Wild mushroom hunting in the virgin forest of Elatia

Elatia, almost 70 km northeast of Drama, is home to a unique forest whose landscape resembles Central and Northern Europe. A type of fir you will only find in Greece is in this area, next to the border with neighbouring Bulgaria. The trees often exceed 30 metres in height, and their hanging branches cover the road, creating a special atmosphere.

Dasiko Horio has a dense network of forest paths suitable for hiking, cycling, and off-road routes, as well as hunting wild mushrooms and truffles.

Wild mushrooms, a native fungus, are an eclectic delicacy of great taste, but they can be dangerous if the picker does not know which species are edible.

"Paradise" for mushroom lovers

The mountainous region of Drama is considered a "paradise" for mushroom lovers because it is sparsely populated, clean, and free of human intervention.

The rich flora and fauna of the Elatia forest, combined with the humid climate and abundant water, create the ideal environment for the growth of wild mushrooms. Some species found are Chantharel, bolite, black and golden trumpet, red amanita, agarics, morel and truffle.

The best time to look for wild edible mushrooms in the Elatia forest is in autumn when the first rains and humidity create the ideal conditions. However, depending on the weather conditions, spring can also provide a rich harvest.

Collecting wild mushrooms is an enjoyable activity that requires respect for the ecosystem. This is especially true in the protected Elatia forest, where the protection of the natural environment and its biodiversity is a priority.

Wild mushroom hunting requires patience, observation, and, of course, knowledge. Mushroom lovers are usually armed with baskets and knives, ready to explore the shady spots under trees, where mushrooms hide in moist soil and organic matter.

Mushroom lovers emphasise the importance of knowledge, as it is essential to distinguish edible from poisonous species. While mushrooms such as boletus are valuable and exquisite, other species can be dangerous to health.

Recently, the city of Drama took part in the successful 3rd Drama Festival of Gastronomy—"Land of Dionysus," whose theme was the wild mushrooms of the mountainous region.

A seminar on wild mushroom identification and collection, hunting in the Erythrelati forests, and cooking afterwards was organised.

Panagiotis, Lara and the mushrooms of Sidironeros

Dozens of experienced or would-be mushroom pickers participated in the hunt under the guidance of local Panagiotis Grigoriadis from nearby Sideronero, considered one of the few people in Greece who knows almost everything about mushrooms.

Having dedicated hours to training and getting to know mushrooms and their microcosm, Panagiotis easily distinguishes the "good" ones that end up on the table and the "bad" ones that you simply leave alone. He used to say that every mushroom has something to tell you.

He explains where to find it, its "secrets," and how it can be a unique culinary delight. However, he points out that mushroom picking requires attention and seriousness, stressing the motto of the right mushroom picker: "I collect strictly what I know."

Panagiotis owns Sidironero Mushrooms Land, a small family business in the village of Sidironero. The business collects and standardises wild mushrooms and supplies gourmet kitchens for restaurants, hotels, and private individuals.

Whether vegetarians or lovers of good food, with a lot of effort, love, and passion, the "Manitaria Sidironerou" brand has now surpassed the narrow limits of Drama.

Of course, Lara is a valuable family helper—a husky, large Cane Corso dog trained to locate truffles in the earth.

A unique experience in the wild

Back to the recent wild mushroom hunt in the beautiful forest of Elatia. The variety of species, the beauty of the landscape, and the search in the shady paths were unique experiences for the participants.

Holding baskets and small knives in their hands, most of them explored the shadowy parts of the forest, gathering mushrooms that, in the end, were "checked" for their suitability by Panagiotis and his colleagues.

After the mushroom gathering, mushroom cooking followed. Panagiotis and his colleagues prepared macaroni kofta with boletus mushrooms, which the participants enjoyed.

The forest of Elatia is a true paradise for mushroom lovers. The forest often hosts several local groups and associations of mushroom pickers, who organise events and seminars on the correct identification and collection of mushrooms.

In collaboration with the "Drama4Seasons" network, Panagiotis often organises mushroom trips in Elatia's wild nature. These trips combine hiking, an introduction to the wonderful world of mushrooms, and mushroom tasting.

The Gastronomy Festival of Drama—"Land of Dionysus"—took place for the third consecutive year (20-22/9/2024) in the city's central municipal garden—the event aimed to highlight local products and the region's rich culinary heritage.

The event organisers were the Region of North Macedonia—Thrace, the municipality of Drama, the Chamber of Drama, the Hoteliers' Union, and the Association of Foodies of Drama.

For your trip to Elatia and, in general, to the beautiful prefecture of Drama, you can also get information from the complete visit-drama guide of the Hotel Association of the Province of Drama—one of the best online guides in the country.

Information:

mushroomsland.gr
visit-drama
Drama4Seasons

Panagiotis Savvidis is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

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