Content
Early Gigrofor - edible, lamellar mushroom of the Gigroforov family. Grows in small families in mixed forests. Since this representative is often used in cooking, you need to know the external characteristics, view photos and videos, so as not to mistake the poisonous gifts of the forest for him.
What does an early hygrophor look like?
Early gigrofor has a small cap, up to 10 cm in size. At the beginning of growth, the mushroom has an oblong-convex shape, as it ripens, it straightens, and the wavy edges curl inward. The surface is covered with a shiny, grayish-whitish skin. As it grows, the color darkens, and at full maturity it becomes black with small light spots. The lower layer is formed by light, wide, partially accreted plates. Reproduction occurs in colorless, elongated spores, which are in a snow-white powder.
The short, barrel-shaped stem is covered with a velvety, light skin with a silvery sheen. The dense light gray flesh has a mushroom flavor and aroma. In case of mechanical damage, the color does not change, the milky juice is not released.
Grows on spruce and deciduous substrates
Where does the early hygrophor grow
Early gigrofor grows in mixed forests in single specimens or in small groups. Fruiting occurs in early spring, the mushroom can appear from the ground even at sub-zero temperatures. Mushroom crops can often be found under a blanket of snow.
Is it possible to eat an early hygrophor
Early Gigrofor is a delicious representative of the mushroom kingdom. It has delicate flesh, pleasant taste and aroma. Since the mushroom is eaten, you need to study the external data and view the photo.
False doubles
Gigrofor early has an early fruiting period, so it is very difficult to confuse it with poisonous specimens. But the species has similar twins, which bear fruit from July to October. These include:
- Motley - an edible species that grows in fields and meadows. The species got its name because of the periodic color change. The bell-shaped or flat cap is initially painted in a bright lemon color, as it matures, it becomes greenish or acquires a pink tint. The fleshy, hollow stem is covered with a slimy layer and has a lemon-olive color. Light flesh is practically tasteless and odorless. Fruiting during the whole warm period in numerous specimens.
As it grows, the color of the cap changes.
- The black - a delicacy species that prefers to grow among deciduous and coniferous trees. The convex cap straightens as it grows and at full maturity takes on a depressed shape. The matt surface is painted dark gray. Light, fleshy pulp with delicate taste and aroma. Fruiting in autumn, only young specimens are used in cooking.
For the winter, the mushroom can be dried and frozen.
- Spotted - edible species. The surface is covered with light gray, slimy skin.The fibrous stem is dark in color and has numerous light scales. Whitish pulp is fragile, tasteless and odorless. After boiling, the harvested crop is suitable for preparing side dishes, aromatic soups. For the winter, mushrooms can be frozen and dried.
Grows in small families in mixed forests
Collection rules and use
The collection of this specimen is carried out from early spring to late autumn. The mushroom found is cut off with a sharp knife or carefully twisted out of the ground, trying not to damage the mycelium. Mushroom hunting is best done in sunny weather, early in the morning, in an ecologically clean place.
The harvested crop is thoroughly cleaned of forest debris, washed under running water and peeled from the stem. After a 10-minute heat treatment, the mushrooms are used to prepare side dishes, soups and preparations for the winter. Mushrooms can also be dried. The dried product is stored in a paper or rag bag for no more than 12 months.
Conclusion
Early Gigrofor is an edible representative of the mushroom kingdom. Grows in small families among spruce and deciduous trees. Appears in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. Young specimens are used for food fried, boiled or canned. In order not to confuse the mushroom with inedible species, you need to carefully read the external data, view photos and video material.
