Altai Krai's mushroom hunters race to gather peak-season morels

Altai Krai's mushroom hunters race to gather peak-season morels

Patricia Martinez
Patricia Martinez•
• 1 Min.
A morel mushroom growing on the forest floor among plants, dried leaves, and twigs.

Altai Krai's mushroom hunters race to gather peak-season morels

Mushroom hunters in Altai Krai have begun their seasonal harvest, with a focus on morels and false morels. The region’s foragers are now sharing their finds online as the picking season reaches its peak. Morels are currently at their most abundant, drawing hunters into the forests. While good specimens can still be found, they appear more frequently in dense thickets or near water sources. The dry conditions this year have left some mushrooms shrivelled, according to local reports.

Foragers are connecting through the *Mushrooms and Foragers of Altai Krai* community on VK to exchange tips and locations. False morels, which are toxic when raw, must be thoroughly cooked before eating. In contrast, true morels require only minimal preparation to be safe for consumption.

The harvest continues as hunters navigate the dry forest conditions. Proper cooking remains essential, especially for false morels, to avoid health risks. The season’s progress is being closely tracked by the region’s growing foraging community.

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