How To Tell Poisonous Mushrooms Apart From Edible Ones?
One safe and scientific method to identify mushrooms is the spore print test. To perform this, the cap of the mushroom is cut and placed face-down on white paper or glass. After a few hours, the mushroom releases its spores. If the spore print is white, the mushroom could belong to the Amanita species, which includes the deadly Death Cap Mushroom. This species is extremely poisonous, and its consumption can be fatal. With growing awareness, many rural communities have started using this method for safer identification. (News18 Hindi)
3/6
In addition to this, some experienced villagers in Bageshwar use basic chemical tests at home. By applying a drop of ammonia or potassium hydroxide (KOH) to the mushroom's surface, they check for a sudden colour change (such as blue, green, or yellow), which may indicate toxicity. While this method isn't foolproof, it helps with initial identification. Paying attention to the mushroom's smell and juice can also provide useful clues. (News18 Hindi)
Folklore in Uttarakhand about mushrooms can be misleading. Sayings like "poisonous mushrooms are avoided by mongooses" or "camels don't eat poisonous mushrooms" are not rooted in science and can be dangerous. Just because an animal avoids or consumes something doesn't make it safe or unsafe for humans. Some toxic mushrooms look completely harmless, making scientific testing or expert guidance the only reliable ways to identify them. (News18 Hindi)
If you're collecting mushrooms in the forests of Uttarakhand, always consult a knowledgeable local or a botany expert. In places like Bageshwar, several villagers have years of experience distinguishing between edible and toxic varieties. Never consume unknown mushrooms based solely on appearance. Children and elderly individuals should be especially cautious, as hospitals frequently report mushroom poisoning cases during the monsoon. (News18 Hindi)
During the rainy season, mushrooms commonly grow in the forests of Bageshwar and surrounding areas. While some varieties are delicious, others can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, liver failure, or even death. Always rely on clear identification, testing, and expert advice before consuming wild mushrooms. Even a small mistake can lead to fatal consequences, better safe than sorry. (News18 Hindi)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Mushroom poisoning kills 4 women in 1 week in Kumaon
Nainital: A 23-year-old woman from Ranikhet died during treatment for mushroom poisoning, marking the fourth such death in Kumaon within a week. The woman had consumed wild mushrooms some days ago with her husband. Both fell ill that night with vomiting and diarrhoea and were hospitalised for three days. But while the husband survived, she died. Dr Arun Joshi, principal of Susheela Tiwari Hospital in Haldwani where the woman was being treated, said: "The patient's lungs were infected, electrolyte balance was severely disrupted, and respiratory system had collapsed. Despite efforts, she couldn't be saved." On July 13, renowned folk singer Ganesh Martolia's sister, Diya, and their grandmother, Kunti Devi, died in Munsyari after eating a similar variety of wild mushrooms. That same day, a woman from Kuwari village in Bageshwar district also succumbed to mushroom poisoning. In response to the deaths in Munsyari, a three-member expert committee was formed on Thursday to submit a fact-based report within 48 hours, following directions from Dr Sunita Tamta, director general of medical health and family welfare. The probe will examine treatment protocols, referral timing, and lapses if any. Tamta warned that negligence or violations would lead to strict disciplinary action. Health experts have expressed concern over the rising number of such poisonings. Senior physician Dr M S Dugtal stressed the importance of public awareness. "Early intervention is critical. If vomiting is induced promptly and the patient reaches hospital within 3 to 4 hours, chances of survival increase. Delays drastically reduce that," he said. Dr Lalit Tewari, botany professor at Kumaun University, said that wild mushrooms contain lethal toxins that can cause liver or kidney failure, seizures, coma, or death, sometimes within hours. Most foragers lack formal training, and traditional knowledge isn't always reliable. Toxins like amatoxins present in Amanita mushrooms have no antidote and may show symptoms only after 6 to 24 hours, further delaying treatment. "Buy mushrooms from trusted sources, avoid unidentified varieties, spread awareness through schools and health workers, and never rely on home remedies in poisoning cases," he advised.
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
How To Tell Poisonous Mushrooms Apart From Edible Ones?
1/6 One safe and scientific method to identify mushrooms is the spore print test. To perform this, the cap of the mushroom is cut and placed face-down on white paper or glass. After a few hours, the mushroom releases its spores. If the spore print is white, the mushroom could belong to the Amanita species, which includes the deadly Death Cap Mushroom. This species is extremely poisonous, and its consumption can be fatal. With growing awareness, many rural communities have started using this method for safer identification. (News18 Hindi) 3/6 In addition to this, some experienced villagers in Bageshwar use basic chemical tests at home. By applying a drop of ammonia or potassium hydroxide (KOH) to the mushroom's surface, they check for a sudden colour change (such as blue, green, or yellow), which may indicate toxicity. While this method isn't foolproof, it helps with initial identification. Paying attention to the mushroom's smell and juice can also provide useful clues. (News18 Hindi) Folklore in Uttarakhand about mushrooms can be misleading. Sayings like "poisonous mushrooms are avoided by mongooses" or "camels don't eat poisonous mushrooms" are not rooted in science and can be dangerous. Just because an animal avoids or consumes something doesn't make it safe or unsafe for humans. Some toxic mushrooms look completely harmless, making scientific testing or expert guidance the only reliable ways to identify them. (News18 Hindi) If you're collecting mushrooms in the forests of Uttarakhand, always consult a knowledgeable local or a botany expert. In places like Bageshwar, several villagers have years of experience distinguishing between edible and toxic varieties. Never consume unknown mushrooms based solely on appearance. Children and elderly individuals should be especially cautious, as hospitals frequently report mushroom poisoning cases during the monsoon. (News18 Hindi) During the rainy season, mushrooms commonly grow in the forests of Bageshwar and surrounding areas. While some varieties are delicious, others can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, liver failure, or even death. Always rely on clear identification, testing, and expert advice before consuming wild mushrooms. Even a small mistake can lead to fatal consequences, better safe than sorry. (News18 Hindi)
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
Karela Recipe: Try This Bitter Gourd Dish For A Delicious Blend Of Taste And Health
In addition to its popular uses, bitter gourd is also used to make kalonji, a delicious dish that brings both taste and wellness to your plate. This dish, though lesser-known in some households, is packed with spices and can be prepared without much effort. (News18 Hindi) 3/7 Kalonji made from bitter gourd is among the tastiest preparations of this vegetable. It can be cooked easily at home with basic ingredients found in most kitchens. To make kalonji, you'll need bitter gourds and a mix of traditional Indian spices. (News18 Hindi)
