Drought in Gironde: porcini mushrooms are becoming scarce and their price is rising in the markets
In the Gironde region, drought and heat waves have decimated the porcini mushroom harvest in early autumn 2026. At the Capucins market in Bordeaux, the few mushrooms available are fetching €45 per kilo, while harvesters and restaurateurs are struggling with unreliable supplies. These findings were reported by France 3 Régions in an article published on September 28, 2026.
Sparsely stocked stalls in Bordeaux
At the end of September, porcini mushroom lovers are struggling to find them at the Capucins market. Bruno Dupas has a few available, but quantities are limited. The vendor is selling them for 45 euros per kilo, compared to 35 euros the previous year.
At this price, customers buy less: according to the vendor, they often leave with 200 to 300 grams, enough for a small stir-fry or an omelet. Other stalls don’t offer any wild mushrooms. Market gardener Erwann Hudin says he receives requests for porcini mushrooms, but only sells button mushrooms and shiitake, which are easier to grow in a cellar.
The undergrowth is too dry for crops.
In the Médoc region, winegrower Noël Benharoun describes particularly dry soils and says he finds nothing. He notes that the woods usually yield sparassis, ceps, and black trumpets at this time of year.
According to him, even if the rain returns, it will take at least three weeks before the seasonal porcini mushrooms appear. This timeframe is his estimate, made while the undergrowth is currently dry.
Uncertain deliveries even to restaurants
The shortage is also affecting Bordeaux kitchens. Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Baumard has to adapt to unpredictable supplies. On the day of the report, Noël Benharoun brought him chanterelles from growers in the Pyrenees, due to a lack of available porcini mushrooms.
The chef attributes these difficulties to the heatwave and explains that he cannot predict the harvest. At the time of this report, harvesters, retailers, and restaurateurs are eagerly awaiting the return of rain as a necessary condition for the start of the mushroom season.
Source: France 3 Regions – Heatwave and heat waves (france3-regions.franceinfo.fr)
Original article: See the original source
Author: Elsa Arnould
