The head of the Botanics department of the Latvian National Museum of Natural History, mycologist Inita Dāniele told LSM.lv that because mushrooms breed with spores and have no roots, they don't necessarily need to be cut. Mushrooms can also be removed from the surface, but it must be done very carefully so as not to damage the surface of the soil.
Removal without cutting can also help to distinguish mushrooms, because often the specific characteristics of the fungus are visible directly in the stem part, and this is the best way to make sure that the fungus is not poisonous, Dāniele said. On the other hand, a cut-off fungus will have fewer adherent soil particles.
It is up to the mushroomer to decide which way is most comfortable for them, as none of the actions will harm the mushroom, said the mycologist.
This article was first published on LSM on August 7, 2023.
