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How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Identifying 29 Wild, Edible Mushrooms

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With the surging interest in foraging for mushrooms, those new to the art need a reliable guide to distinguishing the safe fungi from the toxic. But for beginner foragers who just want to answer the question “Can it eat it?”, most of the books on the subject are dry, dense, and written by mycologists for other mycologists.

Frank Hyman to the rescue! How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying is the book for anyone who walks in the woods and would like to learn how to identify just the 21 edible mushrooms they’re likely to come across. In it, Hyman offers his expert mushroom foraging advice, distilling down the most important information for the reader in colorful, folksy language that’s easy to remember when in the field. Want an easy way to determine if a mushroom is a delicious morel or a toxic false morel? Slice it in half – “if it’s hollow, you can swallow,” Hyman says. With Frank Hyman’s expert advice and easy-to-follow guidelines, readers will be confident in identifying which mushrooms they can safely eat and which ones they should definitely avoid.

256 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2021

101 people are currently reading
703 people want to read

About the author

Frank Hyman

4 books9 followers
Frank Hyman believes in "happy wife, happy life." So when his wife, Chris, wanted chickens, he knew they would have chickens. (This isn't just a how-to book. It's also a love story. Chris loves chickens and he loves his wife.) But Frank wanted to still be able to go on vacation for two weeks and not come home to a flock of starving chickens. But he found that the conventional wisdom for keeping backyard birds demanded too much time, trouble and money. So as a carpenter, designer and former organic farmer he pulled together 21 very low-tech, very low-cost, very low-maintenance ways to keep their hens happy. In fact they spend less time on chicken chores than it takes to cook their plentiful chicken eggs. Frank calls it Hentopia. He wrote a column about it for Chickens magazine and the columns became this book. And yes, he and his wife, Chris, can go on vacation for two weeks. And no, they don't have to worry about coming home to skinny hens. They made a Hentopia and you can too. You can learn more about Frank at www.hentopicacoops.com.

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5 stars
316 (63%)
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152 (30%)
3 stars
23 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for Bonnie DeMoss.
930 reviews177 followers
July 29, 2021
This is a fantastic, easy to read guide that will help you find delicious mushrooms that you can actually eat, and teach you how to identify the ones you can't.

This book begins with the basics: What is a mushroom? and takes you through everything you need to do about foraging for 29 common edible mushrooms. It is a handy guide for foragers.

I received a free, temporary digital copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. However, I will buy a print copy of this one to take out foraging.

My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for CYIReadBooks (Claire).
839 reviews122 followers
August 21, 2021
Who would think that there’s so much to learn about mushrooms? And how do people even get comfortable and adept at identification of those “safe” mushrooms? The book, How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying is just one of those books that can aid the novice forager in the safe gathering, storage and identification of at least 29 wild and delectable fungi.

How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying is an excellent resource for determining whether the mushroom in question has all the attributes of a safe and edible shroom. It also contains information on the basics of mushroom structure (i.e. parts,) tools of the trade, and a comprehensive list of other resources to reference.

Overall, How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying is an excellent tool that contains all of the information that a beginner needs to start their journey into gathering mushrooms. Five delectable stars.

I received a digital ARC from Storey Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions
Profile Image for Dash fan .
1,510 reviews714 followers
April 22, 2021
4☆ A Fascinating Guide to Mushroom Foraging.

How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying is a fascinating book. It explores everything about Mushrooms, the facts and looks at how to identify and forage safely.

Mushrooms have always fascinated me, especially when you see them randomly pop up wild. I have really been impressed with this book. It goes into alot of depth about Mushrooms and I certainly have learnt quiet a bit.

Although there is a fair amount of information before you get to Identifying Mushrooms, the information is not boring in the slightest. I found it to be very informative and more of a conversation style. Perfect for Beginners


I loved the photographs and they really show the reader just what to look for.
I prefer photographs to illustrations in books like these as the really highlight the colours, and any distinct markings to look out for.

I never knew there was so many types, colours, shapes and sizes.
Even one called a Lions Mane and a Tinder Conk which is the shape and look of a Horses Hoof.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Foraging, Mushrooms or just wants to learn something new.


Thank you to Storey Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alicia Bayer.
Author 10 books248 followers
April 11, 2021
I read a LOT of foraging books (and have written a couple) and this is probably my favorite mushroom foraging book that I've read. It's filled with color photos and really complete information about mushrooms. It tells all the ways to ID them, doesn't overly rely on spore prints, tells look-alikes, and even tells you the best way to eat and preserve them. This is a fantastic book for beginners but will also be well loved by those of us who are already used to gathering mushrooms. Love, love, love.

I will definitely be recommending it on our family foraging blog and the free nature/foraging magazine that I publish (Wild Kids Magazine) when it's published in October 2021.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
Profile Image for Mark Hartzer.
322 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2021
Wow! What a great little book. I own perhaps 3 different mushroom handbooks including the Audubon Field Guide, plus have read another half dozen and this is the single best guide to edible mushrooms bar none.

The pictures are first rate. They show where the mushroom is coming out of the ground or off a piece of wood. There are also pictures of similar varieties that are supposed to resemble them while clearly showing the difference.

Mr. Hyman tells you when and where the mushroom typically fruits. This is critical information since the dangerous or inedible imposter often fruits at a different time or location than the 29 desirable ones described.

There are terrific tidbits like the facts on mushroom poisoning. We learn that most cases of mushroom poisoning (an already infinitesimal number compared to most cases of poisoning), is caused by improper food handling, meaning bacteria causes the symptoms, not the mushroom itself.

Hyman has included some excellent rhymes to assist: "When in doubt; throw it out."; "Does it have a tutu?; Eating it's a no-no." And so on...

The pictures of the dangerous ones are included. I especially loved the cutaway showing the difference between a puffball and the deadly Amanita varieties. (All amanitas come out of an 'egg', and that is what leaves the characteristic veil or cup.)

Finally, the cooking methods described are really helpful. For example, here he is on King Bolete: "This is a gourmet mushroom. With fresh specimens, the cap, sponge layer, and stalk should be cooked separately due to the differences in density and moisture (not the case with dehydrated boletes). To familiarize with the flavor and texture, slice thin, dry-saute, then add butter, garlic and parsley. Goes well served with grains."

By limiting himself to only 29 varieties, Hyman is able to give a more thorough overview of these safe choices and perhaps provide enough confidence for us mushroom affectionados to try some additional species. I'm going to give a couple of copies away as Christmas gifts this year. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Natalie Williford.
16 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2024
For a mushroom guide, it was an easy and interesting read! Now I want to go foraging ASAP! I would recommend this book to anyone who has even a slight interest in mushrooms
Profile Image for Tara Wiebe.
62 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2022
Great photography that shows key identification characteristics. Also includes fascinating little mushroomy anecdotes as asides.
Profile Image for Mrs. Arvia.
104 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2021
I was very interested in this book because I have found several of the mushrooms on my land so I found the book 📖 to be extremely helpful. Thank you for the Advance Reader's Copy Storey Publishing. Mr. Frank Hyman because of your expertise at foraging mushrooms I've learned so very much.

I found out about 29 of the good edible mushrooms and I found two for sure on my land. The book also advised you of the xx the mushrooms you should stay clear of. The book also has plenty of resources on everything you need to know about mushrooms. I found this book very helpful and I give this book ***** stars ✨ because I found it very helpful. This book review is of my own opinion. I hope you decide to read it and get as much as I did from it.
Profile Image for McKinley.
18 reviews
October 4, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book so much! This book on Mycology and the foraging of mushrooms approaches the topic in a way that makes it easy for someone like myself, who is not experienced in the field but wants to learn more and further my knowledge, to understand and grasp! The writing of the book is very easy understand, and the images are super helpful in understanding the traits mentioned to look out for when distinguishing edible mushrooms in the wild.

The details and expansive knowledge in this book paired with the simplistic nature of its execution truly made this guide a wonderful experience to read. I love the idea of foraging and can’t express how grateful I am for a book like this that doesn’t feel like a daunting task to read and understand as an inexperienced newbie. Overall a very interesting and enjoyable read, and I feel very happy to have gotten the opportunity to get a look into the world of Mycology through Frank Hyman’s wisdom! Special thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Profile Image for Annie.
4,671 reviews83 followers
September 6, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying is a well written and clear field guide to foraging 29 edible mushrooms written by Frank Hyman. Due out 12th Oct 2021 from Storey, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a layman accessible guide to foraging mushrooms and includes what to look for and (just as importantly) what to avoid. Additionally, it presents the information in an appealingly direct way with a lot of humor and definitely doesn't take itself to seriously.

The book's introduction covers what mushrooms are botanically, the different types of fungi to be found and how they interact with their environment as well as what types of trees they grow with/on, identifying structures, and how and where to find them (without dying). There is a definite emphasis on safety in identifying, handling, storing, using, and eating the foraged fungi. It actually contains one of the better food safety discussions I've seen.

Graphically the book is full of clear color photos which will help with ID and location. The field guide sections contain many color photos of each species including closeups and at different stages of development. The author also does a good job of explaining the *differences* between look-alike species to help with positive ID to sort out the edible ones from the harmful ones. Each entry includes the name, the binomial (Latin) name (including an English translation of the Latin), common name(s), identifying descriptions, look-alikes, and uses including some taste descriptors.

Five stars. Witty and useful, with clear and specific directions. This would be a good selection for library acquisition, smallholders, self-sufficiency folks, gardening and foraging readers, and similar.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Ashley.
272 reviews31 followers
October 23, 2021
I received an electronic ARC via NetGalley.

This is an entertaining, informative book that clearly (and fairly concisely) introduces a range of mushroom species found in North America.

Despite the title, the book isn't purely dedicated to mushrooms that are commonly eaten--there are entries for medicinal mushrooms, too, as well as a few that have non-culinary uses (which the book describes). Each entry includes one or more photos of the mushroom in question, information on how they should be prepared and preserved for future use, whether they can be cultivated (and if so, how), lookalike mushrooms from which they should be differentiated (which may or may not be edible--this is made clear), and a list of facts to let you know when and where the mushroom is likely to be found, and important characteristics that differentiate it from lookalike species.

While I don't think I'd be comfortable going out in the field to mushroom hunt on the basis of this book alone, it is a very encouraging book to a complete novice. It presents foraging for mushrooms as a fun, rewarding activity that can be done safely with a base level of knowledge and a commitment to err on the side of caution, and preferably some instruction from an experienced forager.

The book does seem to gravitate more toward species that are found in the eastern United States (many of the author's anecdotes focus on North Carolina and Maine), but information is included on a much broader geographic range. This isn't a weakness to me personally, but perhaps a reader from west of the Rocky Mountains would notice it as more of a negative.

The book does also include some information on certain species of toxic mushrooms, as well as chapters on preparing mushrooms for consumption, tools and supplies needed (or at least helpful) for foraging, and how to continue developing foraging skills--as well as further recommended resources for aspiring foragers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,343 reviews98 followers
April 8, 2021
How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying by Frank Hyman is an excellent collection and user-friendly read introducing the wonderful world of foraging, identifying, and enjoying mushrooms.

The author presents the subject matter concisely, easily, and in a way that even beginners can appreciate and understand. We get an overall introduction to mushrooms, how to forage, what to look for, how to identify commonly encountered types of mushrooms in the US,, and what to do with said finds.

The descriptions, the references, the images, and pictures were exquisite. I loved the Safety Rhymes for Beginners. So catchy and so accurate.

This is an excellent resource that has so much, yet is presented so well, that it can be essential for any forager, nature enthusiast, or recreational hiker from beginner to experienced, I will be using this book to help introduce and teach my son the wide world of mushrooms.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Storey Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/12/21.
Profile Image for Josephine.
234 reviews
May 23, 2022
I don't like eating mushrooms, but the cover of this book and its description drew me in. I'm glad I got a copy because this book is really amazing. I loved learning about mushrooms and how to forage for them, and there are so many cool-looking mushrooms! The photos are beautiful! I think I will try to forage for mushrooms now. Even if I don't pick them to eat, I want to see if I can find any of the ones in this book - sounds like a fun activity. Maybe I'll just take a photo so as to not waste the mushroom if I don't eat it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Suzanne.
2,148 reviews83 followers
July 7, 2025
With a witty narration style, Hyman shares how to identify 29 wild edible mushrooms in a way that is easy for a beginner to understand, eliminating all the fear I had going in of accidentally eating something that will kill me. He explains how to identify, goes over lookalikes that may be sickeners or deadly, how to preserve and how to cook each one. I enjoyed this and feel confident with my beginning foraging. I'd give it 5 stars if it had more pictures that would have made identification even easier.

I highly recommend to beginners like me!
Profile Image for kat.
407 reviews32 followers
April 14, 2021
I plan on purchasing a physical copy of this book as soon as I have the extra funds. I love mushrooms and have always been interested in foraging for food. The book was laid out so nicely for a beginner and would absolutely make me feel more confident when going out to hunt on my own. I would recommend this to any newbie mushroom forager.

This book was offered to me through NetGalley, the resulting review is my own.
Profile Image for Em Caster.
50 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2023
Great book to own if you plan on foraging— lots of great information and good pictures on both safe mushrooms to find and eat, as well as, what to be careful of. The author repeatedly states that this book shouldn’t replace working with an expert forager though when first learning.
Profile Image for Kristen Wasyliszyn.
Author 1 book33 followers
August 18, 2024
This is a pretty fun guide- as guides go. In fact it may have prevented me from a “sexy stomach” a time or two. It would be nice to have more pictures of each- esp the oyster variations.
If anyone wants to see boring pics of Mn mushrooms I’m your gal))
168 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2023
A lovely easy to read introduction that collates a lot of information and makes it accessible. Lots of great photos, stories and zest for the subject while helping increase confidence.
Profile Image for Meghan Bird.
11 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2023
are some wild mushrooms in this book. Did not die. 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Rae.
115 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2023
Super great beginner book! It ignited my curiosity in a fun and safe way while giving me some really good basics. I am ready to level up!
Profile Image for Abby.
68 reviews
December 28, 2023
This book had cute pictures and little stories but the author did too much reminding readers that they were less knowledgeable than him
Profile Image for Rachel Smith.
2 reviews
April 16, 2024
A great book for mushroom enthusiasts and beginners! I identified a handful of mushrooms while reading this book and look forward to identifying more. It is an easy and enjoyable read. A necessary item in my bag while I am hiking!
Profile Image for Dax.
1,955 reviews45 followers
July 25, 2022
Beautiful images, deeply informative, and loads of resources. Truly a great little companion book to start foraging for edible mushrooms.
Profile Image for Shannon.
23 reviews
February 27, 2025
Amazing novice/ beginner pocket reference guide/ intro to the basics of foraging for mushrooms!
It includes best practices around foraging and use (proper storage/ cleansing of mushrooms is critical for food safety!), where and when to look for specific mushrooms (within Canada/ US), and how to identify and distinguish edible and medicinal mushrooms from their sickening and deadly counterparts (I'm looking at you amanitas!).
I'll be flipping through this regularly on my nature walks :)
Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about this subject!
Profile Image for Isabel.
145 reviews
June 28, 2021
If you're thinking of becoming a newbie in the mushroom foraging world, I suggest you read this book from cover to cover. It's written by an expert but written so that beginners can quickly comprehend the what, how, do's and don'ts of wild mushroom foraging.

It's a fascinating read, like I didn't know there are such things as Honey mushrooms and that they are quite simply pretty parasites that kill trees. But they're edible and I seriously want to try and have a bite it. Devil's Urn, Chicken of the Woods and Lion's Mane, too! Yet those red 'shrooms that are usually depicted on the woodlands of various cartoon shows? Yeah, no. They're not for consumption, unfortunately.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for this ARC. This review is made with no monetary compensation whatsoever from the owners of this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews

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