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Belochampignon red-lamellar (Leucoagaricus leucothites) has a second name - Blush Umbrella. They call it that because when it dries, the cap becomes "ruddy". Belongs to the Champignon family, of the Belochampignon genus. In Hebrew, it is called Nut Belochampignon, or Nut Lepiota because of its slightly nutty aroma. Outwardly, it is similar to white-colored champignon and other poisonous gifts of the forest, but there are still distinctive signs. You can learn further about where to look, how to distinguish from doubles, whether it is worth eating.
What red-lamellar white champignons look like
In young specimens, the cap is hemispherical in shape, white; with age, it becomes more open and acquires a pale pink tint. Its size varies from 4 to 8 cm. Red-lamellar white champignon has a thin and smooth white leg. Its length is from 6 to 10 cm, and its thickness is from 5 to 8 mm. You can distinguish a young specimen from an old one by the presence of a ring on the leg, which disappears when growing up. Spores are elliptical, smooth, colorless, 8-10 × 5-6 microns.
Where red-lamellar lepiots grow
The optimal time for the growth of this type of mushroom is from July to October. The ruddy umbrella is quite common in gardens, parks, fields, lawns and pastures. Thus, the main habitat is grass. They can grow both singly and in groups of 2 - 3 fruiting bodies.
Is it possible to eat rosy umbrellas
Although the edibility of the red-lamellar white champignon is questioned by some, most sources attribute it to edible, and experienced mushroom pickers are happy to collect and use them for food.
Taste qualities of red-lamellar white champignon mushroom
Those who have tried the red-lamellar white champignon note a pleasant taste and a light unusual fruity aroma. Many gourmets claim that it smells like chicken meat and has a pronounced mushroom taste.
Benefits and harm to the body
As you know, any edible mushroom is good for the body, since it contains the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements. Due to its low calorie content, red-lamellar white champignon allows you to reduce weight, and a low glycemic index cleanses the body of toxins and saturates with useful substances.
False doubles
A ruddy umbrella is often mistaken for a white-colored champignon, but there is nothing to worry about, since both options are edible.However, this instance can be confused with false doubles, which can cause irreparable harm to health. These include:
- Lead-slag green plate - grows in the same area as belochampignon. It is considered a poisonous mushroom. A distinctive feature is that the white champignon has a red-lamellar pinkish plate, and the double has a pale green color, and with age they acquire a greenish-olive tint.
- Amanita muscaria (white toadstool) - is considered a deadly poisonous mushroom. In its young form, it has a hemispherical cap, and with age it is more convex. The pulp is white, with an unpleasant odor resembling chlorine. Quite often, filmy flakes form on the cap. You can distinguish the species in question from a double by the absence of a Volvo. In the fly agaric, it is cupped or saccular, often immersed in the soil.
Collection rules
Red-plate white champignons should not be collected near landfills, enterprises, roads and highways, since they absorb all toxic substances well and thereby can harm the body.
Due to its rather common form, this instance can be confused with any other. Therefore, in order to avoid poisoning, experts recommend not collecting those gifts of the forest, which the mushroom picker doubts.
Use
Many people eat red-lamellar white champignons, but it is extremely important not to confuse them with false doubles. Many reference books indicate that these mushrooms can be eaten raw, fried and pickled. However, there are no generally accepted recipes for cooking.
Conclusion
Red-lamellar white champignon is a useful product that can be found almost anywhere. However, its pale appearance, resembling a toadstool, can be alarming, and the likelihood of confusing it with a poisonous specimen is quite high. Therefore, if the mushroom picker is not sure that it is the rosy umbrella that is in his hands, then in this case it is better to discard this instance.
