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The pink russula is a conditionally edible mushroom found in Russia. It is also known as the beautiful and pink russula. In the scientific literature, the species is called Russula lepida, or Russula rosacea. Despite its mediocre taste, it is popular with mushroom pickers.
Where pink russules grow
The variety is found in Eurasia and North America. Prefers deciduous forests, but can also grow under conifers. It is often found in mountainous regions and on the hillsides.
The most active fruiting is observed in rainy summers. Warm weather also favors mushroom growth. They love partial shade, enter into symbiosis with deciduous trees and conifers. They are collected in clearings, forest edges, next to forest paths and ravines.
Pink russules grow singly, but often form groups. They thrive best in drained soil. They do not grow in swampy areas, and in areas that are prone to flooding in spring or after rains.
It is not recommended to pick mushrooms near highways, factories and other industrial facilities. Harmful substances can accumulate in the pulp: heavy metal ions and radionuclides. Therefore, for mushrooms they go to ecologically clean regions.
How beautiful russula look
According to the photo and description, the pink russula consists of a cap and a leg. The mushroom got its name due to its pinkish color. In young specimens, it is hemispherical. As it grows, the shape becomes convex, a depression appears in the center. The hat becomes flatter, but does not turn into a funnel.
The color range of the mushroom is varied: from pale pink to bright red. In the central part, the color is more intense. The size of the cap varies from 3 to 11 cm.
The mushroom belongs to the lamellar category. Frequent plates are located under its cap. They branch and intertwine with each other, but they are located freely. Light beige plates often have a reddish tint near the stem.
The leg itself is large and powerful. In shape, it resembles a mace with a thickening near the base, and becomes cylindrical near the cap. The upper part of the leg is white, at the bottom it has a pink undertone and reddish veins.
The flesh of a pink russula is light, dense, but very fragile. At high humidity in the air, it becomes gray in color. The aroma of this species is unusual, reminiscent of mint and fruit. His spore powder is beige, with spherical spores.
Are pink russules edible or not?
Pink russula are part of the group of conditionally edible mushrooms. This includes varieties that are acceptable for food. They are preliminarily subjected to processing: they are soaked in water and boiled for 20 - 30 minutes. The liquid after cooking must be drained.It contains toxins that are removed from the pulp during heat treatment.
Pink russula are suitable for home canning. It is best to pickle mushrooms for the winter. The boiled mass is added to various dishes. For storage, it is removed in the freezer.
Taste qualities of pink russula
Pink russula are not considered a delicacy. Their taste is rather mediocre. The pulp has a bitter taste. To get rid of it, the mass is boiled for a long time over low heat.
Benefit and harm
Russula contains vitamins of group B, C and E. The pulp of mushrooms is rich in amino acids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus. This is a low-calorie product that is added to the diet menu. 100 g contains 19 kcal. The pulp contains protein, which is well absorbed by the body.
The use of pink russula benefits the body:
- hemoglobin rises;
- swelling goes away;
- blood vessels are strengthened;
- sleep is normalized, fatigue is relieved.
Moreover, mushrooms are heavy food for the stomach. When russula is turned on in the menu, they must comply with the norm - no more than 150 g per day. If this amount is exceeded, the work of the digestive tract is disrupted. The product is not recommended for use by children, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The first signs of poisoning are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness. When such symptoms appear, the victim is given activated charcoal or other sorbent. In case of russula poisoning, it is recommended to drink more warm water and to wash the stomach. Then you can seek medical help.
False double russules with a pink hat
The pink russula has counterparts that do not taste good. Some species are poisonous and cause poisoning. Therefore, when collecting mushrooms, pay attention to the shape and color of the cap, as well as other distinctive features.
The most common doubles are:
- Russula emetica, or russula pungently caustic. The main difference is the intense, bright red color of the cap. An inedible specimen that tastes bitter. Young mushrooms have a convex cap. Then it grows and becomes flat, with a funnel in the center. Its size is 5 - 9 cm. The leg is white or pinkish, cylindrical in shape. A burning, caustic variety forms mycosis with deciduous and coniferous trees.
- Russula amarissima... A species of russula that only grows under beech trees. It has a faint fruity aroma. Its pulp is very bitter in taste. The hat is wide, dark red. The plates are frequent, white with pink veins. The leg is large, white with a pink bloom.
- Russula pseudointegra, or ruddy russula. The fungus is found in the oak forest, sometimes growing under other deciduous trees. In adult specimens, yellowish plates. The pulp is very bitter in taste. The hat is spherical, bright pink. The stem is cylindrical, with a visible thickening near the base.
How to cook pink russula
Pink russules are eaten after heat treatment. First, the fruit bodies are cleared of forest debris: moss, branches, leaves, earth. Then they are placed in water to soak. The mass is boiled over low heat to get rid of the bitter taste.
Boiled mushrooms are added to soups, sauces, side dishes, salads, pie fillings. They are combined with meat, chicken, rice and vegetables. The product is fried, boiled, baked and stewed. For the winter, it is better to salt them. For this, mushroom raw materials are placed in salt water for 2 - 3 hours. During this time, bitter juice will come out of the pulp. Then the mass is placed in a jar, add 3 tbsp. l. salt and fill with water.
Conclusion
The pink russula is a mushroom that is eaten only after processing. This variety, which has an unusual pink color, is used to make soups, sauces, and side dishes.For these mushrooms, they go to deciduous or coniferous forests, be sure to check when collecting meadows, glades and other areas located in partial shade.
