Golden Opportunity for Chanterelles After the Rain

Mushroom enthusiasts can already head to the forest, as the rainy summer has triggered an unusually early start to the season.

"It's a good beginning," says mushroom expert Michael Krikorev.

After rain comes sunshine—and, with a bit of luck, mushrooms. A week or two after substantial downpours, mushrooms thrive. The soil needs to be moist about five centimeters deep, according to Michael Krikorev, a mycologist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

"In rainy years, you can pick mushrooms all summer long."

The chanterelle, one of Sweden's most popular edible mushrooms, grows well during rainy summers. In contrast, porcini mushrooms prefer warm and dry weather.

Early Season

The peak season for mushroom picking is usually in August and September, with some variations depending on the region.

"The season has started a bit earlier than usual because of the heavy rains. Chanterelles have begun to appear and are being picked in several parts of the country," says Michael Krikorev.

For those heading out to forage, a breathable basket is recommended for storing mushrooms. Avoid plastic bags, as they can become damp and stuffy. A GPS on your phone, or a map and compass, is also useful.

Opinions on how to pick mushrooms vary.

"Some believe it's unethical to pick very small chanterelles. This debate arises every year, with some arguing that the tiny ones should be left to grow. But generally, you don't harm the mushrooms, as they exist in the ground year-round," says Michael Krikorev.

Don't Take Chances

The most important advice? Only pick mushrooms if you are 100% sure they are edible and cook them properly.

Michael Krikorev's favorite mushrooms include saffron milk caps and wine caps. He also advocates for the blood bolete—a firm and fine mushroom that rarely gets infested and is excellent in soups.

"The blood bolete looks quite intimidating with its blood-red stem. When cut, it quickly turns blue-green or blue-black. It used to be frightening, but now it's gaining more attention."

How the rest of the mushroom season will unfold is too early to predict. The ground can dry up quickly if it doesn't rain enough. Usually, forecasts can be made a couple of weeks in advance.

"It's like predicting the weather," says Michael Krikorev.