Russians advised not to pick mushrooms in cemeteries

Zones where mushroom picking is undesirable have been identified. The list was compiled by specialists from Rospotrebnadzor.

Thus, Russians were advised to refrain from picking mushrooms along railways and highways, because heavy metal salts may accumulate there in the sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises, and in cemeteries, because toxic elements may get into mushrooms in these places. It is also not recommended to pick mushrooms in the sanitary protection zone of industrial enterprises, the service specified, RIA Novosti reports.

It is important to collect mushrooms with stems, which can be used to distinguish them from their poisonous “twins”. It is advisable to collect them in a basket, since they spoil very quickly in a bucket or plastic bag. After collecting the mushrooms, it is better to immediately sort them by type and cook each type separately, without mixing. Experts also advise boiling the mushrooms for at least 10-15 minutes, then rinsing and then cooking at your discretion. Only porcini mushrooms, saffron milk caps and milk mushrooms can be used without boiling, experts say.