A Fungal Adventure

Nestled in the Epirus region of Greece lies Zagoria—a favorite spot for mushroom lovers everywhere! This scenic area is renowned for its views and traditional villages that come alive with vibrant fungi during the autumn season from September to November when the forests are lush after the initial rains provide an ideal setting for various mushrooms to flourish; even springtime in March and April unveils chances to seek out coveted species such, as morels.

In Zagoria one of the popular types of mushrooms is Porcini (Boletus edulis) known for their delicious taste and frequently discovered under beech and oak trees. Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) identifiable, by their golden hue and curly tops, bring a charming flavor to various dishes. Morels (Morchella spp.) are highly valued for their look and culinary importance. 

Some of the places to search for mushrooms are the wooded areas near Vikas Gorge and the hills of Mount Timfi renowned for their variety of mushroom habitats. Tradtional villages such as Papingko, Mondendri and Tsepelovo are equipped with mushroom rich forests in their vicinity. 

To have a safe mushroom picking outing it is recommended to join up with a local guide that can add excitement to your journey and guarantee safety levels particularly if you are just starting out in this activity. It’s advisable to bring along a mushroom handbook or application to assist in recognizing which mushrooms are safe to eat and which ones are toxic; always refrain from plucking mushrooms unless you are completely sure about their edibility status. Following your hunt trip, paying a visit to pubs allows you the opportunity of relishing traditional dishes that showcase wild mushrooms thereby making your adventure incredibly memorable.