Autumn is mushroom season. In Aragón, the mycological areas are abundant across the three provinces. They extend from the valleys of the Huesca Pyrenees to the reserves in the Sierra de Albarracín, passing by the surroundings of Moncayo and the Sierra de Algairén. However, among all these areas, there is one particularly recommended for mushroom enthusiasts: the Gúdar and Javalambre mountains in the south of the province of Teruel.
As the winter chill approaches and the rains arrive after summer, this territory and its soils provide the ideal conditions for a variety of fungi to thrive. The range is extensive. Of course, the typical rebollones can be found, as well as the coveted boletus edulis. However, among the local mycological abundance, the níscalos and llanegas, also known as “slugs,” stand out since both mushrooms find a perfect habitat in the shade of the pine forests that grow in the Gúdar-Javalambre region. The repertoire does not end here; the trompetilla, meadow mushrooms, thistle mushrooms, and even morels also appear, although the latter need more sunlight and are more typical of other times of the year.
This significant quantity and variety of mushrooms have made Gúdar-Javalambre, particularly certain locations in the region such as Mosqueruela, Alcalá de la Selva, Nogueruelas, Manzanera, or Camarena de la Sierra, a regular destination for lovers of these natural delicacies. Because of this, reserves have been established, and it is common for permits to be required for harvesting. It is very important to inform oneself about the requirements and procedures in each location before going into the woods with the essential wicker basket and knife, as failing to comply with the regulations can result in penalties.
It is also important to go mushroom picking with a clear understanding of what is being gathered. Not all mushrooms are edible. Some have no gastronomic value, and others are toxic, even very dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to know the mycological world or at least seek advice from an expert in the field before ingesting anything. And in case of any doubt, the best course of action is to leave the mushroom intact and allow it to continue its natural process.
On the other hand, the activity of mushroom picking is very healthy. It involves going out into nature and walking outdoors, disconnecting from everything, and completely concentrating on the search for those hidden little treasures among stones and foliage. Meanwhile, one can also enjoy the attractive mountain landscapes, which in Gúdar and Javalambre reach their peak splendor during the autumn months.
Exploring the paths and forests of the area allows visitors to see some of the most beautiful villages in the province. This includes those already mentioned, as well as Linares de Mora, Puertomingalvo, Olba, Mora de Rubielos, and its neighbor Rubielos de Mora, among many others. These towns boast remarkable historical and artistic heritage, in addition to good restaurants offering typical dishes enhanced with native mushrooms.
In these recipes, the flavor of the most typical and renowned mushroom of the mountains stands out: the black truffle. A treasure found underground, it is different from traditional mushrooms. The truffle is a subterranean fungus, closely linked to the roots of oaks or holm oaks, requiring stony and limestone soils, something common in these Teruel landscapes.
In the Sierra de Javalambre and Gúdar, the black truffle is abundant, especially in Sarrión, which generates a high percentage of the world’s production. Although it is not accessible to hikers, it is possible to purchase it in the region, especially during FITRUF, a fair dedicated to truffle cultivation held in early December in Sarrión.
