Mushroom enthusiasts know this well: Asturias is a mushroom paradise . At the foot of its oak and chestnut groves grow, among others, boletes, catharellus, and russulas; under the beech forests, hydnum and more russulas; in the birch groves, more boletes; around the pine forests, lactarius and more russulas and boletes. Saffron milk caps abound, and chanterelles and black trumpets are also common. Of the three queen mushrooms of the Iberian Peninsula, two are frequently found in Asturian lands: the Boletus edulis and the Caesar's mushroom (Amanita caesarea) . The only one not found there is the truffle.
Unlike other regions, in Asturias edible mushrooms can be gathered practically year-round . The season can begin in spring, in April , with the appearance of morels . Soon after, the spring mushrooms, or St. George's mushrooms , the most coveted and sought-after throughout the North, sprout. They begin to appear during the first days of March in the meadows near the coast and, as spring progresses, can also be collected in the central area and in the meadows of the Somiedo and Puerto Ventana mountain passes. In summer, we find chanterelles, various boletes, and russulas . In autumn , almost all species begin to fruit: boletes, lepistas, milk-caps, tricholomas, etc. In winter , although few, some mushrooms appear, such as the Flammulina velutipes.
The vast geography of the Principality of Asturias, along with its diverse habitats—mountains, forests, meadows, riverbanks—means that mushrooms appear everywhere. However, some areas are more conducive to mushroom picking and have a longer mycological tradition, primarily the Central and Western Mountains , and specifically municipalities like Mieres and Cangas de Narcea. The Redes and Somiedo Natural Parks and the Muniellos Forest are prime locations. Also noteworthy in western Asturias are the high inland municipalities of Boal, Illano, and Los Oscos. In the central-eastern area, the municipality of Piloña stands out, as well as all the surrounding municipalities of the Sierra del Sueve mountain range.
Mycological tourism
If our goal is mushroom tourism , we should be aware that there are good areas throughout Asturias, although we should always look in forests without eucalyptus trees, such as pine forests, high-altitude areas, or mixed forests. Other points are self-evident for true enthusiasts : go to the forest with wicker baskets or similar, never with plastic; bring a knife and a brush to clean the mushrooms in the field, as this keeps the spores in their environment and ensures the mushrooms arrive home clean; at all times, we must be respectful of nature, only picking the mushrooms we intend to eat. Last but not least: be cautious, have some prior knowledge, and never eat mushrooms unless we are absolutely certain they are edible.
If we are interested in a guided tour, we may need to contact "The Shiitake Forest" near the city of Oviedo.
Shiitake Forest
Our forest covers more than 5.000 m2 and is located in the rural area of Oviedo, with the humidity conditions… Read more
Despite its rich natural resources, the appreciation for mushrooms in Asturias is a relatively recent development . This is due to reasons linked to religion and ancient mythology that have persisted for centuries. The Asturians have always felt an aversion to mushrooms. This ancestral superstition was gradually corrected, and from the 80s onwards, mycological societies and specialists proliferated throughout the region. Furthermore, mushrooms have become fully integrated into the local cuisine : on their own, accompanying main regional dishes, or in new and enticing recipes that seek to enhance their primary flavors. The growing appreciation for mushrooms is clearly evident in the large number of events that feature them, including photographic exhibitions, special menus in restaurants, competitions, guided tours, and field trips.
Mycological associations of Asturias
Asturian Society of Mycology
They organize workshops and excursions to collect mushrooms. Registration on the phone 645 12 80 20
C / Tirso de Molina, 8. 33204 Gijón.
contacto@asturianademicologia.com
· Pañeda Nueva Mycological Society
Paneda, Siero. Tel: 985 92 06 83
La Pardina Mycological Association
C / La Vega, 32. 33600 Mieres. Phone 985 45 20 56
info@lapardina.com
Photo report by: Alex Badía
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
