Cantabria has mycologically rich areas such as Liébana, cited as one of the best areas to look for mushrooms in the community, along with Saja-Besaya and the Pasiegos valleys.
Here you have typical species of beech forests, pine forests and meadows of the Cantabrian mountain range (Picos de Europa included): some have always been eaten; Others can make you seriously ill.
⚠ This guide does NOT authorize consumption. If you doubt, DO NOT eat. Several toxic mushrooms are confused with edible ones (e.g. button mushrooms vs Agaricus xanthodermus).
Highly appreciated in Liébana: boletus, chanterelle, chanterelle, galipierna, cow's tongue.
The most sought after “mushroom” in Liébana in autumn. Brown hat, fat foot with whitish net. Dense meat, sweet aroma. Highly valued in cuisine throughout the peninsula and cited as a gastronomic star in Cantabria.
Orange, with concentric rings on the cap. If cut, it “bleeds” orange latex. Highly appreciated in Cantabria and all of Spain, typical of autumn stews.
Golden yellow, fruity smell. Thick folds (not thin sheets) down the foot. A classic from the north of Iberia.
Large, scaly hat with long stem and movable ring. Traditional in Cantabria (“galipierna”), cited as one of the most appreciated foods in the northern area.
Pale mushroom with “teeth” under the cap instead of blades. It is consumed in stews in the north although it is heavier to digest. Mentioned among the typical autumn culinary mushrooms in Spain.
Several dangerous species appear in beech forests and meadows in the north. Some are confused with common edibles.
It looks like an edible mushroom... but it turns yellow strongly when you touch the base of the stem. and it smells like ink/phenol. It produces serious digestive disorders. Very dangerous for novice foragers looking for “wild mushrooms.”
Brown hat with white specks. Very toxic (neurotoxic / hallucinogenic). It has been documented in forests in the north of the peninsula, including the Cantabrian coast.It is not edible at all.
Pale amanita covered in scales. Rare species and easy to misidentify. There are sources that say “edible well cooked”, others that advise against it. Here: it is considered DO NOT COLLECT.
Light hat, thick yellow-red foot, red tubes. Toxic raw, causing serious gastrointestinal poisoning. Present in more limestone/warmer areas of northern Iberia.
They live on dead logs. They are not “for the frying pan”, but they count on the health of the forest.
“Turkey tail.” Concentric bands of brown, cream, gray, bluish. Very common in damp fallen wood. Used in studies for possible medicinal properties.
Thin, orange/brown scabs, in ledges on the bark. It is often confused with trametes, but it does not have true pores (smooth surface below).
Selection of informative videos on “Cantabrian Mushrooms”. These creators upload content directly about mushrooms in Cantabria and northern Iberia.
Real example in the field. Notice the brown hat with light warts, the edge of the ring and turn it into the base. This is NOT eaten.
Time:
The constant humidity of the beech forests (Cosgaya, Espinama) favors the appearance ofBoletus edulisand chanterelles. Look in clearings where some light comes in and the ground is not completely covered with dry leaves.
Small patches of pine in the Vega de Liébana and Cabezón area. This is where the reignschanterelle (Lactarius deliciosus). They usually come out in large numbers after autumn rains followed by mild days.
In the meadows fertilized by cattle (almost any town in the valley) the enormousMacrolepiotes. They are unmistakable due to their size. Always respect the walls of private properties; don't jump fences.
Currently, recreational collection is allowed in undefined areas (few kg for own consumption). However, on the land of the Picos de Europa National Park, use may be restricted to neighbors. Always check at City Hall or local boards before filling your basket.
It depends on the rains. The normal thing is that it starts strongend of septemberand last until November. In rainy springs, St. George's mushrooms (perretxicos) also emerge in high areas.
There is no permanent public classification service in the valley. In autumn, Mycological Days are sometimes organized in Potes with experts. When in doubt, the golden rule is:throw it away.
This guide to Liébana mushrooms is part of the local nature guides ofdeliebana.es. It is informative material, NOT health or gastronomic.
Always consult a certified mycologist before consuming any wild mushroom.
