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Mushroom season in El Ripollès

Explore the best spots for mushroom foraging, enjoy autumn cuisine, and stay in the heart of the Girona Pyrenees

When autumn arrives, El Ripollès becomes a true paradise for mushroom enthusiasts. However, knowing exactly where to find the best mushrooms isn’t easy, as expert foragers keep their secrets well-guarded. What we do know is that these mountains, with their lush forests and ideal climate, offer a unique opportunity to enjoy this activity, deeply rooted in Catalan culture. If you’re craving adventure and nature, the rural house El Roure de Molló is the perfect place to begin your mushroom hunt.

Where to find mushrooms in El Ripollès?

El Ripollès is known for its extensive pine, oak, and beech forests, which provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of mushrooms, such as porcini, saffron milk caps, St. George’s mushrooms, waxcaps, chanterelles, field mushrooms, pine saffron caps, slippery jacks, and black trumpets!

The challenge, however, is knowing where to find them. Below are some of the classic locations that never fail.

Recommended areas for mushroom hunting

    • Molló Forests: Close to El Roure rural house, these woods offer quick and easy access to areas with bloody milk caps, ceps, and yellow foots. It’s one of the most popular spots for local foragers.
    • Vall de Núria: The surroundings of Vall de Núria are known for their moist forests, where you can find a variety of mushrooms, such as llenegues and grey knights.
    • Coll d’Ares and Vallter 2000: These higher altitude areas, especially near the ski slopes, are rich in ceps and bloody milk caps, but golden chanterelles can also be found after the first autumn rains.
    • Serra Cavallera: In the area of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, this mountain range offers a combination of forest and pasture, ideal for finding a variety of mushrooms, such as bloody milk caps and pinkmottle woodwax. You can also find other species like black trumpets and St. George’s mushrooms here.
    • Ogassa Forests: Located between Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses, this area is great for finding bloody milk caps, as well as other mushrooms like parasols, which are often found in forest clearings.
    • Les Llosses: A very popular area for mushroom hunters, with a wide variety of mushrooms such as bloody milk caps, grey knights, and llenegues. The diversity of habitats makes it one of the best spots for mushroom hunting in El Ripollès.

What mushrooms will you find in El Ripollès?

El Ripollès stands out for the variety of mushrooms, thanks to its mountain climate and the area’s rich forests. These are the most popular mushrooms you can find:

Bloody milk cap

One of the most sought-after mushrooms. Bloody milk caps are known for their mild flavor and firm texture. Besides being easy to recognize, they are widely used in local cuisine.

Ceps

Ceps mushrooms are highly valued for their meaty texture and intense flavor. This mushroom is especially popular in the region's cuisine, often used in rice dishes and stews.

Yellow Foot

Small in size but with a very distinctive flavor. Yellow foot chanterelles are perfect for drying and adding to soups or stews.

Grey knight

With their delicate appearance, grey knight often appear after the first frosts, offering a sweet and pleasant taste.

Llenegues

These mushrooms are highly valued for their culinary uses, often prepared in stews or grilled.

Golden Chanterelles

Appreciated for their yellow color and delicate flavor, golden chanterelles are mushrooms typically found in beech and oak forests. They can be sautéed or used as a garnish for meat and fish dishes.

Black Trumpets

This black-colored mushroom, despite its unappealing name, has an excellent flavor and is often used in game dishes or sauces. It is commonly found in oak and beech forests.

Parasol mushroom

This mushroom is found in open areas or forest clearings. They are large and easily recognizable, with caps that can measure up to 30 cm. They are excellent when pan-fried with a touch of garlic and parsley.

St. George’s Mushrooms

Although more common in spring, some St. George’s mushrooms can also be found in the autumn, especially in mountain meadows. They are known for their mild flavor and characteristic aroma.

Precautions when collecting mushrooms

Although mushroom foraging is a fun and rewarding activity, it is essential to take certain precautions to avoid picking toxic species. Many mushrooms can be mistaken for edible varieties but may be harmful to your health.

    • Clear identification of species: Always bring a mushroom guide or use specific apps to correctly identify mushrooms.
    • Beware of toxic mushrooms: Some species are extremely poisonous and can be confused with edible mushrooms. If you have any doubts about a mushroom, it’s better not to pick it.
    • Avoid collecting old or damaged mushrooms: Mushrooms that are in poor condition or show signs of deterioration can be dangerous, even if they belong to edible species.
    • Bring a basket, not a plastic bag: Wicker baskets allow mushrooms to ventilate and prevent spoilage. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can promote fermentation and increase the risk of toxicity.
    • Consult local foragers: If you’re lucky enough to meet expert foragers, don’t hesitate to ask them for advice. They can provide safety tips, help you identify species, and may even share some of their secret spots.

Traditional dishes with mushrooms in El Ripollès

Autumn is not only the season for mushroom picking but also for enjoying them at the table. Mushrooms are a key ingredient in Ripollès’ cuisine, and the autumn season is the perfect time to savor traditional dishes that incorporate these forest treasures. Here are some typical dishes from the region made with fresh mushrooms:

    • Wild boar stew with mushrooms
      This is one of the most emblematic dishes of Catalan mountain cuisine. Wild boar stew, cooked with red wine, aromatic herbs, and mushrooms such as bloody milk caps, grey knight, or ceps, is a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for cold autumn days.

    • Beef stew with bloody milk caps
      Beef stew is a classic comfort dish in El Ripollès, often accompanied by bloody milk caps or porcini to give it a more earthy and aromatic touch. The mushrooms absorb the stew’s juices, making it even more delicious.

    • St. George’s mushroom omelet
      St. George’s mushrooms are spring mushrooms but can also be found in autumn. One of the most popular ways to prepare them is in an omelet, which can be enjoyed as a starter or as a side dish to a more substantial meal.

    • Veal fricandó with St. George’s mushrooms
      Fricandó is a traditional veal stew with a thick sauce of tomatoes, onions, and wine, to which dried mushrooms like St. George’s mushrooms are added. These mushrooms provide an unmistakable texture and flavor, making fricandó one of the most representative dishes of Catalan cuisine.

    • Upland rice with Mushrooms
      Upland rice is another popular dish in the Pyrenean regions. This rice, cooked with rabbit or chicken and mushrooms like golden chanterelles or ceps, is very aromatic and offers a rich forest flavor, perfect for family gatherings in autumn.

    • Cannelloni with ceps
      Ceps-filled cannelloni are a festive classic in Catalonia. They are often made with a mix of seasonal mushrooms like porcini and other aromatic varieties, and baked with béchamel sauce, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish.

    • Grey knight soup
      This mushroom soup, typical of the colder months, uses grey knight, small and very flavorful mushrooms found in the beech forests of El Ripollès. Cooked with potatoes, onions, and broth, it is the perfect dish to warm up after a day of mushroom picking in the woods.

    • Grilled bloody milk caps
      Often, the simplest way to enjoy mushrooms is the best. Grilled bloody milk caps, drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, make an excellent side dish for lamb or sausage, both typical in El Ripollès.

These traditional recipes show how mushrooms are not only part of the landscape but also of the culinary culture of El Ripollès. If you have the chance to stay at El Roure de Molló rural house, you can enjoy these dishes in local restaurants or prepare them yourself after a day of mushroom foraging in the woods.

The perfect retreat for mushroom lovers

El Roure de Molló is a rural house that offers a peaceful getaway in the heart of nature. After an intense day in the mountains, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy place. Located just 20 minutes away from many of the best mushroom-picking areas, this accommodation is ideal for those who want to combine the adventure of mushroom foraging with a restful and comfortable stay.

Why choose a rural stay in El Ripollès during mushroom season?

If you’re looking for a rural escape this autumn, Ripollès is the perfect destination. With its forests full of mushrooms, the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine, and the tranquility of El Roure de Molló rural house, this region offers an experience that combines nature, adventure, and relaxation.

If you’re looking for a rural escape this autumn, Ripollès is the perfect destination. With its forests full of mushrooms, the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine, and the tranquility of El Roure de Molló rural house, this region offers an experience that combines nature, adventure, and relaxation.

Why choose a rural stay in El Ripollès during mushroom season?

El Roure de Molló is a rural house that offers a peaceful getaway in the heart of nature. After an intense day in the mountains, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy place. Located just 20 minutes away from many of the best mushroom-picking areas, this accommodation is ideal for those who want to combine the adventure of mushroom foraging with a restful and comfortable stay.

The perfect retreat for mushroom lovers

These traditional recipes show how mushrooms are not only part of the landscape but also of the culinary culture of El Ripollès. If you have the chance to stay at El Roure de Molló rural house, you can enjoy these dishes in local restaurants or prepare them yourself after a day of mushroom foraging in the woods.

    • Wild boar stew with mushrooms
      This is one of the most emblematic dishes of Catalan mountain cuisine. Wild boar stew, cooked with red wine, aromatic herbs, and mushrooms such as bloody milk caps, grey knight, or ceps, is a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for cold autumn days.

    • Beef stew with bloody milk caps
      Beef stew is a classic comfort dish in El Ripollès, often accompanied by bloody milk caps or porcini to give it a more earthy and aromatic touch. The mushrooms absorb the stew’s juices, making it even more delicious.

    • St. George’s mushroom omelet
      St. George’s mushrooms are spring mushrooms but can also be found in autumn. One of the most popular ways to prepare them is in an omelet, which can be enjoyed as a starter or as a side dish to a more substantial meal.

    • Veal fricandó with St. George’s mushrooms
      Fricandó is a traditional veal stew with a thick sauce of tomatoes, onions, and wine, to which dried mushrooms like St. George’s mushrooms are added. These mushrooms provide an unmistakable texture and flavor, making fricandó one of the most representative dishes of Catalan cuisine.

    • Upland rice with Mushrooms
      Upland rice is another popular dish in the Pyrenean regions. This rice, cooked with rabbit or chicken and mushrooms like golden chanterelles or ceps, is very aromatic and offers a rich forest flavor, perfect for family gatherings in autumn.

    • Cannelloni with ceps
      Ceps-filled cannelloni are a festive classic in Catalonia. They are often made with a mix of seasonal mushrooms like porcini and other aromatic varieties, and baked with béchamel sauce, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish.

    • Grey knight soup
      This mushroom soup, typical of the colder months, uses grey knight, small and very flavorful mushrooms found in the beech forests of El Ripollès. Cooked with potatoes, onions, and broth, it is the perfect dish to warm up after a day of mushroom picking in the woods.

    • Grilled bloody milk caps
      Often, the simplest way to enjoy mushrooms is the best. Grilled bloody milk caps, drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, make an excellent side dish for lamb or sausage, both typical in El Ripollès.

Autumn is not only the season for mushroom picking but also for enjoying them at the table. Mushrooms are a key ingredient in Ripollès’ cuisine, and the autumn season is the perfect time to savor traditional dishes that incorporate these forest treasures. Here are some typical dishes from the region made with fresh mushrooms:

Traditional dishes with mushrooms in El Ripollès

    • Clear identification of species: Always bring a mushroom guide or use specific apps to correctly identify mushrooms.
    • Beware of toxic mushrooms: Some species are extremely poisonous and can be confused with edible mushrooms. If you have any doubts about a mushroom, it’s better not to pick it.
    • Avoid collecting old or damaged mushrooms: Mushrooms that are in poor condition or show signs of deterioration can be dangerous, even if they belong to edible species.
    • Bring a basket, not a plastic bag: Wicker baskets allow mushrooms to ventilate and prevent spoilage. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can promote fermentation and increase the risk of toxicity.
    • Consult local foragers: If you’re lucky enough to meet expert foragers, don’t hesitate to ask them for advice. They can provide safety tips, help you identify species, and may even share some of their secret spots.

Although mushroom foraging is a fun and rewarding activity, it is essential to take certain precautions to avoid picking toxic species. Many mushrooms can be mistaken for edible varieties but may be harmful to your health.

Precautions when collecting mushrooms

Bloody milk cap

One of the most sought-after mushrooms. Bloody milk caps are known for their mild flavor and firm texture. Besides being easy to recognize, they are widely used in local cuisine.

Ceps

Ceps mushrooms are highly valued for their meaty texture and intense flavor. This mushroom is especially popular in the region's cuisine, often used in rice dishes and stews.

Yellow Foot

Small in size but with a very distinctive flavor. Yellow foot chanterelles are perfect for drying and adding to soups or stews.

Grey knight

With their delicate appearance, grey knight often appear after the first frosts, offering a sweet and pleasant taste.

Llenegues

These mushrooms are highly valued for their culinary uses, often prepared in stews or grilled.

Golden Chanterelles

Appreciated for their yellow color and delicate flavor, golden chanterelles are mushrooms typically found in beech and oak forests. They can be sautéed or used as a garnish for meat and fish dishes.

Black Trumpets

This black-colored mushroom, despite its unappealing name, has an excellent flavor and is often used in game dishes or sauces. It is commonly found in oak and beech forests.

Parasol mushroom

This mushroom is found in open areas or forest clearings. They are large and easily recognizable, with caps that can measure up to 30 cm. They are excellent when pan-fried with a touch of garlic and parsley.

St. George’s Mushrooms

Although more common in spring, some St. George’s mushrooms can also be found in the autumn, especially in mountain meadows. They are known for their mild flavor and characteristic aroma.

El Ripollès stands out for the variety of mushrooms, thanks to its mountain climate and the area’s rich forests. These are the most popular mushrooms you can find:

What mushrooms will you find in El Ripollès?

    • Molló Forests: Close to El Roure rural house, these woods offer quick and easy access to areas with bloody milk caps, ceps, and yellow foots. It’s one of the most popular spots for local foragers.
    • Vall de Núria: The surroundings of Vall de Núria are known for their moist forests, where you can find a variety of mushrooms, such as llenegues and grey knights.
    • Coll d’Ares and Vallter 2000: These higher altitude areas, especially near the ski slopes, are rich in ceps and bloody milk caps, but golden chanterelles can also be found after the first autumn rains.
    • Serra Cavallera: In the area of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, this mountain range offers a combination of forest and pasture, ideal for finding a variety of mushrooms, such as bloody milk caps and pinkmottle woodwax. You can also find other species like black trumpets and St. George’s mushrooms here.
    • Ogassa Forests: Located between Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses, this area is great for finding bloody milk caps, as well as other mushrooms like parasols, which are often found in forest clearings.
    • Les Llosses: A very popular area for mushroom hunters, with a wide variety of mushrooms such as bloody milk caps, grey knights, and llenegues. The diversity of habitats makes it one of the best spots for mushroom hunting in El Ripollès.

Recommended areas for mushroom hunting

El Ripollès is known for its extensive pine, oak, and beech forests, which provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of mushrooms, such as porcini, saffron milk caps, St. George’s mushrooms, waxcaps, chanterelles, field mushrooms, pine saffron caps, slippery jacks, and black trumpets!

The challenge, however, is knowing where to find them. Below are some of the classic locations that never fail.

Where to find mushrooms in El Ripollès?

When autumn arrives, El Ripollès becomes a true paradise for mushroom enthusiasts. However, knowing exactly where to find the best mushrooms isn’t easy, as expert foragers keep their secrets well-guarded. What we do know is that these mountains, with their lush forests and ideal climate, offer a unique opportunity to enjoy this activity, deeply rooted in Catalan culture. If you’re craving adventure and nature, the rural house El Roure de Molló is the perfect place to begin your mushroom hunt.

Explore the best spots for mushroom foraging, enjoy autumn cuisine, and stay in the heart of the Girona Pyrenees

Mushroom season in El Ripollès

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