Going for mushrooms in the Gargano and the Umbra Forest
Among the places where going for mushrooms in Apulia is sure to be a pleasure is the Gargano National Park with its towering old trees and the striking landscapes of the Umbra Forest.
This is the ideal environment to learn to recognize and collect many varieties of mushrooms such as porcini, lattari, russule, drumsticks and chiodini. The wetlands of the Umbra Forest are their natural habitat. It will then be nice to enjoy traditional dishes prepared with what nature offers.
In particular, you can head to the path that starts from the slopes of the Carpinosa valley and among beech, turkey oak, hornbeam and holm oaks, leads to the Sfilzi Fountain, the only perennial spring in the Gargano promontory, above 400 m above sea level, rich in ferns, mosses in which salamanders can easily be seen. There will also be no shortage of opportunities for children to understand more about local wildlife: wolves, wild boars, foxes, deer.
Between Valle d'Itria and Murgia, the cardoncello
Autumn and spring are the periods of the year when, in the vast territory of the Murgia, Puglia, the Cardoncello , a typical mushroom of the area, is harvested.
This particular species represents an important part of the tradition of the Murge, so much so that it has given rise to myths and legends. In fact, it is said that cardoncelli mushrooms were created by the thick blanket of fog that usually covers the Murgian territory. According to an ancient legend handed down by shepherds, these mushrooms are said to be the children of thunder.
In particular, the area of Martina Franca's woods is particularly lush and rich in various qualities of mushrooms: in addition to cardoncelli we mention "pezze mushrooms," "pile mushrooms," "cow mushrooms," "Cuppitelle," "holm mushrooms," "thorn mushrooms," and "cappellacci.
Not only sea. Mushrooms in Salento
Contrary to what you may think, Salento is also rich in mushrooms in autumn.
Among the best-known ones in the area are the Marieddhri (scientific name Lactarius tesquorum), mushrooms that grow only in the Mediterranean maquis, with a typical bitter taste.
Marieddhri are to be looked for under the cistus plant and are considered a real delicacy even if somewhat difficult to collect. They have a hairy cap with pinkish tinge and an often sticky surface. The stem is very short, less than half the diameter of the cap, with a pink annular zone adjacent to the gills. They have a pleasant odor and a sour, bitter taste.
Marieddhri are excellent to prepare in a pan, stew", with potatoes, au gratin or barbecued.
Among the most striking places to look for mushrooms in Salento are in the Ionian Sea area,the Regional Natural Park of Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano, the Gallipoli-Baia Verde Woods and the Regional Natural Park Litorale di Ugento.
On the Adriatic Sea, on the other hand, one can venture to the Costa Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca Regional Natural Park or to the woods of Santa Cesarea, Porto Badisco, Otranto, Alimini and Conca Specchiulla.
And again, in the Melendugno area, the woods of San Foca and Torre Specchia Ruggeri and the Cesine State Nature Reserve. Finally, in the Lecce area, the woods of San Cataldo.
A step away from the most luxuriant woods in Puglia
Planning a trip to Puglia in autumn means treating yourself to an experience out of the ordinary and devoting yourself to discovering undiscovered corners off the usual tourist routes. Whatever your idea of a vacation with Barbarhouse you can experience it to the fullest.
If the idea of immersing yourself in a large and unspoiled forest appeals to you, head to the Foresta Umbra and look for the best solution for you among our accommodations on the Gargano.
If you're interested in pushing towards the heights of the Murgia and experiencing fabulous landscapes, we suggest you find your footing among the accommodations in Valle d'Itria in our catalog.
Finally, if you want to combine the beauty of the sea with the evocative views of the Mediterranean forests find your place of the heart among our houses for rent in Salento. You'll discover these territories from a privileged point of view.
