I stopped after work for a quick peek incase the white matsutake mushrooms were starting to fruit in my favorite spot. There were a few boletes and gypsy mushrooms so I suspected this was still a bit early for white matsutake as gypsy mushrooms mostly are gone by the time white matsutake starts, but I was surprised to find a few small white matsutakes already up.
A deer must have nibbled the top of this young white matsutake but was unable to pull the deep stem out from the ground, I needed to patiently wiggle the stem free myself and the below photo is this mushroom removed from the soil.
I Should find some of the larger version of white matsutake arriving in these woods in coming weeks.
Here is a photo of the white matsutake part of my basket and the other half will be shown in a little while.
ciao
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Awesome shots. A walk through the woods with you is an education. Keep em coming.
Thanks mobius, you bring forth so much for us here, amazing images and interesting topics and music as well. Things that frequently create a joyous pause. Thank you for sharing these with us.
Hello, I live in Nova Scotia where I have been informed of these mushrooms. We have found 2… What is the best time to pick them and until when?
Hi Paulette, Some good areas keep producing fruiting white matsutake mushrooms from early Oct to Nov and even later if the weather permits. Often though you may only get one fruiting period lasting a few days. This weekend should be one of the best times to gather white matsutakes in at least much of central and northern mainland NS unless it gets to cold, if that is the case there will be a slight delay. Cape Breton and the south shore and also North mountain area could be different as I haven’t collected in those areas and they may start later and could end later as well. The colder regions should fruit earlier as a rule. ciao