Mushroom Foraging in Germany

For many, the idea of gathering wild mushrooms may be novel, but in Germany, mushroom foraging (Pilzsammelung) is a beloved autumn activity. As the leaves start to fall, forests and woodlands across Germany become popular foraging spots. But this enjoyable pastime comes with some risks. Here’s a guide to foraging mushrooms safely in Germany, the dangers to watch out for, and how to handle any mishaps

When to Forage

In Germany, mushroom foraging season generally runs from late summer through autumn, with the peak occurring between September and October. During this time, the moist, cooler weather creates ideal growing conditions for a variety of edible mushrooms. However, it’s also important to avoid overharvesting and respect Germany’s strict conservation laws.

Understanding the Risks

Germany’s forests are home to many edible species, but they also contain several toxic ones.
Some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties, making them difficult to identify accurately without experience.
The consequences of consuming a toxic mushroom can be severe, with symptoms ranging from nausea to life-threatening organ damage.

Mushroom Poisoning

If you unknowingly consume a toxic mushroom, symptoms can appear within minutes to several hours after ingestion.
Common symptoms include:

01 Nausea and vomiting

02 Diarrhea

03 Stomach pain

04 Dizziness

05 Sweating

06 Visual disturbances

Some of the most dangerous toxins cause delayed symptoms that affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, so it’s essential to act quickly if you suspect poisoning. Do not give the affected person anything to eat or drink without medical advice. Do not induce vomiting, give milk, or administer saltwater under any circumstances.

What to Do in Case of Poisoning

Seek Immediate Medical Help

Head to the nearest emergency room or call Germany's emergency number (112) if symptoms appear after consuming mushrooms. Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen.

Keep Mushroom Samples

If possible, save a sample of the mushroom you consumed, as this will help doctors identify the toxin and provide appropriate treatment.

Contact Poison Control

Germany’s Poison Information Center (Giftnotruf) can provide immediate assistance. They can be reached at +49 30 19240

Where to Find Safe Information and Get Mushrooms Checked

Before setting out, familiarise yourself with the types of mushrooms common in your region. German authorities and organizations often publish seasonal guides, with detailed pictures and descriptions of mushrooms found in local forests. Some useful resources include:

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie (DGfM): The German Mycological Society offers resources and educational events on mushroom identification.
Local Mycologists and Certified Mushroom Consultants (Pilzsachverständiger): Certified consultants are located throughout Germany and can provide guidance on identifying mushrooms. Check the DGfM’s website for a list of qualified experts.
Local Forest Rangers: Many forests have rangers or information centres that can offer advice on mushroom foraging.

Safe Foraging Tips

Forage with a Guide: Beginners should consider joining a guided foraging tour or an event run by mycology groups or local experts.
Follow the Rule of Three: If you’re not completely sure, don’t consume it. Only collect edible mushrooms you can identify with certainty.
Respect German Conservation Laws: In most public forests, foraging is allowed for personal use only (up to about 1 kg per person), and picking endangered species is prohibited.
Use a Basket, Not a Bag: When collecting, use a basket rather than a plastic bag, as this allows mushrooms to breathe and keeps them fresher.
Cut or Twist? It doesn’t matter whether mushrooms are cut or twisted out. However, it is recommended to remove mushrooms carefully from the ground, as the base of the stem often has important features that would otherwise remain in the forest, such as the volva (sack of tissue at the base) of the Death Cap mushroom

There are countless South African products that can be conveniently purchased online today.
In those rare instances where you can’t find what you’re looking for in Germany, worry not, because there are plenty of excellent substitutes available that you can consider.
We have taken the liberty of compiling a list of these substitute suggestions for you, along with some helpful German translations.

Meat

German meat cuts are different from those in South Africa. South Africa tends to follow the British way of cutting meat.Below is a explanation of the German Beef Cuts German beef cuts Rinderhals, Kamm or Nacken (Chuck steak) Querrippe (Short ribs) Rinderbrust (Brisket) Hochrippe or Fehlrippe (Standing rib roast) Vorderrippe or

Fish

Rewe has a very good page about seafood. Where to buy fish and seafood If you would like to buy seafood or fish online try the following online shops: FrischeParadies Shop Fischkaufhaus Mein Bauernhof – direct from farmers in your region. Beef, Lamb, Veal, Chicken and Fish. Also milk, eggs and

Substitutes – Drinks

Looking for Milo, Horlicks, Frisco, Ricoffy or Lime Cordial? We compiled a searchable list of substitutes for some of the popular hot and cold drinks loved by South Africans Related content Where to buy South African products

Substitutes – Other Products

Here is a list of substitutes and translations for general food and kitchen items like cling film, maize meal, custard and biscuits Related content Where to buy South African products

Frozen products

Here is a list of suggestions for ready-made pasty (dough) products and some translations. Related content Inspiration

Baking ingredients

For all of the passionate bakers out there! We have thoughtfully compiled a comprehensive list of alternative ingredient options that can be used for baking in Germany, along with their corresponding German translations. More information about Flour types Ash Protein US UK German ~0.4% ~9% pastry flour soft

Types of Sugars

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Dairy substitutes

Here is a list of suggestions for dairy products, as well as some translations. You can also read more on Rewe’s site Related content

Spices and Herbs

Here is a list of the most common spices and herbs with their Afrikaans, English and German names Spices Afrikaans English German Borrie Turmeric die Kurkuma Komyn Cumin der Kreuzkümmel Peper Pepper der Pfeffer Neutmuskaat Nutmeg die Muskatnuss Naeltjies Clove die Nelke Wonderpeper Allspice der Piment Herbs Afrikaans English German

Buying South African Products

SA Food Store

We believe that our South African communities in Europe should have convenient and affordable access to all their favourite South African products, no matter where they are based. So, we have brought together a group of South African expats who are searching for flavours of home. We are proud to

Sonja Kohlöffel – Gem Squash

Gem Squash tastes just like home Postal orders 6kg total cost for postage and packaging is 20€ Collections in either Ulm or Bad Waldsee cost 5kg is 10€ Please email sonjakohloffel@gmail.com with orders by no later than close of business on Fridays Orders will be sent out on Monday morning.

Outer Africa

Restaurant and shop Here you will find the best of what the amazing and intriguing continent of Africa has to offer – in particular from the Rainbow nation of South Africa (our homeland!!). From a huge selection of professional wildlife photographs, to ornaments, jewellery and home decor items, and from traditional food to tribal handcrafts, we have it all

Saffa Shop

A variety of South African products Home made biltong, boerewors, droëwors and chilli bites. Lamb chops. Maize Meal and Samp Maltabella, Jungle Oats, Kreemymeelm and ProNutro Rooibos, Five Roses, Ricoffy, Frisco and Milo Alcoholic drinks like Klipdrift Brandy, JC le Roux, Sedgwick’s Old Brown, Savanna, Hunter’s, Lion Lager and many

Die Spens

Die Spens shop is situated next to the A1 in Amersfoort, easily reachable from all over The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Come and have a look at all the well known South African favourites, like Mrs Balls Chutney, Sparletta Creme Soda, Simba Ghost Pops, Ouma Rusks, Koo Sweetcorn, Iwisa Maize

South African Recipes

Click here to submit your recipe Seasonal recipes Resources on the web Ina Paarman Pinterest – on the Braai Jan Braai Watertand resepte vir oud en jonk Cape Malay Cooking with Fatima Sydow Boerekos Related pages

German Cuisine and Recipes

Many describe German food as hearty and comforting, often based on filling ingredients like potatoes and bread. Yet, German cuisine has a refined side—”sehr fein”—and Germany is home to some of the finest bakeries in the world. With over 300 types of bread and more than 1,200 varieties of bread rolls

Shopping

Shopping in Germany can be a daunting experience if you are not familiar with how things work here. The worst is probably grocery shopping. In South Africa there is usually someone at the till that bags your groceries for you. It is mostly a relaxed experience and you can even

Peppermint Crisp tart is a beloved South African dessert of which the origins can be traced back to the 1970s The dessert quickly gained popularity for its unique combination of flavours and textures.
The Peppermint Crisp tart consists of layers of crunchy biscuits, whipped cream mixed with caramelised condensed milk and Peppermint crisp, and a generous sprinkling of grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate on top.
The dessert is a staple at family gatherings, braais (barbecues), and special occasions across South Africa.
Over the years, the Peppermint Crisp tart has become an iconic dessert in South African cuisine, with many variations and adaptations to suit different tastes. It has also gained a cult following among locals and visitors alike, who appreciate its refreshing taste and nostalgic appeal. Today, the Peppermint Crisp tart continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many South Africans, serving as a reminder of shared memories and traditions. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of South African cooks and the love for this sweet and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

500 ml whipping cream (Schlagsahne)
2 packets of Tennis biscuits
A tin (around 375 g) of caramelised condensed milk
150g Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars
3-4 drops of peppermint essence if you like

Method

Remove the chocolate bars from their wrappers and place them into a plastic bag.
Using a rolling pin or similar, crush up the chocolates in the bag. – See notes on substitutes, it might be better to grate your substitute.
Place the caramel in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks.
Add the peppermint essence to the caramelised condensed milk
Fold in the cream
Add 100g of the Peppermint Crisp and mix it well
Place a layer of tennis biscuits in a buttered dish ( 30 x 20 x 5 cm). Make sure you cover the bottom of the whole dish.
Spoon ⅓ of the caramel mix over the biscuits and spread evenly.
Continue in layers, finishing with a layer of caramel mix on top.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Decorate by sprinkling the remainder of the peppermint crisp on top.

Ingredient substitutes

Peppermint crisp

Peppermint Crisp is made by Nestle, and is a chocolate bar bar filled with a multitude of thin cylinders of mint-flavoured ‘cracknel’ (which is a brittle crystalline/sugar concoction extruded in fine hollow tubes). In south Africa you get them in 49 grams and 150 grams. Marabou Mint Krokant, Aero mint or any mint flavoured chocolate can be used as a substitute. Online shops selling South African products normally stock Peppermint Crisp. Another option is to add 5 – 10 ml peppermint or spearmint extract to the mixture, together with a Cadbury flake type of chocolate. Depending on the substitute you use, either crush or roughly grate the chocolate
Tennis biscuits

Tennis biscuits are thin square coconut tea biscuits, the best alternative in Germany is Leibniz Butterkekse, although it does not contain coconut

Caramel Treat

Caramelised Condensed Milk can be found in most major shops, look in the dairy or international sections. Make sure it contains sugar (gezukert) for example “Karamell Kondesnmilch erzeugnis gezuckert
Orley Whip

Some recipes call for Orley Whip, you can easily substitute it with another non-dairy cream, or with normal whipping or even double cream. Go for at least 30% fat.

Resources on the web

Click here to submit your recipe

South African Recipes

Click here to submit your recipe Seasonal recipes Resources on the web Ina Paarman Pinterest – on the Braai Jan Braai Watertand resepte vir oud en

Substitutes – Other Products

Here is a list of substitutes and translations for general food and kitchen items like cling film, maize meal, custard and biscuits Related content

Dairy substitutes

Here is a list of suggestions for dairy products, as well as some translations. You can also read more on Rewe’s site Related content

Homemade Lemon Juice

Ingredients

Lemons
Sugar
Sterilised Bottles

Method

Squeeze as many lemons as you like.
Pour the juice through a sieve to catch the seeds and pulp.
Mix the squeezed lemon juice 1:1 with sugar.
Stir until all the sugar is dissolved. It’s best to leave it overnight to make sure the sugar is dissolved.
Pour into sterilised glass bottles.

To drink, mix a little of the lemon juice with cold water and enjoy it on a hot summer day.

Recipe submitted by Linda Wessels

Foodies

Mushroom Foraging in Germany

When to Forage

Understanding the Risks

Mushroom Poisoning

01

Nausea and vomiting

02

Diarrhea

03

Stomach pain

04

Dizziness

05

Sweating

06

Visual disturbances

What to Do in Case of Poisoning

Seek Immediate Medical Help

Keep Mushroom Samples

Contact Poison Control

Where to Find Safe Information and Get Mushrooms Checked

Safe Foraging Tips

Related posts

Buying South African Products

Related content

Ingredients

Method

Ingredient substitutes

Resources on the web

Click here to submit your recipe

Related content

Homemade Lemon Juice

Ingredients

Method

Related content