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Konrad's umbrella is the name of a mushroom of the Champignon family. In Latin it sounds like Macrolepiota konradii. The species forms mycorrhiza with plant roots. Spores germinate due to the absorption of nutrients and organic compounds from the structures of the tree, and the fungus performs the function of breaking down soil humus into amino acids. This cohabitation is mutually beneficial, so the plants get along well.
Where does Konrad's umbrella grow
The area of distribution of the species is very extensive. It can be found in the middle zone, Transcaucasia. The fungus grows in various types of forests, found in open meadows or forest edges. Prefers soil rich in humus and leaf litter. May catch your eye in city parks. Despite the large area of distribution, it is considered a rare species.
Fruiting begins in late summer (in some areas - from early autumn) and lasts until October-November. It all depends on the ambient temperature. Therefore, individual groups of mushroom pickers are found in June. Grows singly and in small clusters. Pictured is Konrad's umbrella:
Despite its small size, Konrad's umbrella mushroom is highly prized among lovers of mushroom dishes
What Conrad's umbrella looks like
Only adult mushrooms are suitable for collection due to the too small size of young caps. A developed fruiting body has the following features:
The hat reaches a diameter of 5 cm to 12 cm. In a young umbrella, it is ovoid, then it takes on a semicircular shape, and in an adult mushroom it becomes prostrate. A characteristic feature is a tubercle in the center. The skin is thin brownish, cracking as the cap grows. A kind of "star-shaped" pattern is formed on the surface. The pulp is concentrated in the center of the cap, almost absent at the ends. It is white in color, does not change its tone when broken.
The original appearance of the surface of the cap is a distinctive characteristic of Konrad.
Leg. High, the length reaches 10 cm. If weather conditions are favorable, it grows up to 15 cm. The diameter does not exceed 1.5 cm. Downward the leg thickens slightly, there is a club-shaped formation at the base. In young specimens it is whole, in adults it is hollow. The peel on the leg is light brown, smooth, cracking over time. There is a ring on the leg. Light above, brown below.
To make sure that the mushroom found is edible, donate one and cut the cap
Plates. Conrad's species belongs to the lamellar species. The plates are frequent, wide, white. Easily detached from the cap.
Be sure to pay attention to the color of the plates to distinguish edible specimens.
Disputes are whitish-cream.
The taste and smell of fruiting bodies is pleasant.
Can you eat Konrad's umbrella
The mushroom has excellent taste characteristics. It is considered edible, after cooking it resembles the taste of champignons.
False doubles
Conrad's umbrella has edible and false similar species. To feast on this particular mushroom, you need to familiarize yourself with the distinctive features of other species:
Motley.It grows to a larger size. It has a fibrous cap with a beige color and brown scales. The leg is hollow, fibrous, with a ring. The pulp is white, friable, belongs to edible mushrooms. The fruiting season is the same, but Variegated is more common on sandy soil.
The hat of the species is very similar, but in Motley it is much larger in size.
White. Also edible with a fleshy cap that changes shape as the mushroom grows. The leg is hollow and curved; it turns orange when touched. The fruiting period is the same as Konrad's umbrella.
This mushroom can be easily distinguished by the color of its legs when touched.
Poisonous doubles:
Amanita muscaria has a skirt with a leg that slides down. Konrad's is static. There is also a volva on the leg, which the edible umbrella does not have.
It is important to check all the characteristic signs of a poisonous mushroom so that the fly agaric does not end up in the basket.
Toadstool is pale. In a young stage, it can be mistaken for Konrad's umbrella due to the similarity of the hats. Therefore, experienced mushroom pickers are not advised to collect young umbrellas. First, it will prevent poisoning. Secondly, at this stage, the cap is almost without pulp.
Toadstool is a very poisonous mushroom, the signs of which should be known for sure
Collection rules and use
Basic rules for mushroom pickers:
- Do not take fruiting bodies that are in doubt.
- Bypass places near landfills, garbage heaps, industrial areas, railways.
- Collect Konrad's umbrellas only in adulthood, leave young ones.
- Process the mushrooms as quickly as possible.
- Eat the caps for food, removing the legs after boiling.
Conrad's umbrellas are classified as dietary mushrooms. The taste of the dishes from them is very pleasant. The nutritional composition is quite diverse, fruiting bodies contain a large list of useful substances for the human body. If you need to cook mushroom soup, then you cannot throw away the legs, they give a rich broth. They are removed after boiling. The main dishes are made from hats that are rich in protein. It is not recommended to use umbrellas for people with diseases of the pancreas, intestines, liver. You should also refrain from dishes with umbrellas for nursing mothers and children under 5 years old.
Fruit bodies are suitable for any kind of processing - boiling, frying, salting, pickling, drying.
If one umbrella is found, you need to look for its brothers nearby.
Conclusion
Konrad's Umbrella is a very nutritious and delicious mushroom. Having studied the main characteristics of the species, you can collect a whole basket of nutritious umbrellas and prepare a lot of dietary meals.
