Edible mushrooms are the succulent and ingestible fruiting bodies of various macrofungi species, which are fungi with visible fruiting structures. These mushrooms can manifest either below the soil (hypogeous) or above the ground (epigeous), conveniently picked by hand. The definition of their edibility encompasses the absence of harmful effects on humans, along with desirable taste and aroma. People consume these mushrooms for both their nutritional value and their culinary appeal, with certain mushrooms, like dried shiitake, being recognized for contributing the sought-after umami flavor.

This category comprises a multitude of fungal species that are either collected from the wild or cultivated deliberately. Commonly grown and easily attainable wild mushrooms are often accessible in markets, while rarer varieties, such as truffles, matsutake, and morels, might be gathered on a smaller scale by private collectors and occasionally sold at local markets. Some preparation methods can render certain toxic mushrooms safe for consumption.

However, it's imperative to accurately identify any wild mushroom before considering it edible. Precise determination and proper recognition of the species is the sole dependable approach to confirming edibility and preventing accidents. Even mushrooms deemed edible for most individuals can trigger allergic responses in some without any prior knowledge of their allergies. Aged or poorly stored specimens can spoil rapidly, leading to food poisoning. Hence, exercising caution is paramount when consuming any unfamiliar fungus, and it's advisable to start with small portions to account for possible individual allergies or reactions.

Certain deadly poisonous mushrooms, often mistaken for edible ones, pose significant risks. Among them, various species of the Amanita genus, particularly the death cap (Amanita phalloides), have been responsible for many fatal poisonings. Even seemingly safe mushrooms can be hazardous if grown in polluted environments, as they can absorb and accumulate pollutants and heavy metals, including dangerous substances like arsenic and iron, often reaching lethal concentrations.

Furthermore, certain types of fungi contain psychedelic compounds, colloquially referred to as "magic" mushrooms. These mushrooms resemble edible, non-psychoactive varieties but can induce powerful altered states of consciousness when consumed. Some well-known examples are Amanita muscaria (the "fly agaric") and Psilocybe cubensis, which contain substances like muscarol and psilocybin, respectively. While moderate doses can evoke positive experiences such as a sense of awe, visual hallucinations, and inner peace, excessive or accidental consumption can lead to distressing feelings, including fear, helplessness, and even psychosis, which might persist for several hours.

Despite their traditional use in folk medicine, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the notion that "medicinal mushrooms" can cure diseases or reduce human disease risk.