The 2024 mushroom season has begun. Experts are optimistic: “It could be the best season of the last five years for mushrooms” .
This autumn is shaping up to be fantastic for mushroom lovers in Spain. Especially in the areas where it rained in August. Mushrooms are already growing in several places. Healthy, and delicious to cook with. But what are good areas to pick mushrooms in Spain?
Muniellos Forest, Asturias
This forest in the national park is beautiful to visit in autumn anyway. It is the largest oak forest in Spain and one of the best preserved in Europe. Mushroom lovers can indulge themselves, because the diversity in this forest is enormous. There are as many as 400 species of mushrooms growing here.
Ultzama, in Navarre
Navarre is one of the regions with the longest tradition of mycology, the science of fungi and mushrooms. Consequently, in 2006, a project was set up to protect the environment from the misuse of mushrooms and the collection of fungi; this is the Park of Ultzama, where you can collect mushroom species such as trumpets, chanterelles and pigeon mushrooms.
Montseny Natural Park, in Barcelona
There is a long tradition of mycology in Catalonia and lovers of this activity know that Montseny is an ideal place to collect mushrooms. The most common mushrooms in this area are chanterelles, trumpet mushrooms and the mouse-grey lark mushrooms.
Navaleno, in Soria
As many as 150 different species of mushrooms grow in the black pine forests of this area. That’s why Navaleno is one of the most popular mushroom picking areas in our country; The most popular mushrooms in this area? Boletus, chanterelles and oyster mushrooms to start with, but also the blue foot and the amanita caesarean section.
Ambroz Valley, in Extremadura
The Ambroz valley has an abundance of species; Here you can pick chanterelles, air bolete and the amanita caesarean section.
Jimena de la Frontera, Cádiz
In the heart of the Los Alcornocales Park, the municipality near Jerez, the typical humidity together with the mild temperatures in the forests ensure an ideal climate. In this area you will mainly find the chanterelle, which is characteristic of the cork oak and gall oak forests. This mushroom, with its twisted, yellowish appearance, is highly prized for its good taste.
Be aware of possible fines and health risks
Remember, however, you can’t just pick mushrooms, there are places where you need a permit to pick them. Also, always check which species can be found in the area you are looking for, and which ones you should avoid. They can be poisonous.
Also read: Spain´s most beautiful villages to visit in Autumn