PSA:
I get to make this announcement because some people on here need to know how Mycology works and what is in our identification books and what is common practice while out in the field.
Besides dissection of fungal specimens, smelling and nibbling the fungi are tools used to identify specimens as well. As long as you waft and don't fully ingest mushrooms, there is little to no harm in doing so. Yes, there are fungi that are not worth doing this with but not ALL of them are dangerous
As per the Mushrooms of Cascadia identification book, as cited above with the Amanita porphyria, the odor and taste are clearly defined, and as for edibility, it is unknown but also "not likely to be seriously toxic".
If you are unsure of a fungus when you come across it, don't just stick it in your mouth right away. They are always safe to touch and smell though.
As for other Amanitas and similar genera that contain Amatoxins, as in the highlighted section, it is clearly stated what it does to your body and the health risks associated with *ingesting* the mushrooms and what to do in seeking help.
For anyone that wants to get into identifying and documenting fungi, please do, we need more observations and sequencing of fungal species...but for anyone that feels unsure of tasting fungi for identification, use common sense and leave them be.
Have fun and be safe!
