Gathering Four Specific Species of Edible Mushrooms Prohibited for Belarusians
Catch This! The Insider's Guide on Picking Prohibited Mushrooms in Belarus
If you're a fan of mushroom foraging in Belarus, beware! A new update to the Red Book of Belarus, released in March 2025, has some surprising changes that might cost you more than just a tasty meal.
Here are the 'forbidden' mushrooms you'll want to steer clear of:
- The Brown-Stemmed Chestnut Mushroom - It's not your simple white mushroom, folks. Its stem is browner and it's often hollow or filled with cavities. Once considered top-notch, this mushroom is now off-limits due to the significant fines that come with collecting it.
- The Elusive Black Chanterelle (Vorochnyk ryzhkovidnyy) - It may not be as common as its yellow counterpart, but it's just as scrumptious. However, don't put it in your basket anymore, as it's prohibited due to the fine that awaits.
The Fine Print: From 840 to 1260 rubles – don't get caught with these 'invasive' mushrooms in Belarus
- The Gold Chanterelle - Look for a yellow-orange or orange-red cap and a white stem with a lemony tinge. Proceed with caution.
- The Quaint Volvariella volvacea - This large and beautiful mushroom initially resembles a round "egg," similar to a quail's, and then "hatches" from its shell. You can usually find it on dead or weakened trees, but now it's also off-the-menu due to the strict collection laws.
Why the Ban on These Fungal Favorites?
According to specialists from the Institute of Experimental Botany named after V.I. Kuprevich, these mushrooms are indicators of little-disturbed and high-age forests. Due to the significant reduction of these pristine forests in Belarus, these mushroom species are now threatened.
A Wholesome Warning
For individuals, fines for collecting red-listed mushrooms range from 20 to 30 basic units, which means from 840 to 1260 rubles could be the price for your next mushroom-filled feast if you're not careful.
In a previous article on our site, we explained how to distinguish the genuine Chanterelle from its imposter in June.
A Fatal Mistake: Recognizing the Real Chanterelle from the False One in June
What about your exotic interest in home-and-garden activities such as gardening and the pursuit of certain mushroom species for your lifestyle? Be mindful while foraging in Belarus, as some mushrooms, like the Brown-Stemmed Chestnut Mushroom and the Elusive Black Chanterelle (Vorochnyk ryzhkovidnyy), are now prohibited, leading to fines ranging from 840 to 1260 rubles.
