FORGET THE BASKET! A MUSHROOM WEIGHING OVER 25 KILOS APPEARS IN VALLOMBROSA

A mushroom weighing more than 25 kilos. Read that again: it is not the weight of the whole harvest. It is one Meripilus specimen found near Vallombrosa by Tiziana and Valter Cammilli, two keen mushroom hunters. A find they will not forget in a hurry!

A surprise in the woods of Vallombrosa

Twenty-five kilos of mushroom: you would need more than a little basket! Its size alone makes Tiziana and Valter’s find special. A woodland giant to marvel at, without needing to call it a world record.

The giant shows off

The specimen was exhibited at the mycological exhibition of Castagno d'Andrea, on the occasion of the ballottata organized by the association Il Paese sulla Collina Sara Cerrini. An opportunity to observe it closely and, above all, to approach the mushrooms with the help of those who study them.

Beautiful to look at. To eat? Decides the mycologist

When such news appears, you want to put your boots on and leave. First, however, a concrete rule: an article or a photograph cannot tell us if a collected mushroom is edible. The Ministry of Health invites you not to rely on recognition apps or social reviews based only on images.

The reference are the mycological inspectorates of ASL, where qualified personnel also controls mushrooms brought by private citizens. Contact the territory service to find out how and when to present the harvest. The name Meripilus, here, tells the discovery: it is not an invitation to consumption.

Into the forest you enter by guests

The Ministry's indications also remind us not to destroy the specimens considered poisonous: they have a role in the environment. For collection, check the local arrangements before leaving. And if you just want to walk, photograph and observe, the basket can stay at home.

Do you want another autumn wonder? Look at the woods that change color ↗ and prepare one night with the Orionides ↗.