Among the moss and foliage, hidden in the semi-darkness of the forest, live the true locals: mushrooms. Their shapes, colors and abilities range from delicate and inconspicuous to bright and bizarre. They are architects of the forest floor and weave invisible networks, protect the soil, are recyclers of nature and silent partners of the trees. It is precisely this mixture of beauty, diversity and significance that makes them so fascinating for us. With our Respect the Locals-campaign, we are dedicating a collection to them, telling their stories - and showing how they should be treated with respect.
Mushrooms are much more than just a forest plant
In September, it's that time of year again: anyone who takes a walk through the forest will be familiar with the moment when a colorful mushroom cap peeks out from between the leaves. Anyone who thinks that mushrooms just sprout up out of the ground by chance after a wet rainy day is mistaken. Because mushrooms are oftenßand are actually important, silent motors of our ecosystems. The actual living organism, the mycelium, lies hidden in the soil, decomposing dead material, returning nutrients and creating a habitat for countless organisms. Without them, there would be neither fertile soil nor healthy forests.
Did you know...?
But mushrooms are not only indispensable for our forests, they are also true masters of adaptation and full of secrets. Some of them sound almost too incredible to be true. Did you know, for example, that ...
- the largeThe largest living creature in the world is a mushroom is? The Hallimasch in Oregon covers more than 9 square kilometers and is estimated to be 2,400 years old - some researchers even suspect it to be almost 8,000 years old. Here you can find out everything read it yourself.
- Cordyceps fungi specifically attack insects and take over their bodies in order to spread their spores optimally? They are also known as "zombie mushrooms" and were the inspiration for the game and series The Last of Us, which is available to stream on Sky.
- over 80 species of fungi glow in the dark? Researchers suspect that this is done to attract insects to spread spores.
- Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants? Their cell walls contain chitin, which is also found in insects.
- some species can break down plastic, oil or even concrete? An enormous potential for environmental and recycling projects - and therefore true circular artists.
- fungal spores can influence the weather? They act as condensation nuclei and can thus trigger rain formation.
- Mushrooms Medical all-rounder are? Penicillin comes from a mold, from a fungus.In addition, many species are being researched in cancer and immunotherapy.
These amazing properties show how versatile and valuable mushrooms are - for our forests, for science and for us humans. Precisely because they are so much more than just a pretty sight or an ingredient in the kitchen, they deserve special protection and respect.
Respect the locals - how to mushroom sustainably and respectfully
Mushrooms are an important part of the delicate balance in nature. Anyone picking mushrooms should therefore always put respect in their basket and walk through the forest with care. Our mushroom etiquette guide with 15 tips will help you to treat these fascinating forest dwellers respectfully, safely and sustainably:
- Be on the road early and leave after a rain, then the chances are greatestlargest.
- Keep a sufficient distance from other collectors and their sites - respect also applies to each other.
- Only collect species that you can identify with certainty.
- Destroy toxic and unhealthyedible fungi, because they also fulfill an important function in nature.
- Carefully twist out the mushroom or cut it off just above the ground and cover the area again to protect the mycelium.
- Harvest only as much as you really need, leave the rest for animals and the ecosystem.
- Don't leave any garbage in the forest, leave the place as you found it.
- Only use baskets for picking that ensure good ventilation - this is better for the mushrooms and the environment.
- Pay attention to protected areas and local collection rules, in many regions quantity or collection day restrictions apply.
- Do not eat raw mushrooms and have them checked by an official mushroom inspection body before preparation - a list of inspection bodies in your area can be found here.
- Do not rely on old household remedies such as silver spoon tests. Only experts can reliably identify fungi.
- Fresh mushrooms do not keep for long, so prepare and enjoy immediately if possible.ßen.
- Mushroom dishes can be reheated a second time if they are stored in the refrigerator and reheated well before eating.
- If you feel unwell after eating mushrooms, seek medical help immediately or contact the Swiss Toxicological Information Center (Tel. 145).
- And sometimes it is enough to simply look at, photograph or draw mushrooms - that is also a form of respect.
Enjoyment from the forest: recipes with Swiss mushrooms
If you pick mushrooms with respect, you will be rewarded with a special gift from nature, as they are versatile kitchen stars: whether fresh from the forest or from the market, mushrooms bring depth, flavor and a portion of forest magic to your plate. Here are a few ideas on how to turn your finds into delicious dishes:
- Chanterelle pan: Clean the chanterelles, sauté in butter with onions, season with parsley and salt. Goes well with pasta, potatoes or fresh bread.
- Porcini mushroom risotto: Soak the dried porcini mushrooms, mix with risotto rice, whiteCook with the white wine and vegetable stock, refine with Parmesan.
- Grilled oyster mushrooms: Marinate in olive oil, garlic and thyme, grill briefly - delicious with salads.
- Morel cream sauce: Soak the morels, sauté them with the shallots, add the cream and a little white wine.Boil down the sweet wine - perfect with spaetzli.
- Mushroom soup: Dice the mixed mushrooms, sauté with the onions, pour in the vegetable stock and cream.Blend and garnish with chives.
- Autumn mushroom casserole: Layer mixed mushrooms with potato slices, cream and cheese, bake in the oven until golden brown.
From morel to fly agaric - the stories on our shirts
Have you got a taste for mushrooms yet? If so, you can now wear them proudly on your clothes. With our new Mushroom collection we want to give these silent inhabitants of the forest a special stage and show how important it is to protect them. Just as with our tree projects, we combine design with a closeness to nature:
- The TreeShirt Mushroom with largelarge backprint shows 10 of the most beautiful mushrooms found in Switzerland - from the morel to the porcini mushroom, the chanterelle and the striking fly agaric.
- A patch shirt with a discreet, clear message of respect for nature.
- A limited edition mushroom knife with a stainless steel blade and walnut handle - perfect for sustainable foraging. Incidentally, this is only available exclusively from us at the TreeHouse in Aarau.
For every shirt sold, we plant a tree - and thus set an example for the protection of our nature, from the smallest mycelium to the largest tree.
Thanks to the silent helpers of the forest
At NIKIN, we usually plant trees and protect forests, but we believe that the quiet, often overlooked inhabitants of the forest deserve just as much attention. They connect, nourish, protect and maintain the balance in our ecosystems. For us, Respect the Locals also means respecting these silent helpers and giving them the space and respect they deserve. Meet them with open eyes and a respectful heart - whether in the forest or simply on your next walk.
FAQ - Picking mushrooms in Switzerland
When is the best time to pick mushrooms?
Depending on the species: morels in spring, chanterelles and porcini mushrooms in summer and the largest mushrooms in fall.ßselection, in winter oyster mushrooms and velvetßrübling.
Do I need a permit?
In Switzerland, mushroom picking is usually permitted, but there are restrictions on quantities and picking days depending on the canton or municipality. Always check the local rules in advance.
How do I recognize poisonous mushrooms?
Only with reliable identification or inspection by a specialist. If in doubt, leave it - there are poisonous species that look deceptively similar to edible mushrooms.
Can I eat mushrooms raw?
Many edible species are poisonous when raw. Always cook mushrooms thoroughly to break down toxic substances.
What to do in case of uncertainty?
If in doubt, do not harvest the mushrooms or have them checked by an official mushroom inspection body. The municipal administration can provide information about the nearest inspection body.
How do I pick mushrooms correctly?
Carefully twist out the mushrooms or cut them off just above the ground and cover the area again to protect the mycelium.
Am I allowed to pick mushrooms in nature reserves?
In many protected areas, collecting is prohibited or severely restricted. Observe local information boards and regulations.
How do I store fresh mushrooms?
Process freshly picked mushrooms as soon as possible. Store for a short time in an open paper bag in the fridge - not in plastic, otherwise they will spoil more quickly.
Can I dry or freeze mushrooms?
Yes, many species can be dried (e.g. porcini mushrooms) or blanched and frozen (e.g. chanterelles) to preserve them for longer.
Are all brightly colored mushrooms poisonous?
No, but many strongly colored species are ingenious.ßbar or poisonous. Color alone is not a reliable means of identification.
What to do in case of mushroom poisoning?
If symptoms occur after consumption, seek medical attention immediately or contact the Swiss Toxicological Information Center (Tel. 145).
