CALABRIA

A Land to Discover on a Slow Journey

3 min read

In Search of Mushrooms in Sila

Mushroom picking in Sila is one of the most popular activities among tourists and nature lovers, who come to this region every year to enjoy the beauty of the woods and to pick the prized mushrooms that grow in this area.


Sila is a protected natural area, which extends across three provinces of Calabria: Cosenza, Catanzaro and Crotone. Its surface is characterized by woods, mountains, rivers and lakes, and is considered one of the most important green lungs of southern Italy.


Mushroom picking in Sila is a very ancient activity, which has roots in Calabrian culture and cuisine. Mushroom picking in Sila is regulated by the park, to find out more just click on this link.



Which mushrooms are present in Sila?


It is estimated that on the Sila plateau there are more than 3,000 species of mushrooms, excluding microscopic mushrooms. The mild climate in summer and autumn, the humidity created by the lakes and the vast forests of pine, beech and chestnut trees are so favorable to the growth of mushrooms that Calabria is considered the first Italian region to export porcini mushrooms.


The porcini is the most sought-after mushroom in Sila.

It is consumed dried or in oil. It is present in its three species:

Boletus edulis, Boletus aereus and Boletus pinophilus.


The Lactarius deliciosus, called “rosito” in Cosenza for its pink-orange color, is one of the most well-known and sought-after mushrooms in Sila. It is very widespread and grows exclusively in coniferous forests.

Another very common mushroom in Sila is the Suillus luteus called “vavuso” because of the slimy slime that covers the cap. This mushroom is from the porcini family, but does not reach the qualitative level of the Boletus.



What do you need to start picking mushrooms in Sila?


First of all, we will need to get a mushroom picking card, whether professional or amateur, we must have it with us when we go into the woods. The methods of issuing can always be found in this document.


It is also important to have the appropriate equipment, such as a basket, a knife, a torch and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.



Mushroom picking requires a certain amount of experience, as some species of mushrooms can be dangerous to your health. It is therefore important to know which mushrooms are edible and which are poisonous, and to be able to distinguish them based on their characteristics.


Furthermore, it is always advisable to be accompanied by local guides or experts, who can provide useful information on mushroom picking and the best places to find them. In this way, you can avoid running into dangers and picking mushrooms that could be toxic.


Picking mushrooms in Sila is a unique experience, which allows you to come into contact with nature and local traditions. In addition to mushroom picking, in fact, it is possible to go hiking in the woods and visit the many natural attractions of Sila, such as Lake Arvo, Mount Botte Donato, the Adventure Park La Sila and many others. We recommend that you read our article about it here.


Come and live a Unique Experience in the wonderful Calabria.
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