Chaga, threatened by rampant harvesting

The craze for more chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is now threatening this ecologically-delicate species, says Paul Stamets. He recommends growing the mycelium of the Chaga mushroom under laboratory conditions as this provides an ecologically friendly alternative supply of this unique medicinal mushroom.

ON THE OTHER HAND:
I Sweden, the Environmental Protection Agency has explained that there are no restrictions regarding the harvesting of chaga from the forest as long as one does not damage the tree. However, there are certain restrictions in particular nature reservations. 

In the meantime, I have no plans of climbing up tall ladders and hacking down a chaga before teatime.

Chaga

Have you chanced upon foragers in the forest in mid-winter 

carrying a long ladder 

                                                                      and a big knife?

Don't worry. 

It is not Hitchcock Hour in the woods.

The chances are that you have met some fungi friends who have been consumed by the craze over chaga. 

Photo: Helena Andersson

                                         

Apparently, chaga is good served in vanilla tea.

Amongst other virtues.

Fungi Magazine's special issue on CHAGA