Content
Blue gyroporus (Gyroporus cyanescens) is listed in the Red Book, as it is very rare. Mushroom pickers call it blue because of the reaction to the cut: blue appears quickly. It is because of this that people consider it inedible. In fact, it is delicious, not much different from the boletus.
What does a blue gyroporus look like?
This is a representative of the Gyroporus clan. When going for mushrooms, you need to carefully study which of them can be put in the basket, and which is better to bypass. Blue gyroporus can be distinguished from other mushrooms by the following features:
- convex caps are whitish, brownish-yellow.
- pulp that turns blue on cut or when pressed;
- the fragility of the mushroom;
- full tuberous stem.
Hat
Young blue gyroporus are distinguished by a convex felt cap. Over time, she straightens. The diameter reaches 15 cm. The color is white at first, then a barely noticeable yellowness appears. If you touch or break the head of a gyroporus, it will quickly turn blue. This property is reflected in the name.
Pulp
Blue gyroporus is characterized by brittle white or yellowish flesh. Small porous tubes are freely located in it. The spore layer is small - about 10 mm. The pulp is fragrant, soft, light. They have an interesting taste, somewhat reminiscent of walnuts.
Leg
In young gyroporus, the legs are dense, filled, and smooth. Over time, as the fungus grows, this part loosens, cavities appear in it. The shape of the stem is tuberous, near the ground it can be thicker or thinner. The height is about 10 cm, the thickest part in diameter is about 3 cm.
Where does the blue gyroporus grow
On the territory of Russia, blue gyroporus grows only in the forests of the temperate and southern zones, since they develop better in a warm, humid climate. These are deciduous and mixed forests of Western Siberia, the European part of Russia. In Central Asia, bruises grow right in the steppe.
Oaks, pines, chestnuts, birches growing on wet sandstones are favorite places for bruising. Mushrooms have symbiosis with these trees. They exchange nutrients with each other.
Mushrooms grow one by one, they are rare, which is why they are under state protection. Fruiting time is mid-July. It is possible to find mushrooms, depending on climatic conditions, in September-October, almost until the first frost.
Is it possible to eat blue gyroporus
Since blue gyroporus is a rare Red Book mushroom, lovers of quiet hunting are interested in collecting and eating them. It should be noted right away that bruises are quite edible, but only after heat treatment. They belong to the second category.
Gyroporus blue, tasty and nutritious, low in calories. They contain nutrients, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Despite the beneficial properties, mushrooms must be eaten carefully even after heat treatment. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.
False doubles
It is difficult to confuse them with inedible mushrooms due to their interesting color change characteristic. The blue color will not disappear until the fruits are in hot water. During heat treatment, they turn white.
Although in the kingdom of mushrooms there are twins of the blue gyroporus. It:
- chestnut gyroporus;
- boletus Junquilla.
Gyroporus chestnut
This conditionally edible mushroom has a convex or flat cap, which becomes cushion-shaped as it grows. The hat is smooth, velvety. If there is no rain for a long time, it begins to crack. A chestnut or red-brown hat reaches 3-11 cm in diameter.
In contrast to the blue gyroporus, the leg is hollow, its length is about 8 cm, the convex part is about 3 cm. The shape is cylindrical or club-shaped.
The tubular layer is white at first, then yellowish-creamy; when pressed, it begins to turn brown. The flesh of young mushrooms is fleshy, firm, then becomes brittle, easily breaks. She has a hazelnut flavor.
Borovik Junquilla
Boletus yellow is an edible tubular mushroom from the Boletov family. Can be eaten raw, culinary uses are extensive. The timing of fruiting and the place of growth coincide with the bruise, it is also outwardly similar. He initially has a convex hemispherical cap, which becomes prostrate over time. It is light yellow or brown. When it rains, it becomes mucous. Legs are light yellow, fleshy, incomplete, with granular brown scales along the entire length. The pulp is odorless, but the taste is pleasant.
Collection rules
Since blue gyroporus is listed in the Red Book, it is necessary to collect mushrooms carefully so that the mycelium remains intact. A sharp knife is used for this purpose. Cut off the very ground so that part of the leg remains. Also, do not pick overripe mushrooms with large caps, they are wormy, but necessary for reproduction.
Like any other forest fruits, they are capable of accumulating toxic substances and heavy metals. Therefore, you should not pay attention to gyropores that have grown next to a road or railroad. No heat treatments will rid the fruiting bodies of accumulated harmful substances.
Use
Mushrooms are edible, they lack bitterness, taste and aroma are pleasant. During the heat treatment, the mushrooms do not become tough.
Due to the beneficial properties, bruises are used in cooking, medicine:
- The blue gyroporus contains the natural antibiotic bolethol.
- The presence of antioxidants allows the use of fruiting bodies as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of tumors.
- Microelements such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, contained in bruises, are easily absorbed by the body. That is why it is recommended to use blue gyroporus to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system and increase immunity.
The fruits collected in the forest can be left in the refrigerator for three days, and boiled ones are suitable for 2-3 days, but only in a decoction. Blue gyroporus can be dried, stewed, fried, cooked with them soups, sauces, stews. Connoisseurs of mushroom dishes, in addition to various vegetables, add raisins and prunes. Bruises fried with nuts look appetizing.
Conclusion
Gyroporus blue is famous for its excellent taste. It is a pity that mushrooms are very rare, and they grow only one at a time. But if you managed to find at least 2-3 copies, you can cook a delicious roast.
