The Hobby of "Silence" Led by Influencers: The Truth Behind the Mushroom Boom from Berlin — What Mushrooms Teach About Focus and Consideration

Introduction: Where Urban Fatigue Leads, the Scent of Earth Awaits

In the forests of Berlin and Brandenburg, the number of people walking with baskets in hand increases in the fall. Mushroom hunting has evolved beyond "ingredient hunting" and is becoming an "outer city habit" to regain tranquility and focus. A veteran forager describes the forest as "a place free from emails and notifications, devoid of noise." The value lies not in the harvest itself but in the time spent walking silently, listening, and engaging with the surroundings. This perspective aligns with a local report conveyed by a German daily in October 2025, which depicts the philosophy of foragers who regularly walk the forests southeast of Berlin and the bustling reality of mushroom gatherers.tagesspiegel.de

The Current State of the Mushroom Boom: Increasing Numbers and Expanding Interest

The boom extends beyond just "edible mushrooms." There is growing attention on "functional mushrooms (Vitalpilze)" believed to aid immunity and digestive issues, with some foragers specifically targeting them. Local experts note an increase in interest compared to ten years ago, particularly in the forests near Berlin, where the influx of people is noticeable. Additionally, posts requesting identification on communities like Facebook are on the rise, highlighting the role of social media in expanding interest.tagesspiegel.de

The Presence of Influencers

Symbolizing this trend are the so-called "mushroom influencers." Local reports highlight that one popular account has gathered about 240,000 followers on Instagram, visually spreading the allure of foraging and "forest time." It's presented not merely as gourmet information or an outdoor hobby but as a lifestyle where "tranquility × learning × practicality" form a trinity, fostering widespread empathy.tagesspiegel.de

Letting Go of "Achievement Orientation": Cultivating Mindfulness in the Forest

Local foragers emphasize an attitude of "carefully selecting small and young ones" and "first calming down and observing," rather than competing for quantity. They lament the behavior of bringing "urban noise" into the forest by shouting and rushing for results. While the number of people has increased due to the boom, aligning oneself with the forest's pace is suggested as the true value this hobby offers.tagesspiegel.de

Core Knowledge of Safety: Spoilage, Identification, and "Not Overdoing It"

Amidst the rising popularity, cases of accidental ingestion and health issues persist. Experts explain that "spoiled mushrooms" are often the cause of many food poisoning incidents. Even edible species can become harmful to the digestive system if they are "aged" with advanced protein breakdown. In addition to basic assessments like checking elasticity by touch and examining the internal state by breaking them open, it's crucial to decide not to consume anything that raises even slight concerns.tagesspiegel.de

Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns that numerous inquiries are made to state poison information centers annually, with severe cases and fatalities occurring. Despite the availability of apps and forums, the stance of local foragers emphasizing "no experimentation" should be prioritized over the enthusiasm of the boom as a "compass for safety."tagesspiegel.de

Reactions on Social Media: Four Trends

1. X (formerly Twitter)
   Posts discussing the "mental benefits" such as "the forest is the ultimate detox" and "deep concentration can be achieved" are prominent. On the other hand, complaints about overcrowding, like "too many people to relax," are also observed.

2. Instagram
   Photos of "flat lays" taken immediately after foraging or pictures featuring the forest's twilight and baskets are popular. Tags like #foraging #pilze #wald combine aesthetics with learning (identification, seasonality, cooking).

3. TikTok/Reels
   Short videos for "learning by sound" (the sound of breaking stems, differences in texture) and clips of identification failures leading to cautionary tales are gaining traction. ASMR-style "forest ambient sounds" without background music are also well-received.

4. Communities (Facebook Groups/Reddit)
   A large number of identification requests like "Can this be eaten?" are gathered, with experienced members maintaining a culture of safety by providing template responses like "No definitive answers here" and "Consult a local expert."

Overall, social media is beginning to function as a platform for sharing "knowledge of safety" as well as a showcase for "picturesque nature." However, the rapid spread can also lead to "false confidence," making it essential to question whether one can ultimately decide not to consume something.Safety Knowledge Sharing InfrastructureThe Ability to Decide Not to Eat

Three Practices Learned in the Forest (Mini Guide)

• Priority on Observation: Record the relationship between the environment, tree species, terrain, and mushrooms rather than the yield. Pause to check "smell, texture, spore surface."

• Emphasis on Freshness: Skip old, fragile, or discolored specimens. Choose small, firm ones (do not eat anything suspected of spoilage).tagesspiegel.de

• Do Not Overdo It: App assessments are reference information.Do Not Eat Anything You Are Not Sure About. Utilize offline learning such as local experts, workshops, and museum events.tagesspiegel.de

Ethical Foraging: Making the Boom Sustainable

As more people join, concerns about overharvesting and trampling increase. Leaving part of the colony, not overharvesting young specimens, not digging up soil, and taking trash home—balancing the "freedom to take" with "consideration to leave" is essential to elevate the boom to a "culture." The forest is a shared resource and a pleasure for the next season.Freedom to Take and Consideration to Leave

Cooking as a "Bonus," the Main Role is "Sensation"

While mushroom pasta and soup are certainly appealing, cooking is merely the "exit" of this hobby.The Main Role is the Act of Sharpening the Senses. By the time you stand in the kitchen, you've already consumed a rich experience through your stride, breathing, moisture, shadows, and scents.

Conclusion: The Forest as a Modern Reset Button

The mushroom boom is also a small rebellion against the fatigue and information overload of urban life. There may be days when the crowded forest frustrates you. On such days, seek the uncharted areas on the map and venture further in. There, a silence that demands you to listen is always ready for you.

References (Local Reports)

• Current state of mushroom foraging in Berlin/Brandenburg, the influence of social media, expert comments on identification and safety, the follower size of popular influencers, BfR's warnings, etc. (as of October 26, 2025).tagesspiegel.de