The mushroom pope from Regensburg – edible mushrooms and their toxic doppelgangers
Every fourth mushroom poisoning is fatal
Amanita phalloides, the pale grebe, also known as the death cap, is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. In Germany, almost every fourth mushroom poisoning is fatal. Even small amounts of the deadly poison amatoxin can lead to liver and kidney damage if consumed. In most cases, the lethal dose for humans is about half a mushroom.
In the past, the death cap was often confused with the edible meadow mushroom or the straw mushroom. Even today, mushroom pickers are repeatedly poisoned by the inconspicuous mushroom. In order to prevent such accidents, the trained mushroom expert Hans-Otto-Wilhelm was appointed as a mushroom consultant by the city of Regensburg. He has been teaching people in the Bavarian city how to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms for over 30 years.
Mushroom consulting instead of mushroom control
In Germany, official mushroom inspectors hardly exist anymore. In Bavaria, only three cities still employ experts. The reason is that the mushroom trade has become much safer in recent years. Nowadays, almost all mushrooms are cultivated and no longer collected from the wild. As a result, the number of mushroom poisonings has decreased significantly. Nevertheless, there are still people who collect mushrooms on their own in forests and meadows. And that's where experts like Hans-Otto-Wilhelm come into play.
Wilhelm's task is to advise mushroom pickers on which mushrooms they can safely eat and which ones they should avoid. He does this through lectures, guided mushroom walks, and personal consultations. In total, he gives around 50 lectures a year. He also writes books and articles on the subject and is a member of various mushroom associations.
With all senses against poisoning
The most important thing when collecting mushrooms is to use all your senses, says Wilhelm. You shouldn't just rely on the appearance of a mushroom, but also pay attention to its smell, taste, and texture. If a mushroom smells like almonds, for example, it is most likely poisonous. The same applies to mushrooms that taste bitter or have a slimy texture.
Wilhelm also advises mushroom pickers to only collect mushrooms that they know. If you are not sure about a mushroom, it is better to leave it alone. It is also important to avoid collecting mushrooms in areas that are heavily polluted or have been treated with pesticides. Mushrooms can absorb harmful substances from the soil and become poisonous themselves.
What to do in case of mushroom poisoning
If you suspect that you have eaten a poisonous mushroom, it is important to seek medical help immediately. You can reach the Poison Control Center by dialing 112 in Germany. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the type of mushroom consumed. However, some common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. In severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to liver failure, kidney failure, and even death.
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