Four methods for identifying poisonous mushrooms

There are four main methods for identifying poisonous mushrooms: observing color, checking gills, smelling odor, and examining growth environment. Poison mushrooms are usually brightly colored, with white or light colored gills and a pungent odor. They often grow in dark and damp places. Eating poisonous mushrooms by mistake may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hallucinations, and coma, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

1. Observing Colors

Poisonous mushrooms often have bright and eye-catching colors, such as red, orange, purple, etc., which may contain toxins. Some poisonous mushrooms also have spots or stripes on their surface. But not all brightly colored mushrooms are poisonous, and some edible mushrooms also have a bright appearance, which needs to be judged comprehensively based on other characteristics. Mushrooms with overly bright colors should be avoided from picking.

2. Check the gills.

The gills of poisonous mushrooms are mostly white or light colored, with a brittle and fragile texture. The gills of edible mushrooms are usually brown or black in color. Flip the mushroom over during observation to check the color and condition of the gills. Mushrooms with white gills have a higher risk, but some edible varieties also have white gills, which cannot be judged solely based on this characteristic.

3. Smell

Poisonous mushrooms often emit a pungent chemical or spoilage odor, similar to the scent of bleach, gasoline, or bitter almonds. Edible mushrooms usually have a earthy fragrance or no obvious odor. Do not directly approach the mushroom when smelling, gently fan and smell. Do not consume mushrooms with abnormal odors.

4. Check the growth environment

Poisonous mushrooms often grow near dark and damp decaying wood, feces, or garbage piles, and some parasitize on trees. Edible mushrooms are commonly found in clean grasslands or pine forests. Mushrooms grown in dirty environments have a higher risk, but their growth location cannot be the only criterion for judgment, and other characteristics need to be taken into account. The most important thing to prevent mushroom poisoning is not to pick, purchase, or consume unfamiliar wild mushrooms. Educate children not to touch unfamiliar mushrooms when going out for fun. If you experience discomfort after ingesting poisonous mushrooms, you should immediately induce vomiting and seek medical attention, while keeping mushroom samples for identification. Daily diet should choose edible mushrooms purchased through regular channels, and carefully check for spoilage before cooking. Maintain dietary hygiene habits to avoid health damage caused by accidental ingestion.