Mushroom season in Rostock: consultations start – beware of poisonous mushrooms!

Mushroom season in Rostock: consultations start – beware of poisonous mushrooms!

The mushroom season is in full swing in northern Germany and the advice centers in Rostock and Bad Doberan have opened their doors again. How NDR reports, the experts from the University of Rostock and other institutions are offering support for mushroom pickers until October 31st. This is particularly important because the season brings with it many opportunities but also dangers. Popular collector's items such as chanterelles, porcini mushrooms and witch's boletus have been very popular lately.

Thanks to the warm weather and rainfall in recent months, mushrooms are sprouting in forests, meadows, parks and gardens. The first morels and Mayritterlings were found in May. In addition to the varieties mentioned above, chestnuts are currently in high demand in September. But it's not just edible mushrooms that are on the move: poisonous mushrooms such as the green death cap and the panther mushroom are also in high season and can quickly become a danger.

Consulting offers and expertise

The consultations in the Botanical Garden of the University of Rostock take place on weekends from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and from October 11th even until 5 p.m. In Bad Doberan there are also regular consultation hours in the Kornhaus (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). A total of three new mushroom consultants have been added to Rostock, who even offer home visits if necessary. Registration by telephone is required here. According to senior mushroom consultant Ria Bütow, if you have any doubts about the edibility of a mushroom, you should definitely seek advice in order to avoid serious health consequences like this DGFM emphatically emphasized.

A look at current events shows that there have already been two cases of poisoning this season, caused by the green death cap and the panther mushroom. This highlights the importance of using mushroom advice centers before consuming an unknown mushroom. If mushroom poisoning is suspected, it is important to act quickly: medical attention must be sought immediately, and the remains of the mushrooms should be saved for close examination.

Events for mushroom lovers

Another highlight of the season is the state exhibition, which will take place on September 27th and 28th in the Botanical Garden. Mushroom collectors are invited to contribute their finds to the exhibition. These events are an excellent opportunity to learn about the different types of mushrooms and share your collection with like-minded people.

In times like these, it is particularly important to be well informed and to ensure that only those mushrooms that can be clearly identified as edible are consumed. The advice centers are a valuable contact point for this.

Mushroom season promises exciting discoveries for all nature enthusiasts and at the same time a serious warning to be careful. It's worth keeping your eyes and ears open and seeking expert advice if necessary.