Content
Amanita muscaria is a representative of the numerous genus of the same name of the Amanitovye family. The mushrooms are large, with the remnants of the coverlet on the cap.
Only experienced mushroom pickers can distinguish between poisonous and edible species.
Description of pearl fly agaric
Representatives of the variety are quite large. In the forest, they are noticeable in light color.
Description of the hat
The width of the cap is up to 10-11 cm. At first, it is convex, yellow-brownish or pinkish, then it darkens, shades of red-brown appear. Small and large scales remain on the glossy smooth surface. The loose plates are as white as spore powder.
Scales granular, whitish
Leg description
Stable peduncle 2-3 cm in diameter, up to 14 cm in height. Downward there is a noticeable thickening with annular remains of the bedspread. The velvety surface is matt, identical to the color of the cap or one shade lighter. Above, a leathery white ring with sloping grooves. The white juicy pulp turns red after being cut and smells nice.
The remains of the Volvo are visible, turned into circular folds
Where and how it grows
Pearl is a widespread mushroom with no special preferences for soils, found in mixed, coniferous and deciduous forests from mid or late June to October. Most often, the species is found under birches, oaks or spruces. In Russia, the variety is typical for the temperate zone.
Edible pearl fly agaric or poisonous
The fruit bodies of the species are considered edible, in many European countries - conditionally edible. A mushroom from the genus Amanita should not be eaten raw, but only after heat treatment. Fruit bodies are soaked, peeled from the caps and boiled for 20-30 minutes, the water is drained. Also, mushrooms are not dried, but pickled, frozen after boiling or salted. Pearl can only be taken by experienced mushroom pickers, because the fruit bodies of this fly agaric are outwardly easy to confuse with poisonous ones.
Doubles and their differences
Many fly agarics are very similar to each other; among the representatives of the genus there are dangerous species with strong toxins. Some are false doubles of the pearl variety:
- panther;
In the panther species, the edges of the cap are slightly folded.
- thick, or chunky.
The stocky has a darker, greyish brown skin than the pearl variety
Both species are poisonous, their flesh does not oxidize when broken and retains a whitish color.
The original mushroom differs in the following ways:
- under the influence of air, the broken raw pulp turns red;
- free plates;
- pedicle ring not smooth, with grooves.
Conclusion
Amanita muscaria is used only after culinary processing. Inexperienced mushroom pickers should not take fruit bodies similar to the described ones, since the species has false poisonous counterparts that are difficult to distinguish for beginners.
