Picking mushrooms and herbs is a field that has become popular in recent years, also in Israel. Yula Vilozheni, the chairman of the wild mushroom association, explains that in Israel there are several types of dangerous and toxic mushrooms, such as the “artist of death” mushroom, which, according to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the cause of most mushroom-related deaths around the world According to Vilozheni, this is a fairly rare mushroom that grows mainly in the Golan Heights, and in rare cases it can also be found in the Carmel region. “This type of mushroom is extremely dangerous, it can lead to poisoning even through hand contact. Symptoms of poisoning from this mushroom include: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and even serious and dangerous damage to the liver and kidneys that can lead to death.”
Another poisonous mushroom, which is actually common in Israel, is ‘Amanita proxima’, or in Hebrew ‘false artist’. “This mushroom appears with the first rain all over the country, among other things in the forests of Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, the Carmel area and the north,” notes Vilozheni. According to her, every year several cases of poisoning occur as a result of eating this mushroom, sometimes due to the fact that its appearance resembles another type of mushroom that is not poisonous.
Go picking – only accompanied by experts in the field
On the other hand, she explains that during the summer, a poisonous mushroom known as ‘summer leaf green’, which is common in grass, open areas, fields and yards, is especially noticeable. “This mushroom resembles the well-known champignon mushroom in appearance, and therefore may confuse those who come across it.” She states that symptoms of poisoning as a result of eating it include: abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea and the main concern is dehydration.
Vilozheni emphasizes that there are other types of poisonous mushrooms in Israel, so do not touch them and especially do not eat unfamiliar mushrooms. “If you see a mushroom in the field, you must first verify what type it is,” she clarifies. Also, she recommends going out to pick mushrooms only accompanied by experts in the field. “Nowadays there are quite a few tours accessible to the general public organized by the association or private guides. Also, there are large Facebook groups for mushroom lovers that include detailed explanations about each type and species, and you can also use them.” In any case where you suspect that you have eaten a dangerous mushroom, she clarifies that you should immediately seek medical treatment.