Mushrooms have been a part of human diets for thousands of years. From white button mushrooms in a fry-up to lion’s mane in a nootropic smoothie, their popularity has soared — and so has the curiosity surrounding them.

But with that curiosity comes confusion. For every person excited about mushrooms' health benefits or flavour, there's another who’s unsure if they’re safe to eat, worried they might be poisonous, or unsure what’s fact and what’s folklore.

In this blog, we’re cutting through the myths. We’ll break down some of the most common misconceptions about mushrooms — from safety fears to health claims — and share what’s really true.

Myth 1: All Wild Mushrooms Are Dangerous

It’s true that some wild mushrooms are toxic — and some can even be deadly — but that doesn’t mean all wild mushrooms are harmful. The UK alone is home to hundreds of edible wild species that are generally safe for human consumption, including oyster mushrooms, chanterelles, hedgehog mushrooms, field mushrooms and more.

The danger comes from misidentification. Many toxic varieties have close edible lookalikes, and without proper knowledge, it’s easy to make a mistake. Experienced foragers always recommend using multiple sources when identifying mushrooms. Beginners are advised to pick with caution, and should preferably be accompanied by a guide.

Not all wild mushrooms are dangerous, but you should never eat one unless you're 100% sure it’s safe. When in doubt, don’t take the risk.

Myth 2: Mushrooms Have No Real Health Benefits

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Mushrooms are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can support everything from your immune system to your brain. Some varieties — such as shiitake, maitake and lion’s mane — contain unique compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and cognitive-enhancing effects.

Studies have shown that mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which can help modulate the immune system by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and other immune responses. These are found in many varieties, including those available from Merryhill Mushrooms, such as shiitake and lion’s mane.

Mushrooms are far from nutritionally empty. In fact, they’re one of the few foods that can provide a natural source of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, as well as important nutrients like B vitamins, selenium and potassium.

Myth 3: Poisonous Mushrooms Are Easy to Spot

Many people believe that toxic mushrooms are brightly coloured or unusual-looking, making them easy to avoid. Unfortunately, that’s far from true. Some of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world look almost identical to safe, edible varieties.

The Death Cap, for instance, resembles edible puffballs when young. The Destroying Angel can be mistaken for common field mushrooms. Relying on colour, shape, or even smell is a risky game—these features are not reliable indicators of safety.

Even experienced foragers double-check their finds using spore prints, field guides and expert advice. Never assume a mushroom is safe just because it looks harmless.

Myth 4: Cooking Makes All Mushrooms Safe to Eat

There’s a common belief that any mushroom becomes safe once it’s cooked. While heat can break down some mild toxins found in edible mushrooms, it doesn’t make all mushrooms safe. Some wild mushrooms contain compounds that remain toxic even after cooking.

For example, the deadly amatoxins found in species like the Death Cap are heat-stable — meaning they’re just as dangerous whether the mushroom is raw or cooked. Even thorough boiling or frying won’t neutralise these toxins.

Cooking is a good idea for most edible mushrooms, as it improves texture and digestibility. But it won’t make a poisonous mushroom edible. Safety always starts with correct identification, not just a hot pan.

Myth 5: Animals Eat Them, So They Must Be Safe

Just because a squirrel, deer or even your dog eats a wild mushroom without issue doesn’t mean it’s safe for humans. Animals process certain compounds differently than we do, and some species have natural resistance to toxins that would be harmful or fatal to people.

Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa), for example, might be nibbled by wildlife, but it’s dangerously toxic to humans and can cause nausea, sweating and even hallucinations. Trusting an animal’s instincts over reliable identification is not a safe strategy.

Always use human-safe guides and resources when assessing mushrooms — not what you see animals eating.

Photo by Clément Bardot

Myth 6: You Can’t Eat Mushrooms Raw

It’s true that some mushrooms — like morels — must be cooked before eating, as they contain natural compounds that can cause stomach upset when raw. But that doesn’t mean all mushrooms are off-limits in their raw form.

Many varieties, including white button, chestnut, and portobello mushrooms, are commonly eaten raw in salads or sliced over dishes. They're mild in flavour and safe to eat uncooked in moderation.

That said, cooking mushrooms can improve their digestibility and enhance certain nutrients, so it often comes down to personal preference and the specific mushroom variety.

Myth 7: Cooking Mushrooms Destroys Their Nutrients

Some people worry that cooking mushrooms makes them less healthy. But in reality, cooking often makes nutrients more accessible—not less. Heat helps break down tough fibres like chitin, making it easier for the body to absorb the good stuff inside.

Sautéing or roasting can actually enhance the availability of antioxidants like ergothioneine and glutathione. So don’t feel like you’re missing out by cooking your mushrooms—you’re still getting plenty of the benefits.

Myth 8: All Mushrooms Offer the Same Benefits

Not all mushrooms are created equal. Each variety brings something different to the table. Lion’s Mane, for example, is known for supporting focus and brain health. Reishi is linked to stress relief and immune balance. Shiitake is packed with compounds that may help support heart health and immunity.

Merryhill Mushrooms offers a wide range of grow kits—from Lion’s Mane to Shiitake—so you can explore different health benefits at home and discover which mushrooms work best for you.

Know the Facts, Enjoy Mushrooms with Confidence

Mushrooms are more than just a tasty ingredient—they’re full of surprises. By separating fact from fiction, you can enjoy them safely and make the most of their nutritional benefits.

Ready to grow your own? Explore Merryhill Mushrooms’ range of easy-to-use mushroom growing kits and enjoy fresh, homegrown mushrooms with confidence.