Content
Gigrofor is yellowish-white - a lamellar mushroom, which is included in the family of the same name Gigroforovye. It prefers to grow in moss, in which it "hides" up to its cap. You can also hear other names for this species: cowboy handkerchief, wax hat. And in the official mycological reference books, it is listed as Hygrophorus eburneus.
What does a yellowish-white hygrophor look like?
Has a classic shape of the fruiting body. The size of the cap in diameter ranges from 2 to 8 cm. At the initial stage of growth, the upper part is hemispherical, then it takes the form of a wide bell with a tucked edge inward. And when ripe, it becomes prostrate with a tubercle in the center. The surface of the cap is white, but turns slightly yellow as it matures. Also, pale rusty spots may appear on it when ripe.
On the reverse side of the cap, at the yellowish-white hygrophor, there are narrow rare plates descending to the pedicle. They are identical in color to the top of the mushroom. Spores are elliptical, colorless. Their size is 9 x 5 microns.
The upper part of the yellowish-white hygrophor is covered with a thick layer of mucus, making it difficult to collect
The stem is cylindrical, slightly narrowed at the base. The lower part is straight, but in some specimens it may be curved. The structure is dense, fibrous. The color of the leg is white; scaly belts can be seen on the surface.
The pulp is snow-white; upon contact with air, the shade does not change. Has a mild mushroom smell. The structure of the pulp is tender, with little impact it breaks easily, therefore it does not tolerate transportation well.
Where does the yellowish-white hygrophor grow
A yellowish-white hygrophor is widespread in Europe, North America and Africa. Grows in deciduous forests and mixed plantings. Prefers to settle near hornbeam and beech. In most cases, it grows in large groups, but also occurs singly.
Is it possible to eat a yellowish-white hygrophor
This species is considered edible and belongs to the third category in terms of taste. The yellowish-white hygrophor can be consumed fresh and after processing. Adult specimens are recommended to be fried, boiled, used for making sauces. Young fruits are best for pickling and pickling.
False doubles
Outwardly, the hygrophor is yellowish-white similar to other species. Therefore, in order to be able to recognize twins, one should know their characteristic differences.
Gigrofor maiden or Hygrophorus virgineus. A conditionally edible twin, but in terms of taste it is significantly inferior to its congener. The diameter of the upper part reaches 5-8 cm. It is white, but when ripe, the center can acquire a yellowish tint. The fruiting period begins at the end of summer and lasts until the second half of September.It grows in meadows along paths and clearings in numerous groups. The official name is Cuphophyllus virgineus.
The main difference between the maiden's hygrophor is that its cap remains dry even in high humidity conditions.
Limacella oily or coated. A little-known edible mushroom of the Amanita family. The apex diameter is 3-10 cm, its shade is white or light brown. The surface of the top and bottom is slippery. The plates are white-pink. The pulp exudes an oily odor similar to that of a perfume. It is recommended to eat it in dried, fried form. The official name is Limacella illinita.
Limacella oily prefers to grow in conifers
Collection rules and use
The fruiting period for the yellowish-white hygrophor begins in August and lasts until late autumn until frost occurs. Due to the fragile structure, it must be collected carefully and folded into the basket with the hat down. When collecting the fruits, it is important to cut carefully at the base so as not to violate the integrity of the mycelium.
This species has a pleasant sweetish taste, so you can cook it on your own, as well as in combination with other mushrooms.
Conclusion
Gigrofor yellowish-white contains a large number of biologically active substances, among which there are fatty acids. Due to this, it has antifungal and bactericidal properties. This species is not only useful, but also in terms of its nutritional value is not inferior to mushrooms. But many lovers of quiet hunting bypass it, since by its external features it looks very much like a toadstool.
