Finding mushrooms in Marly forest

Between bucolic strolls and moments of observation, picking in Marly forest becomes a real adventure, where every step reveals new gourmet treasures. But how do you tell which species are edible and which aren’t? What are the secrets of this historic forest that lends itself so well to harvesting? Follow us into the undergrowth of Marly for a gourmet and responsible stroll, to meet the mushrooms that make this forest so rich.

Marly forest An ideal playground

The Marly forest owes its lush vegetation to the many species that make it up, as well as more than fifty ponds that encourage the creation of ecological niches and the hatching of numerous species, including varieties… of mushrooms of course!

Yes, here too, you can take the whole family on wonderful walks all year round, on foot or by bike, and armed with a stick in autumn, to gently lift the leaves that hide so many treasures! Rich in oak, beech and chestnut trees, boletes and ceps will be the two species you’re most likely to come across on your way.

Get your children involved during this family mushroom picking in Marly Forest. They’ll find it easier to slip into the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies at the foot of the hundred-year-old trees and, why not, find a Wood Hen or a Sheep’s-foot! But be sure to keep an eye out for edible mushrooms, how to harvest them and what you can do to protect the environment while you’re out on your wildest quest!

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Cèpes, Coulemelles, Girolles and Bolets, Where can you pick them up in the forest?

The cep likes shady, moss-rich areas. They are often found under pine, oak and beech trees. The coulemelle, on the other hand, thrives in bright areas, on the edge of woods, in grasses or near shrubs. The girolle, which is rarer in the region, loves coniferous and deciduous trees, often near water. The boletus is mainly found under oak trees, sometimes under chestnut and beech trees.

In the Marly forest, the best mushroom spots are around the Route des Princesses (next to the horticultural college) and near the Porte Dauphine forest house. Chestnuts are also prolific in the area, and they go very well with mushrooms, whether in a pie, gratin, stuffing or just pan-fried.

The right equipment for mushroom picking

For effective mushroom picking, whether you’re on your own, in a twosome or with the family, you need to be well equipped!

A good pair of boots.
And yes, mushrooms rarely grow in dry weather, so the ground suitable for growing these species is often damp or even muddy.
A sharp knife.
In order to free the base of the mushroom stem, which may have a volva, an indication that it is probably an amanita and that great care must be taken, since most deadly mushrooms are amanites.
A wicker basket.
Or any other material but definitely not plastic, as the latter, as well as not being environmentally friendly, damages the mushrooms and mixes them, making them harder to determine.
One or more tea towels.
A camera and a notebook.So you don’t forget anything about your mycological experiences and knowledge as you explore the forests of Ile-de-France!

The mushroom guide to put in your pocket
In our shops you will be able to purchase the “Practical Guide to Mushrooms” (published by Gisserot) for €7.90.
Inside you will find all the information essential for harvesting, determining and, of course, the toxicity of mushrooms. Classified by physical characteristics, species and level of edibility, each presentation of a mushroom is accompanied by an explanatory diagram, and also by three criteria indicating:
the habitat and the season of appearance; characteristics specific to the species, its shape, its smell, its changes of state; and finally its culinary interest, or its toxicity.
However, the best remains to be accompanied by an expert or mycologist. The latter will give you all the advice and best practices for harvesting and eating mushrooms.
To avoid unpleasant surprises as much as possible and minimise the risk of poisoning, always remember to:
choose firm mushrooms,
separate species,
wash your hands thoroughly,
check your harvest before eating,
cook your mushrooms thoroughly,
or keep a piece of each species of mushroom so that it can be easily identified by an expert in the event of poisoning.
The Association des Amis de la Forêt de Marly et Saint-Germain counts among its members many people qualified for good mushroom picking. Don’t hesitate to call on them and sign up for their next walk!

Walks responsible and committed
Mushrooms, like all living creatures, need to be protected from overly aggressive human activity. When picking mushrooms, it is important to respect your environment and all its inhabitants as much as possible.
Think about practising sensible mushroom picking when you go to the Saint-Germain or Marly forests.
You must absolutely avoid using tools that destroy the mycelium, such as hooks or rakes. Also avoid trampling too much around the mushrooms. This compacts the soil and complicates their development. And of course, never crush a mushroom. Even if they are deadly, mushrooms, like all living creatures, have a role to play in the surrounding ecosystem.
When it comes to picking mushrooms, never pick young species, which help them to reproduce. As for species that are too old, they can be dangerous to eat.
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Mushrooms in Marly forest
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