Content
Gigrofor black (Hygrophorus camarophyllus) is a representative of the Gigroforov family. It belongs to the lamellar species and is edible. It is easy to confuse it with poisonous mushrooms, so you need to know the features of its appearance and habitat.
What does the black hygrophor look like?
Gigrofor black has a special shaped hat. At first it is convex, then outstretched and depressed. There is some waviness. The surface is smooth and dry. The color is white, which eventually turns bluish. The diameter can be up to 12 cm.
The stem is whitish-black, cylindrical. It may be narrowed at the base. The structure is dense. Wide and sparse plates are formed under the cap. The pulp is white, fragile.
General characteristics of the black hygrophor:
- not as common as many edible representatives;
- you need to look for it in damp forests, in mosses;
- grows more often in families, single mushrooms will be an exception;
- outwardly, representatives of this family are inconspicuous, they can be confused with pale toadstools and pass by;
- the designation "black" is not always correct in relation to this mushroom, it often has a whitish-gray and bluish tint, and brown representatives are also found;
- often the family is located near swamps;
- around the place of their accumulation, you can find blueberry and lingonberry bushes;
- the plates of the mushroom are very different from the cap - they are white;
- the leg is outwardly dense, but the flesh is tender and pure white;
- This is the most delicious mushroom from the Gigrofor family.
Where does the black hygrophor grow
You can find these representatives of the mushroom kingdom in damp forests with moss litter. They grow in autumn in coniferous forests, in the undergrowth. Distributed in the northern zone of Europe.
Is it possible to eat a black hygrophor
Outwardly, many representatives of the species do not look like edible ones. They strongly resemble toadstools. At the same time, black hygrophors are not only edible, but also delicious.
A variety of dishes are prepared from them. Dried have a bright taste. If the latter are immersed in water, then within 15-20 minutes they acquire their previous appearance, become almost fresh. The liquid that was used for soaking can be used for cooking, as it retains minerals and transfers them back to the mushrooms.
False doubles
The early hygrophor belongs to false doubles. The main difference from other species is that it occurs in spring. The cap is light gray or whitish, with time it becomes lead, dark with large spots.
Collection rules
Mushrooms are picked in autumn. It is recommended to do this 1-2 days after the rain. To preserve freshness, the collection is best done in the morning. Place in a basket with openings large enough to allow plenty of air.
You need to look for hygrophors in the moss. They grow in groups.
Important! It is strongly not recommended to collect in places near industrial buildings and roads.
Fruit bodies are carefully cut with a knife.You can also twist them one at a time in the area of the leg from the mycelium. In its raw form, hygrophors cannot be eaten.
Use
In cooking, the black hygrophor is used to prepare dishes immediately after collection. It is also suitable for canning purposes, but it is not used as often. From the hygrophor, you can cook pies, casseroles. It can be boiled, fried. It goes well with a variety of vegetables.
Eating black hygrophor has a positive effect on the body:
- the work of the digestive system improves, the elasticity of the gastrointestinal mucosa increases, peristalsis returns to normal;
- there is an improvement in microcirculation, which helps to reduce inflammatory processes;
- there is a rejuvenating effect on the body, the lymphatic system starts to work better, the aging process slows down;
- the work of the excretory and hepatobiliary systems is normalized;
- nervousness decreases, mushrooms have a weak sedative effect;
- the metabolism in the body is accelerated.
This variety is recommended for overweight people, but first you need to consult a doctor.
Important! It is also necessary to remember about contraindications to the use of a hygrophor:
- hypersensitivity to its components;
- period of gestation;
- breastfeeding.
If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract and liver, the use of mushrooms is limited.
In folk medicine, this species is used to treat colds. Hygrophors have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Conclusion
Gigrofor black - suitable for preparing first and second courses, it is used for canning for the winter. It is almost impossible to confuse it with doubles, since they grow in different periods.
