Walking through the woods of the Susa Valley on an autumn morning, when mist envelops the fir trees and the scent of moist humus fills the air, is like entering a natural cathedral where mushrooms are the guardians of a perfect balance. How many enthusiasts wonder every year what mushrooms are found in the Susa Valley, without imagining the richness that awaits them! From the celebrated porcini mushrooms to the lesser-known morels, including black truffles that smell of earth and legend, this Alpine valley offers a mycological diversity that few other regions in Europe can match.
Walking in the woods after a summer rain, you've undoubtedly noticed how mushrooms seem to appear out of nowhere, almost magically. But what few know is that these extraordinary organisms could be veritable natural barometers. For centuries, farmers, mushroom hunters, and nature observers have noted a curious correlation between the behavior of mushrooms and changes in the weather. In some regions of Italy, for example, it's said that when the mushrooms open like an umbrella, it will surely rain within three days...
Mushrooms, with their extraordinary variety, have always fascinated mankind, not only for their role in the kitchen but also for the wealth of popular names that vary from region to region. Each Italian region preserves a unique linguistic heritage, linked to rural traditions and spontaneous mycology. In this article, we'll explore the most curious dialect names, the stories behind regional nicknames, and how these names reflect popular customs and beliefs.
