Cyprus’ market for red mushrooms is currently being supplied almost exclusively through imports from Bulgaria, as the species typically grows only in the island’s mountain regions and depends heavily on specific weather patterns.
The quantities that arrived in recent weeks, priced between €20 and €25 per kilo, have already been consumed. In the last few days, imports have stopped due to heavy snow and adverse weather conditions in Bulgaria, which have halted the growth of wild mushrooms. As a result, supermarkets, fruit markets and consumers are now waiting for local collectors to begin supplying the product.
Speaking to politis.com.cy, fruit market owner Giorgos Dimitrakkos said that local red mushrooms “have not appeared yet.” He explained that these mushrooms are entirely wild and seasonal, cannot be cultivated and cannot be produced on demand. Their appearance depends strictly on a combination of sufficient rainfall and low temperatures sustained over a specific period.
In Cyprus there is no fixed commercial grower. Instead, supermarkets and fruit shops source wild mushrooms from individual collectors whenever conditions allow.
According to Dimitrakkos’ estimates, if the weather remains favourable, local red mushrooms may begin to appear within the next ten days or by mid January.
Public interest remains strong. Consumers continue to contact shops daily asking for updates on whether the wild mushrooms have arrived, underlining the consistent demand for a product characterised by limited and unpredictable availability.
Authorities and experts remind the public that wild mushroom collection and consumption requires great caution. Cyprus’ forests host toxic species as well, and consumers are urged to buy only from trusted and experienced sources.