With the arrival of autumn, begins mushroom picking seasonand the search for this food in the countryside becomes not only a tradition, but also a hobby for many. Thus, with the arrival of the first rains at the end of September, this task becomes an important mission in many regions of Spain.
The province of Teruelin the south of Aragon, stands out for the cultural value and rich biodiversity it offers. In addition, it is important to know the best places to harvest mushrooms, since the place of origin of each one can determine the quality of the final product.
Therefore, choosing a territory full of this food, easy to harvest and with excellent flavor, can make a difference during the fall season. These are some of the best domains picking mushrooms in Teruel:
Albarracin Mountains
Located between the Spanish autonomous communities of Aragon, Castile-La Mancha and the Valencian Community, the Albarracín Mountains stands out for its varied biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the environment, added to the cool climate and abundant autumn rains present in the Sierra, are key factors that facilitate the growth of mushrooms.
One of the most remarkable species – and possible to collect in the enclave – is the chanterelle -or Lactarius deliciosus-. It is the most sought-after mushroom in the region and one of the most widespread. It is harvested mainly in the cities of Orihuela del Tremendal And Bronchauxalthough it is possible to find it throughout the mountain range.
The other most common species in the enclave are the white mushroom -or Boletus edulis- and the oyster mushrooms -or Pleurotus eryngii-. The first, like the chanterelle, are found in mixed pine and oak forests, especially in wetlands. As for the second, it is quite common, and can even be found in meadows.
Gúdar and Javalambre mountain ranges
THE Gúdar and Javalambre Mountains They have many locations above 1,000 meters above sea level and are distinguished by a cold climate during the autumn and winter months. Thus, both mountain ranges have similar fauna and flora, among which lush forests such as black pine and Aleppo oak stand out.
As with the Sierra de Albarracín, the chanterelle and the white mushroom These are two of the most common species in the area. This is due to the humidity and pine forests that surround the entire enclave, which facilitates its growth.
Another of the most remarkable mushrooms present in both mountains is the switch -or Macrolepiota procera-, of the family of agaricalsThis food is distinguished by its tall stem which ends in a cap that can reach up to 40 centimeters in diameter.
Its collection is complex, since it shares an appearance with the lepiotae familywhich are -generally- very toxic, so they should not be confused with mushrooms of this species, because their ingestion can cause death.
Matarraña region
THE Matarraña regionwhich borders the provinces of Tarragona and Castellón, is one of the areas of Teruel closest to the Mediterranean. The variety of the ecosystem is therefore remarkable compared to the rest of the mountains and ecosystems present in the Aragonese province.
He black mushroom -or Boletus aereus- is one of the most present species in the holm oak and oak forests of the region. In addition, this type of mushroom is highly valued in the gastronomy of the region for its black color and unique flavor.
Another of the most common species in the area is the trumpet of the dead -or Craterellus cornucopiodes-, which is not particularly distinguished by its appearance, but by its great flavor. This species is difficult to find, because its small size, blackish color and flattened shape make it easy to confuse with the leaves on the ground.
General recommendations
Mushroom picking is common in many areas of Teruel; that is why, in some territories such as the Sierra de Albarracín, it is necessary have permissions to carry out the collection. Furthermore, even if there are no restrictions in the chosen area, it is always advisable to harvest mushrooms responsibly.
Therefore, respecting the environment and practicing sustainable mycology is important for take care of biodiversity areas and avoid overexploitation. On the other hand, cutting the mushrooms with a sharp knife will avoid damaging the mycelium, leaving this part buried under the ground and allowing them to regrow in the future.
Likewise, it is important check toxicity of each mushroom collected before consuming it, as ingesting toxic mushrooms could cause serious health problems and, in extreme cases, death.
