We are already entering autumn, the season of mushrooms and chestnuts, so we thought that if you do any section of the Tourdera through the Montseny, which is where you will find the most, it would be good to give you some recommendations! The Montseny offers us the opportunity to fully enjoy two of the most highly valued natural treasures of autumn: mushrooms and chestnuts.
Year after year, autumn dresses the landscapes in warm colors with the arrival of the cold and the shortening of the days. With it also come mushrooms and chestnuts, two seasonal foods that are increasingly common in our cuisine and highly prized in restaurants.
Mushrooms and chestnuts are some of the natural treasures of autumn, but be careful, as to enjoy these treasures it is essential to do so responsibly. Following the indications of the Montseny Natural Park, we have collected some recommendations to enjoy the park respectfully.
Mushrooms
1 – Inform yourself: the tradition of picking mushrooms is popular, but it is fundamental to recognize the species. Avoid picking mushrooms you do not know, as some can be poisonous.
2 – Do not use tools: avoid using rakes or other tools, as they can damage both the forest and the underground part of the fungi. Opt for a basket to carry your findings; plastic bags can crush and even make the collected pieces ferment.
3 – Absolute respect: even if you only collect edible mushrooms, respect all species. Each one plays an important role in the ecosystem and in the process of recycling organic matter in the forest.
4 – Take care of the environment: avoid leaving trash in the forest. Take any waste generated during your excursion with you. Respect for nature is essential.
5 – Stay on the paths: to avoid getting lost, stay on the main paths and agree on meeting places and times with your companions. Safety is paramount.
More information in the Park’s informative leaflet.
Chestnuts
1 – With authorization: if you want to collect chestnuts, make sure to obtain authorization from the tree owner. Chestnuts should only be collected for personal consumption.
2 – Harvest carefully: do not shake or hit the chestnut tree branches to make the chestnuts fall, as this damages the trees. Collect only the ripe chestnuts that have naturally fallen to the ground.
3 – Leave no trace: in addition to respecting private property, collect any trash you generate and use the available containers to keep the environment clean.
More information in the Park’s informative leaflet.
Local producers
The main problem of the growing demand for mushrooms and chestnuts often causes excessive looting of the forests. That is why the Montseny Natural Park presents two alternatives that will allow you to enjoy these autumn products while preserving the forests.
1 – Bolet ben fet: it is a Special Work Center, located in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, dedicated to the organic production of fungi with an inclusive approach that prioritizes both the quality of work and the well-being of its collaborators. The Bolet Ben Fet Farm belongs to the Teb Verd SCCL cooperative, which is part of the TEB Cooperative Group (Taller Escola Barcelona). This group specializes in the social and labor insertion of people with intellectual disabilities, currently serving more than a thousand people. More information.
2 – Castanya de Viladrau: it is a company, also located in the Montseny Natural Park, dedicated to the recovery of centenary chestnut trees and their wood, the production of chestnut-based products, and guided tours. More information.
