Well, darn it. We love to cook and especially love to use Oregon's golden chanterelle 'shrooms. Just cooked a killer potato gratin with a middle layer of chanterelle, onions, and garlic. Life doesn't get any better than that combination of flavors. Send us a shout-out if you want the recipe. Extremely easy and oh-so-yummy!
With the onset of autumn rains, mushrooms are still sprouting in great abundance throughout southern Oregon...although it is starting to get a bit cold.
The first rule of mushroom hunting in the wild is: "When in doubt, throw it out."
When you head out into the woods looking for mushrooms, it's important to know exactly where you're searching because rules vary for different areas. For instance, it is currently illegal to pick blue chantereeles, truffles, cauliflower mushrooms, and coral mushrooms on BLM lands. The Forest Service, however, does not prohibit the picking of those species, but it does require a recreational mushroom picking permit. The recreational permit is free, and allows you to gather up to a gallon of mushrooms per day and 5 gallons per year. The BLM does not require a permit for recreational mushroom harvesting, though it does impose the same limit of a gallon per day and 5 gallons per year.
If 5 gallons of mushrooms aren't enough for you, or if you plan to sell what you find, you'll need a commercial permit. The BLM charges $10 per day, $35 per week, or $100 for a seasonal, six-month permit. The Forest Service charges $20 for a 10-day commercial permit and $150 for a six-month permit. These permits are good for one year.
Have fun searching (and discovering) these "jewels of the forest floor." Your tummy will not be disappointed.
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