Foragers explore Edmonton’s river valley in search of fungi

A popular foraging class in Edmonton's river valley has wrapped up for the season. Participants learned about the many different kinds of wild mushrooms.

About a dozen people were scavenging through the river valley in Edmonton Sunday afternoon for a guided class on mushroom foraging.

Mel Hohn, vice president of the Alberta Mycology Society, said autumn is a great time of the year for fungi.

“There’s a huge variety throughout the season,” said Hohn. “If we’re going to be getting any more moisture in the season, we could be finding some really delicious ones.”

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The class included a presentation on the different kinds of fungi found in the area, a guided walk through of the river valley, baskets for collecting mushrooms, as well as a mushroom risotto demonstration and tasting.

“It’s amazing to be able to connect people to the food that grows often in the river valley,” said Hohn. “It is wonderful to give people the confidence to identify those finds and eat them.”

Hohn emphasized the importance of foraging safely.

“Not every mushroom is edible, and there are often characteristics that can be missed or mixed up with look-alikes that are not edible.”

Participants Maureen Brown and Kerrie Buckler said they spend a lot of time outdoors and have been curious about mushrooms.

“I grew up in the woods and I’ve always wanted to know what I can eat, what I can’t,” said Buckler, adding that she is now able to identify what’s good and what to avoid.

“It’s great to know that in the river valley, I can just go out and I can explore and discover things,” said Brown. “Just being able to find stuff you didn’t even know existed, it’s wonderful.”

Sunday marked the last class of the year, which is put on by YEG Cooking Classes by Sorrentino’s.

Chef instructor Antonio Tardi said it’s an exciting opportunity for himself and the participants.

“As a chef, I’m always in the kitchen, right?” Tardi told CTV News Edmonton. “Here you are, just in nature.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Marek Tkach