Mushroom picking with Fritjof, Isabelle and Ebba

At Icebug, we have wellness activities three times a week during working hours. Some lace up for a run in the forest, others take an easy hike along the Jonsered nature trails, and a few head out to pick mushrooms – like Fritjof, Isabelle, and the office dog Ebba. And just like any other truly serious company, we naturally have a Head of Mushrooms. His name is Fritjof, and in this guide he shares his best tips for a successful mushroom hunt!

 How long have you been picking mushrooms? And who taught you? 

– I’ve been picking mushrooms since childhood. We always had a dog growing up, so my dad used to take me on forest walks and showed me which mushrooms were edible and which ones to avoid. 

Which mushroom is your favorite and why? 

– Funnel chanterelles, for sure. They’re easy to find and often grow in large quantities, which means you can fill your basket quickly. They’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen: perfect in stews, soups, and pasta dishes, great for drying, and they keep their flavor for a long time. My tip is to look for spruce forests with plenty of moss – that’s where they thrive! 

Is there a simple rule of thumb to tell edible mushrooms from poisonous ones? 

– The first and most important rule is simple: only pick mushrooms you are certain you can identify. One simple thing to keep in mind is the underside of the mushroom cap. Gilled mushrooms can be both edible and poisonous, so you need to be careful. Boletes (with pores underneath) are almost always edible, except for a few that you quickly learn to recognize. 

What mistakes do you think are common when it comes to mushroom picking? 

– Many stick only to chanterelles and don’t dare try other species, even though there’s so much good stuff to discover. Another common mistake is being sloppy with cleaning, bringing home more needles, leaves, and soil than mushrooms. If the mushrooms are very small, let them be – try to remember the spot and come back later! Either they’ve grown bigger, or someone else has had the chance to enjoy them. 

Five quick tips for safe and secure mushroom picking? And which one do you think is the most important?

– First and foremost: only pick mushrooms you truly recognize. Everyone who picks should carry a mushroom book or an app to help identify species.

– Waterproof shoes with really good grip and comfortable clothing. 

– A map or GPS so you don’t get lost in the forest. 

– Dare to learn new species, but take it step by step. Can you easily identify chanterelles? Then hedgehog mushrooms or porcini are a good next step. 

– Pick in good company if possible. 

Which shoes are best for mushroom picking in your opinion? 

– The Arcus 2 RB9X GTX has become my favorite for mushroom hunting. It’s very comfortable thanks to the generous midsole, while also being waterproof and lightweight. A smooth shoe when you need to maneuver through terrain in search of the forest’s gold! Otherwise, the Rover 2 RB9X GTX is a true classic for mushroom picking. 

What do you prefer to do with the mushrooms afterwards – favorite recipe or cooking method? 

– It depends a lot on the type, but if I come home with a lot of chanterelles and hedgehog mushrooms, it’s often risotto or a creamy mushroom pasta. 

If you could bring one mushroom to a deserted island, which would you choose and why? 

– Cauliflower mushroom, no doubt. It’s not very common, so when you find one you’re overjoyed. It tastes amazing, with a mild, nutty flavor and a texture that almost resembles pasta. Plus, one specimen usually gives a lot of food, so it lasts long. For me, it’s the absolute tastiest mushroom – a true luxury to bring home in the basket. 

We use our business to do good

At Icebug, we want to make really good shoes that help you get outside every day, no matter the weather or season. Our goal is to change the footwear industry by taking responsibility for our climate footprint. We make shoes that last, with low emissions and respect for both people and the planet. Part of what you invest in us, we give back to the Earth – for example by supporting organizations that protect old-growth forests.