Are red mushrooms poisonous?

Amanita muscaria, the best known and most widely found red mushroom, is poisonous. Cases of death after ingestion are, however, exceptionally rare. The mushroom is known for its hallucinogenic properties.

Though poisonous, amanita muscaria can be parboiled to remove the psychoactive substances and then eaten. The cap of the mushroom can be thinly sliced or diced and then boiled in a large container of water to remove the toxins. The mushrooms can then be fried, pickled or preserved like regular mushrooms. Amanita muscaria are sometimes ingested by accident as they resemble puffball mushrooms when young. Medical treatment should be sought if poisoning by amanita muscaria is suspected.