Can someone please tell me what are the red mushrooms for, as opposed to the brown ones? I have gotten 3 and could have had 4 but was reluctant to pick it (thought someone might die or get sick). The only thing that I see different is that you get 2 or 3 more food points than you do with the brown ones.

the red mushrooms are worth (a lot) more food points than the brown ones....rejoice when you find them!

Brown one give you 8 food points and red one give you 45. No other difference.

Other difference is colour of the mushroom

I love the red shrooms! have had a village on the brink of starvation and the vv gods have smiled upon me, sent one down and saved my game !