‘It didn’t seem real’: the Black mushroom hunters unearthing the US’s essential fungi
Black mushroom hunters in the US are finding deep connections to nature, nourishment, and the African diaspora through mycology. These foragers describe the awe and wonder of discovering fungi that seem almost otherworldly. Their work highlights the cultural and ecological significance of fungi within Black communities.
- ▪Black foragers describe encountering mushrooms that looked so surreal they seemed like they were from another dimension.
- ▪Mycology provides a sense of connection to the land, ancestral knowledge, and the African diaspora.
- ▪Enthusiasts view mushroom hunting as both a nourishing practice and a form of cultural reclamation.
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‘It forced me down on my knees to examine it further, because it didn’t look real. It looked like it was from another dimension.’ Illustration: Roche Cruchon/The GuardianView image in fullscreen‘It forced me down on my knees to examine it further, because it didn’t look real. It looked like it was from another dimension.’ Illustration: Roche Cruchon/The GuardianForaging‘It didn’t seem real’: the Black mushroom hunters unearthing the US’s essential fungiEnthusiasts say mycology offers connection, nourishment and a deeper tie to the land – and the African diasporaMelissa HellmannSat 16 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 16 May 2026 07.01 EDTShare@font-face{font-family:Guardian Headline…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Environment.
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