store or from certified sources.
The edible ones have too many look alike cousins that can harm you, so it is very dangerous to mess with mushrooms. Perhaps the best way to tell though, is from spore prints. Also There is a good book by The Audubon Society that is a field guide to North American Mushrooms. Most bad mushrooms just make you very sick, but the worst ones are the Fly Amanita, or the Destroying Angel, and the Death Cap, another type of Amanita. They will destroy your liver. Remember when it comes to mushrooms, if you have any doubts, don't eat!
the first two answers are right. if you don't know.. don't risk it. there are no "tricks" in determining one from the other.
Most areas of the country have what mycologists call the "fool proof four". To learn what they are in your area locate a local mycological society or mushroom club, you'd be surprised how many there are. And yes they will show you which ones get you high. Remember, there are old mushroom hunters and bold mushroom hunters but no old and bold mushroom hunters. RScott
Get a mushroom identification book. The first ones you will learn are the poisonous ones, then the edibles. (All of the books on mushrooms I've ever read began with poisonous ones.) There are plenty of easily identifiable edibles out there to keep you happy. But to learn which is which in this forum would be foolish. Your local library has resources.
First of all unless you really want to get training from a professional don't risk it. All the nature guides I've read talk about the horrible consequences of mistakes. If you still want to do it. Contact your local nature preserve or park ask them about who they know who has programs to learn more. If you are in the u.s. call a local extension agent and ask them or call the agriculture department at a college and pester them until they tell you someone who likes that sort of thing and wants to share info. Be careful. Don't do this on your own. Your life is valuable! :)
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