Strawberry season has officially commenced in the Urals region, with enthusiasts reporting ripe harvests in certain areas. While forest strawberries are still ripening, pickers are sharing their successful hauls from more open locations.

Berry pickers suggest heading towards the Chelyabinsk region border for the most abundant ripe strawberries. Some individuals have also found limited quantities closer to Yekaterinburg, particularly in open glades, but forest areas are still predominantly green.

The early arrival of saffron milk caps and milk mushrooms in the Sverdlovsk forests is also anticipated, attributed to favorable weather conditions. Slippery jacks have already been spotted in the Urals since mid-May.

Previously, rare Red Book mushrooms, known as Sarcosoma globosum, were discovered near Nizhny Tagil, believed to possess rejuvenating properties due to their internal mucus. The first mushrooms of the season appeared in Yekaterinburg back in April, with one woman collecting a basket of morels.

For those planning a mushroom foraging trip, it’s important to research proper preparation methods and be aware of potential contraindications for consumption.