- Fungist expects the piperlings to grow well
Mushroom pickers have had a good season so far, with an early start for chanterelles. Mushroom expert Wolfgang Bivour from Potsdam remains optimistic, saying, "I expect continued good growth for chanterelles, provided there's no major August drought." Conditions are also favorable for summer porcini. However, the main season for mushrooms, which come in countless varieties, is September and October.
"Thanks to the moisture and very mild weather in spring, chanterelles were early and could be found as early as May," said Bivour, who is chairman of the Brandenburg State Association of Mushroom Experts. He said they grow everywhere in Brandenburg, but he doesn't want to name specific regions with typically good yields. "Mushroom pickers have to explore that themselves," he said. Nowadays, mushroom pickers also exchange information in forums on social media.
It shouldn't be persistently dry
Chanterelles are not particularly demanding. "The recent rain has shown that they're ready to make a strong comeback," Bivour said. They can also withstand a heatwave, according to experts. "They can handle 30 degrees for a few days, but it shouldn't be persistently dry," he said. Conditions for mushroom growth this year are more favorable than in previous dry years.
The trade of mushrooms from German forests is not permitted. Picking is only allowed for personal consumption and in small quantities, Bivour emphasized. This means no more than one to two kilograms per person per day. "It's already quite something if not everyone can plunder the forest as they wish."
The association, which has around 35 experts, examines collected mushrooms, advises pickers, organizes educational hikes, and helps with mushroom poisoning cases. Last year, the association recorded 17 poisoning cases in Brandenburg. The experts provided almost 650 consultations.
"Bivour mentioned that aside from chanterelles, Pfeifferling mushrooms also thrive under the current moist conditions and mild weather, which was beneficial for their growth."
"During their explorations, many mushroom pickers have reported finding abundant Pfeifferling mushrooms, making this year an excellent season for both chanterelles and Pfeifferling."
