Content
- 1 Where does yellow ramaria grow
- 2 What does a yellow slingshot look like
- 3 Types of deer horns
- 4 Edible or not yellow horned mushroom
- 5 Useful properties of antler mushrooms
- 6 How to distinguish deer antlers from false mushrooms
- 7 Rules for collecting yellow horned mushrooms
- 8 Photo of reindeer horns mushrooms
- 9 Conclusion
Antler mushrooms are the rarest, in appearance they resemble sea coral. The species is also called horned or coral yellow, bear's paw. Reindeer horns belong to the family of Gomf mushrooms. They are basidiomycetes, on the fruiting body of which spores form.
Where does yellow ramaria grow
Deer horns are a kind of mushroom in its appearance, the fruiting body of which has many branches. Its main feature is vertical growth. The Latin name for ramaria is Ramaria flava. Plant class - Agaricomycetes. It grows exclusively on land, in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. Sometimes witch circles and curved lines appear in the place of growth of the fungus. They are typical for specimens growing in conifers. Deer horns are classified as parasites. They settle on sick trees, gradually turning them into dust.
The yellow hornbeam is found both in groups and one mushroom at a time. It is most abundant in the forests of Karelia, Primorsky Krai and the Caucasus. Recently, antler mushrooms have begun to be found in the Crimea. Due to the mild climate, Crimean antlers are harvested at the beginning of summer. Outside of Russia, they are common in Central European countries. Due to its rarity and uniqueness, the antler mushroom is listed in the Red Book. Therefore, it is officially prohibited for collection. Despite this, the product is used not only in cooking, but also in alternative medicine. This is facilitated by the abundance of useful properties and rich composition.
What does a yellow slingshot look like
It is no coincidence that the slingshot got its name. The mushrooms, the photo of which is posted below, resemble deer antlers. The height of the fruit body can reach 20 cm. The diameter of the fungus is 15 cm. The fruit body is connected to the ground by a kind of "bump". From it there are multiple branches with truncated ends. The color of the mushroom ranges from light yellow to deep orange. At the base, the shade of the fruiting body does not change; it is almost always white. The fault is off-white. The mushroom pulp is slightly moist, the smell of horned grass is herbaceous.
Slingshot pulp is often cooked in batter and marinated in sauce
Types of deer horns
In nature, there are several varieties of deer horns. They all differ in their edibility and appearance. Each representative has certain characteristics. Therefore, when collecting and preparing them, there must be an individual approach. The yellow horned is of the following types:
- bunchy;
Clumpy ramaria is characterized by brittle and watery flesh.
- coral hedgehog;
Gericium grows on stumps and trunks of dead trees
- purple slingshot;
A distinctive feature is bright color
- amethyst slingshot;
Is sedentary or with a leg
- comb horned;
The mushroom is considered an inedible variety.
Edible or not yellow horned mushroom
Deer horn mushrooms, photos of which can be seen below, are considered conditionally edible. They fall into the fourth category in cooking. They are significantly inferior to the popular varieties of mushrooms, despite this, they are used as food. Mushrooms must be classified before consumption. Some are not tasty. It is not recommended to eat old mushrooms and those specimens that grew near conifers. The antlers that grow near the roads are also not suitable for internal reception.
Useful properties of antler mushrooms
Mushrooms, similar to yellow corals, can not only be eaten, but also used for medicinal purposes. They are especially popular in Chinese medicine. Due to the content of phytoagglutinin, amino acids and sterol, the product is often used to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the lungs. Cosmetologists use deer horns to slow down the aging process. The fungus is also believed to be able to prevent the growth of malignant cells and to strengthen the immune system. Other benefits of a slingshot include:
- prevention of thrombosis by strengthening the vascular walls;
- normalization of the central nervous system;
- stabilization of respiratory function;
- reducing the risk of developing oncology;
- elimination of toxic substances from the body;
- improved blood composition;
- strengthening the immune system;
- beneficial effects on brain function and memory;
- rejuvenation of the skin.
Among other things, antlers are considered overly nutritious for the human body. They are 70% dietary fiber. Experts say that the bear's foot is considered one of the most valuable sources of iron and calcium. Thanks to this, the product can be used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases caused by vitamin deficiency.
How to distinguish deer antlers from false mushrooms
The yellow mushroom, like coral, has many poisonous counterparts. Therefore, it is important to be able to distinguish it from inedible brethren. A mistake in this case can cost the mushroom picker his life. The main parameter for evaluation is color. It shouldn't be too bright. Young specimens of horned horns are distinguished by a milky or beige color.
The closest relative is the beautiful ramaria. A poisonous mushroom is very similar to antlers. But at the site of the break, the flesh turns red. The branching apex of the twin is distinguished by a pale pink color. In older specimens, this area acquires a brown-brown color over time. This species does not have a specific smell. But it can be recognized by its bitter taste. It allows you to stop eating on time, which reduces the risk of poisoning. For other features, the false twin is practically indistinguishable from deer horns. Therefore, novice mushroom pickers can make mistakes during the collection.
Outwardly, beautiful ramaria evokes extremely positive impressions.
In case of accidental intake of beautiful ramaria for food, you should consult a doctor. To prevent serious complications, it is necessary to cleanse the digestive system. For these purposes, sorbents and drugs are used to stop toxic poisoning. Hospitalization may be required to administer treatment solutions intravenously.
Another double of the horned horns is the golden ramaria. Its distinctive features include a rich yellow color and a dense short stem. The width of the fruit body ranges from 5 to 12 cm. The twin has a pleasant smell and mushroom delicate taste. Ramaria golden can only be eaten at a young age.
Rules for collecting yellow horned mushrooms
The bear's paw mushroom is harvested between August and September. When choosing, you should bypass old copies.They are of no use whatsoever. It is also not recommended to take mushrooms, like deer horns, from tree stumps. In this case, there is a risk of stumbling upon poisonous species. Since slingshots have the property of accumulating radionuclides and heavy metals in themselves, industrial facilities, highways and military territories should be avoided. The farther from civilization a clearing with deer horns is located, the lower the likelihood of developing food poisoning.
The collection is carried out with a sharp knife. Plucking the fruiting body is not recommended. This can damage its fragile structure. It is advisable not to store freshly collected slingshots for too long. Under the influence of air and light, they begin to deteriorate. Better to sort them out and cook them right away.
Before cooking the yellow coral, make sure it is edible. After that, the deer horns are cleared of forest debris and dirt. You do not need to soak the product before cooking. After washing, it is enough to blot it with a paper towel to remove moisture. To preserve the beneficial properties and taste for a long time, the slings are pickled and dried.
But freshly picked mushrooms are considered the most delicious. Their preparation does not take much time. It is enough to boil them or toss them in a frying pan. The average cooking time is 20 minutes. It is not recommended to digest this type of slingshot. Reindeer horns go well with potatoes and meat. It should be remembered that the product absorbs salt and spices well, so you should not abuse it.
Photo of reindeer horns mushrooms
Photos and videos about antlers mushrooms will help you get a complete picture and understand how to distinguish them from other representatives. If you are not sure that the slingshot is edible, then it is better to refuse to use it.
Older specimens have a dark saturated color.
Bear's foot can be used as an anthelmintic
It is not recommended to give antlers to children under three years old.
The younger the slingshot, the softer the taste of its pulp.
For medicinal use, the product is dried
Conclusion
Antler mushrooms are worth trying at least once. When cooked correctly, they can become a real decoration of the festive table, which can compete with delicacies. When collecting the mushroom, care should be taken, having carefully studied the general information and recommendations of specialists.
