The optimal season for picking the famed korvasieni mushroom has begun in the Oulu area. Arttu Rauhala, the president of the Oulu Mushroom Society, says he picked the first mushrooms of the season on May 4, near the Sanginjoki River. Last year, he found the first korvasieni of the year, technically Gyromitra esculenta – a type of false morel, from the exact same spot.
“There were already some mushrooms there on the first of May, so the season began a little early this year,” explains Rauhala.
The season is reaching its peak in Oulu quicker than in many other areas like Kainuu, for example, due to speedy snow-melt this spring.
“The next couple of weeks are the sweetest time to pick false morels in the Oulu area. There’s an old saying that says ‘the morels rise when the birches sprout new leaves’ ”, quotes Rauhala.
Editor’s note: Gyromitra esculenta is deadly poisonous unless properly prepared; would-be mushroomers should consult an expert before picking false morels for culinary purposes.
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