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Lovers of "quiet hunting" know about 20 species of edible and conditionally edible species of mushrooms. But few people know that the pigeon ryadovka is an edible mushroom, with the help of which you can add a unique aroma to culinary dishes.
Ryadovka pigeon (glaucous) is a rather large hat-shaped lamellar mushroom, belongs to the Ryadovkov family, which has about 100 species. The bluish ryadovka is a rare find; it is valued by true mushroom pickers for its taste.
Where does the pigeon ryadovka mushroom grow
The pigeon row (tricholomacolumbetta) grows singly or in small groups. Prefers deciduous and mixed forests, the proximity of birches and oaks. It can also be found in meadows and pastures.
Most often found in the forests of Siberia, the Ob region, the Leningrad region and the northern regions of the country. Fruiting begins in August and ends at the end of September. This species tolerates the first frosts well, while not losing its taste.
What does a pigeon row look like
The pigeon row has a strong rounded leg up to 10 cm high. It tapers downwards and has a bluish tint at the base. At the break, the fibers turn pink. The stem is fibrous, has no cavities on the cut.
It reaches 3 cm in thickness. It is smooth and round. A bluish-green tint can be seen at the base.
The hat is hemispherical or bell-shaped. Young specimens have a tubercle at the apex; small scales are also characteristic. With growth, the cap becomes flat, opens wide. Its diameter reaches 12 cm. Its edges are slightly curled down.
The surface is smooth and sticky. The color is white, sometimes with bluish or pinkish spots. The fleshy cap is complemented by frequent plates, which acquire a brown hue with age.
The mushroom has a mild taste and pleasant aroma. The pulp is firm and firm. Under the influence of high temperatures, it becomes red at the fracture.
In order not to be mistaken, and not to be confused with a poisonous double, you need to carefully read the description, study the appearance from the photo of a row of pigeons.
Is it possible to eat a pigeon ryadovka
The glaucous ryadovka is considered an edible mushroom. It contains a large amount of amino acids and protein, which allows it to be equated in its nutritional properties with some types of meat.
Mushroom taste
Despite the fact that raw mushroom does not have a strong specific aroma, such as boletus or aspen, when cooked it becomes an excellent addition to hot dishes.
As an addition to meat broth, it fills it with a special unique aroma, for which it is appreciated among professional chefs. Pigeon ryadovka dishes turn out to be hearty and tasty. The nutritional value is due to its rich chemical composition and high protein content.
Benefits and harm to the body
The chemically bluish ryadovka can be compared to a full range of dietary supplements that help strengthen the immune system.
Edible species of the Ryadovkov family are unique in composition. They contain many elements useful for the human body:
- vitamins (A, C, PP, D, the whole group of B vitamins, choline);
- trace elements (phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, etc.).
In addition, they demonstrate a high anti-inflammatory ability, have bactericidal and antiviral properties, and contain 18 amino acids that play an important role in protein synthesis. These qualities are used by traditional healers for the preparation of various remedies.
The following fact was noted: with regular consumption of food, the susceptibility to influenza viruses, tubercle bacillus decreases, the growth of cancer cells stops.
But no matter how unique the properties of ryadovka are, it should still be borne in mind that all types of edible mushrooms are classified as protein products. With uncontrolled use, the load on the kidneys, liver and digestive system increases dramatically.
It is unacceptable to eat mushroom dishes for children under 14 years old, nursing mothers, pregnant women and people with individual intolerance.
But the main danger lies in the fact that even experienced mushroom pickers can mistake the white row (poisonous species of the family) for an edible double.
False doubles
The Ryadovkov family includes about 100 species. The greatest danger is stored in itself by a pigeon row double - a poisonous copy of a white row (tricholomaalbum).
Outwardly, these two species are strikingly similar to each other, which can lead to error even among the most experienced mushroom pickers. You can distinguish the "twins" by the main feature: the white one exudes a sharp disgusting smell, while the bluish one has a slight pleasant mushroom aroma.
The second difference: the cap of a poisonous mushroom is invariably dry, while that of an edible one is sticky.
Collection rules
Experienced mushroom pickers know that there are certain rules for collecting all types of mushrooms:
- you cannot collect them near highways, railways and industrial enterprises;
- wormy and overgrown specimens are not suitable for cooking;
- in case of doubt, it is worth decisively refusing to put the mushroom in the basket.
The bluish row can be harvested from August to the end of September. The collection does not stop even after the first frost, it does not lose its taste. It is better to twist the mushroom leg so as not to damage the mycelium.
Use
The pigeon row is eaten fried, boiled. It can be dried, salted and pickled for long-term storage.
Before cooking, it is soaked in water, after which the film is removed from the cap. It is also recommended to boil the mushrooms for 15 minutes before further cooking.
Rowing is good as an addition to meat broths, vegetable dishes and, especially, to potatoes. Mushrooms can be stewed with sour cream. The result is unusually tasty and aromatic masterpieces.
Conclusion
Pigeon ryadovka is a delicious mushroom that can fill any hot dish with a special aroma. Unfortunately, this species is not often found in the forest. Finding him is considered a real success. The bluish ryadovka is eaten in preparations for the winter: pickles and marinades. It can be dried, and then it will serve as a fragrant seasoning for a large number of dishes.
