Goričko is also a very attractive place for mushroom gatherers. The mixed forests of conifers and deciduous trees, primarily beech, white beech, oak, spruce, red pine and chestnut, have over the centuries created excellent soil for several types of mushroom. Almost all central European types of mushroom are represented here, in the autumn over 300 varieties and a further 100 throughout the rest of the year. Since the soil is mainly loamy and acidic with nearly no limestone, silica sand and silicic acid are predominant, while other chemical elements are found in comparatively small quantities, such that there are many more edible species than poisonous, conditionally edible and inedible ones. With suitable temperature and humidity conditions they grow from winter to late autumn.

The most common examples are: cortinarius, macrolepiota, agaricus, russula, lacktarius, tricholoma, lepista, clitocybe, hygrophorus, coprinus, hygrocybe, hypholoma, inocybe, lyophyllum, armillaria, boletus, leccinum, suillus, cantharellus, craterellus, ramaria, hydnum, lycoperdon.

As elsewhere in Slovenia people are allowed to pick two kilograms of mushrooms or five kilograms of agaric mushrooms. Since purchase and exports are regulated, it is forbidden to pick more than 70 species of mushrooms.

Of course we all know the common-sense advice: never pick mushrooms which you don't know, do not let children eat wild mushrooms, if there is any trouble seek medical help immediately. When gathering mushrooms do not interfere with other visitors and inhabitants of the forest and watch out for ticks, therefore wear appropriate clothing and protection.

Milan Kelhar