Finland Times

 

Rufous milk-cap (Lactarius rufus) in the forest. Photo Lehtikuva.

The mushroom season usually falls in August-September, but now different types of mushroom can be picked as early as July.

 

“I myself enjoy breakfast of Lactarius rufus collected from the summer cottage yard on top of toasted bread. I have found some Lactarius trivialis too,” said Kauko Salo, a senior researcher at the Natural Resources Institute Finland-Luke, standing in front of his summer cottage located in the Savonselkä beach, South Savonia on Thursday.

 

According Salo, the conditions during the summer have facilitated the growth of mushrooms.

 

Mushroom thriving on tree roots have received sugar thanks to the growth of trees.

 

Rainfall has also been suitable for mushroom growth.

 

“Humus dries easily and so the mushrooms do not need heat. Indeed, it never rains too much in Finland so as to have an effect on the mushrooms. Humus also absorbs excess water,” Salo explained.

 

Salo had not spotted mushrooms which fare well in cool conditions in his cottage, since they are adapted to cool climate.

 

“Temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius is of course optimal,” Salo said.

 

“Indeed, for example, chanterelles are still small,” said Salo, adding that they should be given time to grow.

 

The blueberry harvest has also been bumper this summer. Salo encouraged combined picking of blueberries and mushrooms in the same landscape.

 

Chantarelles (Cantharellus cibarius) in the forest. Photo Lehtikuva.

Lactarius trivialis and birch-chanterelle can be found in spruce forests.

 

According to Salo, the commercial value of wild berries and mushrooms is worth a hundred million euros. Mushrooms accounts for about a third of this figure.