Mallorca, known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea, hides a lesser-known but equally fascinating side: a rich variety of mushrooms just waiting to be discovered. The mild winters and humid fall months create ideal conditions for an impressive range of mushroom species. In particular, the blood lizard, known as “esclata-sang” in Mallorcan, is considered the star among the local mushrooms and captivates both locals and visitors alike.
I am Michael Korn, a German mushroom expert on Mallorca, and I invite you to join me on a journey of discovery. Together we will explore the hidden forests and picturesque landscapes of the island, always on the lookout for nature’s hidden treasures. Whether you’re an experienced mushroom picker or just curious about a new adventure, our guided hikes offer an unforgettable experience for everyone.
The fascination of mushroom picking on Mallorca
With its diverse landscapes, from dense pine forests to fragrant holm oak groves and lush meadows, Mallorca offers an ideal habitat for numerous species of mushrooms. The special combination of a Mediterranean climate and sufficient rainfall in the autumn months makes the island a true paradise for mushroom lovers.
Imagine walking through the dewy forest on a mild autumn morning, the sun shimmering through the leaves, and suddenly you discover the bright orange cap of a blood agaric under a tree. This feeling of discovery, coupled with the tranquillity and beauty of nature, makes mushroom picking an enriching experience for body and soul.
The blood lorikeet – the king of Mallorcan mushrooms
The blood lactarius (Lactarius sanguifluus) is without doubt the most popular mushroom on Mallorca. Its name is derived from the deep red milk that comes out of its flesh when it is cut – a characteristic feature that distinguishes it from other mushrooms.
Unique features of the blood stimulator
The blood styptic is characterized by its strong, orange to reddish cap, which often has a purple sheen. The underside has densely arranged lamellae with a similar coloration. Its stalk is firm and usually shorter than the diameter of the cap. When cut, the blood-red milk that gives the mushroom its name immediately oozes out, which is an indicator of its freshness.
Occurrence and collection time
This mushroom loves calcareous soils and prefers to grow in pine forests, which are widespread on Mallorca. The best time to find it is from October to December, sometimes even into January depending on the weather. After heavy rainfall, the mushrooms sprout from the ground in particularly large numbers.
Culinary delight
In Mallorcan cuisine, the blood lard is a delicacy. Its firm, aromatic flesh is ideal for roasting or grilling. A traditional recipe is to fry the mushrooms in olive oil with garlic and parsley – simple but incredibly tasty. Its intense aroma adds a special touch to many dishes and makes it an integral part of regional cuisine.
Other treasures of the Mallorcan mushroom world
In addition to the blood lizard, Mallorca offers an impressive variety of mushrooms to discover.
The porcini mushroom – a classic rediscovered
The porcini mushroom (Boletus edulis) is well known and appreciated for its nutty flavor. In Mallorca, it is often found in holm oak forests. Its large, brown cap and sturdy stalk make it easily recognizable. Freshly prepared in risottos or pasta dishes, it unfolds its full aroma and delights gourmets and amateur chefs alike.
The Kaiserling – a majestic delight
The emperor mushroom (Amanita caesarea), also known as the “emperor’s cloak”, is considered one of the finest edible mushrooms in Europe. Its bright orange-red cap and golden yellow lamellae give it a regal appearance. It is rare on Mallorca, but when you do find it, you are in for a treat. Its mild, delicate aroma makes it a real delicacy that is best enjoyed raw as a carpaccio.
Caution: The emperor mushroom can easily be confused with poisonous mushrooms. It is therefore essential to identify them accurately.
The parasol mushroom – The giant umbrella mushroom
With its imposing appearance, the parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) is hard to miss. Its large, umbrella-shaped cap can reach a diameter of up to 30 centimetres. The surface is covered with brown scales, giving it a characteristic appearance. Its tender meat is ideal for breading and frying – a vegetarian schnitzel in a class of its own.
The noble irritant – a relative of the blood irritant
The Edel Reizker (Lactarius deliciosus) is a close relative of the Blutreizker. It is distinguished by the orange-colored milk that oozes out when cut. Its taste is milder, but still very aromatic. It reveals its culinary qualities particularly in combination with meat dishes or as a side dish with game.
On a mushroom hike with Michael Korn – a special kind of experience
As a passionate mycologist, I have made it my mission to introduce people to the fascinating world of mushrooms. On our guided hikes, I take you into the untouched nature of Mallorca, far off the beaten tourist track.
What you can expect
Together we explore the island’s forests, always on the lookout for the hidden treasures of the forest. I not only share knowledge about the identification and determination of mushrooms, but also tell exciting stories and background information about the different species. It’s about experiencing nature with all your senses and developing an awareness of its diversity and fragility.
Learn and enjoy
A special highlight of our tours is preparing the collected mushrooms together at the end of the day. We prepare traditional Mallorcan dishes in a relaxed atmosphere and round off the day with good food and stimulating conversation. In this way, we combine practical learning with culinary enjoyment.
Safety comes first
Picking mushrooms requires knowledge and care. I attach great importance to ensuring that only mushrooms that have been clearly identified are collected and eaten. Thanks to my many years of experience and expertise, I guarantee a safe and educational experience for all participants.
Registration and participation
Our mushroom hikes take place regularly during the mushroom season, which usually lasts from October to December in Mallorca. The exact dates depend on the weather conditions and the growth of the mushrooms.
How to register
Interested parties can register via the contact form on our website or by emailing info@funghi.es. I am also happy to answer questions in advance and provide further information on the process and requirements.
What you should bring with you
- Sturdy footwear: the paths can be uneven and slippery.
- Comfortable clothing: Adapted to the weather conditions.
- Basket or cloth bag: For gentle transportation of the mushrooms.
- Small knife: For carefully cutting off the mushrooms.
- A good mood and curiosity: The most important ingredients for a successful day!
Voices of our participants
“The mushroom hike with Michael was the highlight of our vacation. We learned so much and experienced the beauty of the island from a completely new perspective.”
– Julia and Markus from Munich
“As a complete novice, I had my doubts at first, but Michael’s enthusiasm and knowledge quickly won me over. The blood stimulus is now my favorite mushroom!”
– Sabine from Berlin
“Cooking together at the end was just great. Mushrooms couldn’t be fresher on the plate. An unforgettable experience!”
– Thomas and Petra from Hamburg
Why you shouldn’t miss this experience
Mushroom picking in Mallorca offers much more than just the search for edible mushrooms. It is a journey into the depths of nature, an immersion in the silence and beauty of the forests, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You will not only learn about mushrooms, but also about the delicate ecosystem of the forest and the importance of sustainability and respect for nature.
Together we will discover places that are unknown even to many locals. You will be surprised at how diverse and untouched the landscapes of Mallorca can be.
Contact us and become part of the adventure
Are you ready to get to know Mallorca from a whole new perspective and immerse yourself in the world of mushrooms? Then I look forward to hearing from you!
- E-Mail: info@funghi.es
- Phone: +34 622 737 939
- Contact form
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- Facebook: facebook.com/Funghi_farm
- Instagram: @Funghi_Farm
Concluding thoughts
Nature has countless wonders in store for us, and the world of mushrooms is one of them. It teaches us patience, mindfulness and appreciation for the little things in life. Whether you are already an experienced mushroom picker or just want to spend a special day in nature, I invite you to experience this adventure with me.
Let’s discover the secrets of the Mallorcan forests together, experience the magic of the blood lickspur and other mushrooms and collect unforgettable moments that will linger for a long time.
I look forward to welcoming you on our next mushroom hike!
Note: Participation in the hikes takes place in compliance with all applicable legal regulations and protective measures. The well-being of our participants and nature is our top priority.
