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The chestnut moss is a representative of the Boletovs family, the Mochovik genus. It got its name from the fact that it grows mainly in moss. It is also called the brown or dark brown moss and also the Polish mushroom.
What chestnut mushrooms look like
The chestnut flywheel has a distinctive feature - the skin does not separate from the cap
The fruit body of this species is a pronounced stem and cap with the following characteristics:
- At the initial stage of ripening, the cap has a hemispherical shape, with age it becomes prostrate, vague. Its diameter can reach up to 12 cm, in some cases - up to 15 cm. The color is quite diverse: it varies from yellow to dark brown shades. The surface is smooth and dry and becomes sticky in wet weather. In young specimens, the skin is dull, while in mature specimens it is shiny.
- Quite often, a white bloom forms on the head of the chestnut flywheel, which is transmitted to other mushrooms growing in the vicinity.
- The leg has a cylindrical shape, the height of which is 4 to 12 cm, and the thickness is from 1 to 4 cm in diameter. In some specimens, it can be strongly curved or thickened from below or, on the contrary, from above. It is painted in olive or yellowish color, has a brown or pink tint at the base. The structure is fibrous.
- The hymenophore of this type is a tubular layer with rather large angular pores. They are initially white, but when ripe they turn yellowish-green. When pressed, the layer starts to turn blue. Ellipsoidal spores.
- The pulp of the chestnut flywheel is juicy, whitish-creamy or yellowish. In young specimens, it is hard and hard, with age it becomes soft, like a sponge. On the cut, the pulp initially acquires a blue tint, then soon begins to brighten.
- The spore powder is olive or brown.
Where do chestnut mushrooms grow?
This species is found quite often in deciduous and coniferous forests, prefers acidic soils. The optimal time for development is from June to November. Forms mycorrhiza with birch and spruce, less often with beech, oak, European chestnut, pine. Quite often, stumps and tree bases serve as a substrate for them. They can grow separately, but most often in groups. They are found in the European part of Russia, Siberia, the North Caucasus and the Far East.
Is it possible to eat chestnut mushrooms
This instance is edible. However, it has been assigned the third category of nutritional value, which means that it is inferior to mushrooms of the first and second categories in taste and nutrients that make up its composition.
For drying or freezing, it is enough just to remove garbage from each copy and cut off the darkened areas.And if chestnut mushrooms are prepared for pickling, stewing or frying, then they must first be boiled in salted water for about 15 minutes.
Taste qualities of the mushroom chestnut moss
Despite the fact that the chestnut mushroom has been assigned the third nutritional value category, many mushroom pickers note the very pleasant taste of this product. This species has a mild taste and mushroom aroma. It is suitable for a variety of cooking methods: pickling, salting, drying, boiling, frying and stewing.
False doubles
The chestnut mosswheel is similar in certain characteristics to the following gifts of the forest:
- Motley moss - belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. The color of the cap varies from light to dark brown, in most cases it has a red border around the edges. A distinctive feature of the twin is the tubular layer, which changes color when pressed. Motley moss is assigned to the fourth flavor category.
- Flywheel green - an edible specimen, found in the same area. It can be distinguished by the larger pores of the tubular layer. In addition, the mushroom will acquire a yellowish color when cut. Quite often, inexperienced mushroom pickers confuse this specimen with a pepper mushroom. Despite the fact that the double is considered conditionally edible, it has a bitter taste.
Collection rules
You should be aware that overripe chestnut flywheels contain toxic substances that can cause disorders of the digestive organs and the nervous system. Therefore, only young, fresh and strong specimens are suitable for food.
Use
Chestnut mosswheel can be eaten salted, fried, stewed, boiled and pickled. Also, this variety is suitable for freezing and drying, which can later become an additional ingredient for soup or other dish. In addition, mushroom sauces are made from chestnut mushrooms and used as decoration for a festive table.
Conclusion
Chestnut moss is an edible mushroom of the third category. This species is suitable for food, however, the quality of all the gifts of the forest must be strictly monitored. It is important to remember that poisonous and toxic substances accumulate in old specimens that can negatively affect the human body.
