Edible umbrella mushroom: description and photo. Mushroom umbrella (photo)

Umbrella mushrooms (Latin name Macrolepiota procera) got their original name due to their characteristic shape. They resemble open umbrellas when it rains. Mushrooms are highly valued for their pleasant and even delicious taste, but many inexperienced mushroom pickers are put off by the unusual appearance. In addition, there are poisonous umbrella mushrooms, so care must be taken when collecting.

Description according to scientific classification

Department - Basidiomycota

Class and order - Agaricomycetes, Agariaceae

Family - Champignonaceae

Genus - Macrolepiote

According to the description, the umbrella mushroom is a close relative of the champignon, and therefore has similar qualities. Most of the species encountered are harmless to health, and are even the target of “silent hunting” by many hobbyists, so they can be classified as edible.

Main types

White umbrella mushroom (lat. Macrolepiota excoriata). Usually somewhat smaller in size - its fleshy gray-white cap reaches 7-13 cm in diameter. Another name is the field umbrella mushroom. Edible. Distributed in coniferous and mixed forests on open areas, found in steppes, pastures and clearings. Season: June - October. The cap is 6-12 cm in diameter, fleshy, egg-shaped, becomes flat as it ages, but a tubercle remains in the middle. The color of the cap is whitish or beige, there are small scales on the surface, in the center the cap is smooth and brown in color. The leg is up to 12 cm high, with a small ring at the base. The plates are white; as the mushroom grows, they acquire a brown or cream tint. The pulp has a pleasant smell and is white. Distribution area: Europe, Asia, Far East and Siberia.

Blushing umbrella mushroom (lat. Chlorophyllum rhacodes). Edible. Belongs to the champignon family, genus Chlorophyllum. Other names: shaggy umbrella mushroom. The distribution area is forest glades and steppes saturated with humus. Season - from June to November. The mushroom was given its name because it changes color - when cut, it turns red-brown; when pressed, the plates become orange-red. The cap is up to 20 cm in diameter, at first spherical, then becomes bell-shaped with a small tubercle in older species. Over time, the edges of the cap straighten and become covered with cracks. The color of the cap is beige or grayish, the center is dark with scales. The leg is up to 15 cm, diameter is up to 2 cm. At the base there is a whitish ring. The red umbrella mushroom has a mild taste and a pleasant aroma.

Botanical description

hat

Umbrellas differ from their fellows by their recognizable cap, which opens up like an umbrella as it grows. This species has a cap-peduncle structure, and the fruit body reaches medium and large sizes. The cap itself reaches 30-35 cm in diameter and has a darkish elevation in the very center, and the height of the stem can be about 40 cm. Thanks to this, they are noticeable and do not hide in the forest, but before heading into the forest it is worth looking at the umbrella mushroom in the photo of our website .

Most types of “umbrellas” are characterized by the following features:

the average size of an umbrella-shaped cap is from 20 to 35 cm;

loose, fleshy, light-colored pulp;

faint mushroom smell with a hint of hazelnut;

the average length of the leg is from 10 to 30 cm (cylindrical, hollow);

The width of the hat plates is about 2 cm.

Young “umbrellas” are somewhat different in appearance, acquiring a spherical or ovoid shape. As it grows, the appearance gradually changes, so it is not difficult to distinguish between a young and an old mushroom. The skin has a whitish color, which begins to crack over time. As a result, recognizable scales appear.

Leg

The stem is quite long, but at the same time weak and hollow inside, so it often bends under the weight of the cap, which in turn is easily separated. A tuberous compaction can be felt at the base of the leg. Real mushroom The edible umbrella has fleshy pulp, which sometimes begins to turn red when cut.

Records

The cap plates are painted white or cream, but they darken over time. A white or brown ring forms on the stem, which can be easily moved. Over time, it darkens and becomes wider.

Habitat and growing conditions

Experienced mushroom pickers know where the umbrella mushroom grows. It is one of the most widespread on the planet, therefore it grows on absolutely all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. However, the growing conditions must be suitable:

predominantly sandy soils;

light forests;

temperate climate;

grassy places.

IN different regions You can find the umbrella mushroom in various botanical atlases. Its main habitat is the northern temperate zone. In the European part, such mushrooms are found almost everywhere.

IN various sources about umbrella mushrooms it is said that they appear in clearings next to light forests, edges and clearings. They prefer open spaces, covered with thick grass. In this regard, you can often find “umbrellas” various sizes in park areas, fields and even in private gardens. The active growth season begins in June and continues until November.

Various types of umbrella mushrooms and their dangerous counterparts

In various regions, they can form “witch circles” in open spaces, meadows and pastures, and some people are afraid of confusing umbrellas with dangerous look-alikes.

First of all, edible species include:

elegant umbrella mushroom - has a characteristic appearance, but is small in size;

red umbrella mushroom - has small sizes, “shaggy” cap and reddened flesh;

white umbrella mushroom - distinguished by a brighter light shade and relatively small size.

These varieties can be freely collected and safely eaten. They are safe for human health.

Doubles and similar types of umbrella mushrooms

But Special attention should be looked at as twins that are similar in many botanical parameters. First of all, the umbrella can be confused with an ordinary fly agaric because of the characteristic scales on the cap.

However, in the fly agaric they are formed from the coverings of old mushrooms, and over time they become weaker and disappear completely. In the umbrella mushroom, on the contrary, scales appear with age, and central part at the same time it remains darkish and smooth.

In addition, there are a number of umbrella mushrooms, which are described as not recommended for consumption due to their unpleasant taste or even dangerous properties:

Acutesquamosis - purple hue and unpleasant odor;

masteoidea - a small cap 8-10 cm, granular scales, snow-white plates;

fleshy-reddish mushroom, about 2-6 cm in diameter.

Chlorophyllum lead-slag;

Chlorophyllum dark brown;

Panther fly agaric;

The fly agaric is smelly;

Thus, it is better to collect mature and large mushrooms that have all the characteristic botanical characteristics. This is especially true for brown and reddish shades. Thanks to this, you can figure out how to distinguish the umbrella mushroom from its doubles. Edible variegated and blushing species stand out from other species.

Cooking methods

This variety of mushrooms is very popular and is recognized as one of the best. If you prepare umbrella mushrooms correctly, you can get very delicious dishes.

The easiest way to prepare it is by frying it on a grill or breading it. However, you first need to thoroughly clean the stem and cap from scales. In some cases, it can be consumed raw in small quantities, mainly in salads or similar dishes.

The tough legs are usually not used, or are dried and ground into powder for various seasonings.

Umbrella mushroom: description, successful culinary recipes

Inexperienced mushroom pickers often mistake the umbrella mushroom for a toadstool. Indeed, in appearance it does not look like the edible mushrooms that we are used to collecting in the forests. In fact, it is edible and very delicious mushroom, which can be eaten even raw. It tastes vaguely like champignon, but much more tender. If you've never tried variegated umbrella mushroom, be sure to try it!

Where does it grow and what does it look like?

Umbrella mushrooms – edible, good mushrooms. They grow mainly in sparse forests, found on forest edges and clearings. They like to settle along roads. Mass appearance of mushrooms occurs from the beginning of August to the end of September.

It’s hard not to notice it – the mushroom cap reaches 25 centimeters in diameter. The leg is very long, up to 35 centimeters high. Young mushrooms are ovoid-round, older mushrooms are bell-shaped. With age, the cap opens completely, and the mushroom becomes like an umbrella. In the center of the cap is a tubercle of a darker color. The cap itself is gray-brown in color, covered with easily detachable scales.

The plates are loose, white, very fragile. With age they become slightly reddish. The plates are separated from the stem by a ring. The stem of an adult mushroom is usually no more than three centimeters in diameter, hard, hollow inside, and very thick at the base. The surface is covered with brown scales. The leg must have a wide white movable ring.

Mostly young mushrooms are eaten until they have fully opened. Adults are a little rougher and not as tasty. The leg is immediately thrown away - it is hard, fibrous, and not suitable for food. When cooked, it boils down heavily and fries. Umbrella mushrooms are boiled, fried, baked, used to make soups, sometimes pickled, and used to make mushroom powder. Look umbrella mushroom in the photo, to accurately recognize him in the forest .

The umbrella mushroom is not very common among housewives, so many simply do not know what to do with it. First, a few general recommendations:

Pick the mushroom carefully, do not turn it upside down - sand will pour from the stem between the plates.
The leg can be carefully unscrewed and thrown right into the forest - it is unfit for food.
It is better to collect umbrellas in a wide basket, placing the caps with the plates down.
Unlike other mushrooms, it does not require long-term heat treatment. It only takes a few minutes to prepare an umbrella - it takes no longer to fry than a fried egg.

The best proven recipes

Good even just fried umbrellas. Mushroom caps are cut not too finely, placed in a hot frying pan with melted butter and fried for literally 10 minutes. The prepared mushrooms are salted and mixed with separately fried onions. You can add sour cream or herbs to taste. But there are also more piquant recipes.

Umbrella mushroom in batter

Don't wash the mushrooms! Just thoroughly clean them of blades of grass, wipe the surface with a damp, clean cloth, and remove hard scales from the cap. Cut out the hard place in the middle where the leg was attached. Separately, cut into half rings and marinate the onion according to any recipe. Then follow the instructions:

Prepare the batter. Beat eggs, salt, add flour. The dough should have the consistency of liquid sour cream.
Cut the caps of large mushrooms into several parts (enough for four parts).
Place the frying pan on the fire, pour in the oil and heat well.
Dip each piece of mushroom into batter and place in a frying pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
Turn the mushrooms over to the other side, sprinkle pickled onions and grated cheese on top. Cover with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

This dish is very tasty to eat, both hot and cold.

Pancake envelopes with umbrella mushrooms

This dish is prepared in two stages. On the first one, thin pancakes are baked, on the second, the filling is prepared.

To prepare the pancake dough, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 eggs, 2 cups of flour. Add a little salt, a tablespoon of sugar and a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil. Use all the dough to make thin pancakes.
Do not chop the umbrellas too finely, fry them in a frying pan until the juice has completely evaporated. Fry the onion separately, mix it with mushrooms. Grate 150–200 grams of cheese.
Sprinkle a little cheese on each pancake and add a heaping tablespoon of fried mushrooms.
Form the envelopes and place them in the oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve hot.

Pancake envelopes work well with any mushrooms, but with umbrellas they are especially tender and not so heavy. Do not skimp on butter and be sure to serve them with fresh sour cream - the dish will be even tastier.

Blanks for future use

Umbrellas, like other mushrooms, can be harvested for future use. But the harvesting technology is slightly different from most mushrooms.

Pickled umbrellas

Very few people pickle umbrellas. It is usually not possible to collect a lot of them; mushrooms rarely grow in whole clearings. A dozen umbrella hats are already considered good “loot”. But if you managed to collect a lot of young umbrellas, be sure to try pickling them. Getting ready pickled umbrellas very simple.

Peel a kilogram of mushrooms from hard scales, rinse under running water and place in a colander to drain excess liquid. Place in boiling salted water. Many people recommend adding a pinch of citric acid when cooking. Skim foam regularly during cooking.

Prepare the marinade separately. For two glasses of water, add a heaping tablespoon of salt, half a tablespoon of sugar, 3 tbsp. spoons 9% vinegar. Among the spices that go well with umbrellas, black peppercorns, allspice, carnation, Bay leaf, cinnamon. The quantity and set of spices can be adjusted at your discretion.

Place the boiled umbrellas in the marinade and boil for literally 5 minutes.

Place hot mushrooms in sterile jars, fill with marinade and immediately roll up.

Despite the addition of vinegar, it is better to store pickled umbrellas in a cool place - in the refrigerator, on the balcony or in the underground.

Mushroom powder

Connoisseurs and connoisseurs of mushrooms often cook from umbrellas mushroom powder. When dried, their aroma only intensifies. This makes an excellent seasoning that can be added to mushroom, vegetable soups, second courses. Making mushroom powder is not very difficult. There is no need to wash the mushrooms before cooking - in extreme cases, gently wipe them with a wet cloth.

Cut the mushrooms into equal, not too large pieces.

Line a baking tray with pastry paper. Spread the mushrooms evenly in one layer and place in the oven over low heat. You can use a special dryer for herbs and vegetables. Dry until the mushroom slices remain slightly flexible. Allow to dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded place.

Grind the dried mushrooms in a blender, coffee grinder or meat grinder. The more homogeneous the powder is, the more flavor it will impart to the dishes to which you add it.

The finished powder must be well dried. If wet, it will quickly become moldy. Store in glass jars. Instead of lids, use canvas or paper. Check from time to time to see if the powder is damp.

Carefully study and remember the photo of the mushroom. If you come across it in the forest, be sure to pick it up and try it. If you doubt whether the mushroom in front of you is the right one, pay attention to the scales and the ring on the stem. The scales are quite large, dense, dark in color. The ring is wide and moves easily along the leg. U poisonous mushrooms, resembling an umbrella, the ring disappears very quickly and does not move along the leg.

From our article you will find out whether the umbrella mushroom is edible, get acquainted with its varieties, and also learn where to collect it and how to process it correctly.

Each of us at least once in our lives has seen on the edges of the forest, in groves, in mixed deciduous forests, a mushroom somewhat reminiscent of a pale toadstool. Most people just bypass it and never put it in their wallet. But as practice shows, in most cases people come across a very tasty and healthy umbrella mushroom.

Yes, it also has poisonous counterparts that are unsuitable for food, but if you know how to distinguish these two types of mushrooms, then you can safely collect umbrellas and cook delicious dishes from them. In our article we will introduce you to edible and poisonous types of umbrellas, and also teach you how to accurately distinguish them.

What is the correct name for an edible umbrella mushroom?

Scientific name of umbrella mushroom

This interesting name this forest dweller received it because of the characteristic structure of his cap. Visually, it very much resembles an open umbrella. That is why people who regularly pick mushrooms began to call it an umbrella. In fact, in the scientific community this mushroom has a completely different name. As a rule, scientists call the umbrella mushroom humic saprotroph. And to be more precise, saprotrophic mushroom, which feeds on organic matter decomposing in the ground.

IMPORTANT: Due to the fact that the umbrella mushroom, like a sponge, absorbs absolutely all substances from the soil, it is advisable to collect it in ecologically clean areas, and as far as possible from busy roads and industrial enterprises. If you collect such mushrooms in a place contaminated with chemicals, then with a high probability we can say that even an edible species will provoke poisoning of the body.

Edible umbrella mushroom: what does it look like, what can it be confused with?

Edible umbrella mushroom

As mentioned a little above, the umbrella mushroom has one distinctive feature, which allows him to stand out from his relatives. An adult mushroom has a cap that resembles an umbrella. Under favorable conditions, its diameter can reach 35 centimeters. The length of the leg can also vary from 5 to 45 centimeters. As a rule, the larger the diameter of the mushroom cap, the longer and thicker its stem.

The cap of the umbrella mushroom is covered with peculiar scales and is dry to the touch. If the mushroom grows very strongly, the skin on the cap begins to crack and a translucent fringe forms. The stem of the umbrella is slightly thickened at the base of the soil and has a characteristic movable ring.

The flesh of the mushroom is light in color; when crushed, it begins to release clear, pleasant-smelling juice. But only adult mushrooms look this way. If you find a young umbrella, it will look like a small egg on a thin stalk. True, it will have the same color, and there will also be scales on the cap.

Most often, this type of mushroom is confused with its poisonous counterparts or with pale toadstools. This is due to the fact that poisonous mushrooms can visually look like umbrellas - have a similar color, size and shape of the cap. But there are still differences between these types. We will tell you a little about them below.

Umbrella mushrooms - edible: varieties, description, photos

As you already understand, not all umbrella mushrooms are edible. Among this species there are also poisonous representatives that can cause harm to the human body. That is why now we will introduce you to edible types of umbrellas. They can be easily collected throughout the mushroom season and consumed after heat treatment.

Types of edible umbrella mushrooms:

White. This species has another name - field. It is called that because of its color and place of growth. As you probably already understood, its pulp has light color. It can be white, cream or light gray. Initially, this species has an ovoid cap, which over time opens up and becomes like an umbrella. Most often found in meadows, fields and open forest edges.

Motley. This type of umbrella, as a rule, is quite large in size. The mushroom cap is completely dry and covered with characteristic brown scales. Small growths are also clearly visible on the cap dark brown. That is why this type of umbrella has a darker shade than other relatives. The flesh of the motley umbrella is cotton-like, with a pronounced nutty odor. Likes to grow in open, well-lit areas.

Blushing. The cap of this type of umbrella has a gray or brownish tint and a thin, almost white stem, which, as the mushroom grows, darkens and thickens at the base of the soil. The mushroom got its name due to the ability of the pulp to oxidize. If you break the umbrella cap, droplets of juice will appear on it almost immediately, which very quickly turns from transparent to reddish-brown. In addition, the red umbrella has more developed scales. Since visually they resemble a kind of fringe, sometimes a blushing umbrella is called shaggy. For growth it selects useful nutrients soil.

Maiden. This type of umbrella is listed in the Red Book, so it is almost impossible to find it in our forests. The mushroom differs from its relatives in that it does not grow to large sizes. As a rule, the cap, even in adult representatives, has a diameter of no more than 10 cm. The girl's umbrella has a light shade of flesh and a not very pronounced mushroom aroma.

IMPORTANT: Edible umbrellas also include mastoid umbrella. In terms of taste, it is practically no different from its relatives, but only its cap is considered edible. The stem of this species is very bitter. In view of this, it is better not to eat it. Therefore, if you collect these particular umbrellas, then immediately remove the stem.

Mastoid. It has a matte light brown cap, the edges of which are lowered down. During the dry period, the skin on the cap begins to crack and a peculiar pattern is formed on it. The main difference between the mastoid umbrella and other relatives is the presence of a pronounced tubercle in the very center of the cap. Visually, it resembles a brownish nipple.

Umbrella mushrooms - poisonous: varieties, description, photos

Well, now let's look at the types of poisonous umbrellas. You need to know them, because if you cannot distinguish them from edible ones, you will bring home a poisonous mushroom that will cause great harm to your body.

Types of poisonous umbrella mushrooms:

Comb. It has a light brown cap with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters. The entire surface of the cap is covered with brownish-orange scales. It has a thin leg up to 10 centimeters long. The stem is empty inside and has a pink and white ring. In addition, this type of umbrella has a rather unpleasant odor.

Chestnut. This type of umbrella is also called chestnut leotype. It has a small cap, which initially resembles an umbrella, but as the mushroom grows it completely flattens out. Another feature indicating the toxicity of the umbrella is the presence of concentric rows on the cap. The leg is thickened, but the ring on it may be missing. More precisely, only young mushrooms have it, but as soon as the stem becomes longer and thickens, it immediately disappears.

Chlorophyllum is dark brown. This umbrella double contains a hallucinogenic substance that negatively affects nervous system human, so it should absolutely not be eaten. Visually, this poisonous mushroom looks like an umbrella, but unlike the latter, it is fleshier and does not have a very high stem. The stem has a tuberous growth that is clearly visible above the surface of the soil. When broken, chlorophyllum immediately turns red.

The fly agaric is smelly. If you think that a fly agaric can only have a red cap, then you are deeply mistaken. In nature, there are fly agarics of different colors. This species is considered very poisonous, so its consumption in 85% leads to death. Visually, the stinking fly agaric is very similar to a young umbrella. Therefore, inexperienced mushroom pickers very often confuse them and put it in their wallet. But if you look closely at it, you can see that it does not have the characteristic scales on its cap, and there is also an unpleasant chlorine smell.

How to distinguish an umbrella mushroom from a fly agaric, toadstool, poisonous mushrooms: comparison, similarities and differences

The main signs of poisonous mushrooms

If you carefully read our article, you probably realized that an umbrella mushroom can very easily be confused with a poisonous relative or double. For example, a white umbrella may have the same flesh color as a toadstool. In addition, the cap of poisonous mushrooms has a shape almost the same as an umbrella. Above we have already mentioned the stinking fly agaric, which is visually very similar to a young umbrella.

But unlike the latter, its cap and stem are covered not very pleasant smelling plaque. Therefore, if you smell it after cutting a mushroom, you will immediately understand that this is a toadstool. Another difference between mushrooms is dots on the cap. On an umbrella they are always of a dark shade - dark gray, dark brown, dark beige.

Poisonous mushrooms have white dots, sometimes with a greenish tint. And, of course, do not forget that most poisonous mushrooms have tuberous formation or so-called involucre, which wraps the leg slightly above the soil level. Umbrella mushrooms have a straight stem without growths with a slight thickening at ground level or at the base of the cap. This feature depends on the type of umbrella.

How to distinguish an umbrella mushroom from a champignon?

In principle, anyone can distinguish an umbrella mushroom from a common champignon. We most often see this type of champignon on store shelves, so there shouldn’t be any difficulties. Most often, this champignon chooses meadows, fields, gardens and even vegetable gardens for growth. He has White color pulp and hemispherical cap. The edges of the cap are connected to the stem with a white film. As you can see, visually the champignon is very different from the umbrella mushroom.

True, we must take into account that there are two more types of champignons - forest and field. They are visually more similar to an umbrella mushroom. They have a more spread-out cap with a barely noticeable tubercle in the very center. Perhaps the most noticeable difference between these two forest dwellers is the color and smell of the flesh. As for the smell of champignons, as a rule, it is almond-like. The color is also initially white, but if the mushroom is cut, it will begin to turn pink, and then the cut will become reddish or grayish.

Are umbrella mushrooms good for you?

The benefits of mushrooms for the human body

Surely you have heard that mushrooms can benefit the human body. Provided, of course, that they are edible and collected in right place. In view of this, we can say with confidence that the umbrella correct use can improve your well-being. It contains substances that have a weak antitumor effect, thereby inhibiting the development of benign neoplasms.

In addition, these substances have a positive effect on the body's cells, helping them to renew themselves regularly and do so correctly. Umbrella mushrooms also have a positive effect on hematopoiesis and to work of cardio-vascular system . And, of course, we should not forget that all mushrooms have very low glycemic index. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, be sure to include this product in your diet.

Can there be poisoning from umbrella mushrooms?

Umbrella mushroom poisoning

You can be poisoned by umbrella mushrooms in several cases. So, if you collect double mushrooms or poisonous fly agaric mushrooms, you will definitely get poisoned. Therefore, when going on a quiet hunt, try to inspect each mushroom as carefully as possible. Look closely at its color, smell it, if you suspect, break it and look at the juice. All this will help you avoid further problems.

You can also be poisoned by edible mushrooms. If they are collected in an environmentally polluted place, the toxic substances they contain will begin to negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract and the person will show all the symptoms of poisoning. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract can also arise if you eat too many umbrella mushrooms. Since they contain substances that slow down the production of gastric juice, excessive consumption of this product can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Where and when to collect umbrella mushrooms?

The umbrella mushroom grows in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests.

As you probably already understood, you can find an umbrella mushroom absolutely everywhere. Since this mushroom is not particularly whimsical, it feels great wherever there is food for it. favorable conditions. For abundant fruiting, it needs enough moisture and light. In view of this, for growth it chooses sunny areas with a moderate amount of moisture. Depending on the species, it can grow either singly or in large groups.

You can find an umbrella mushroom in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests. The first young mushrooms appear late May, early June. Umbrella collecting season ends late September, mid-October. As a rule, at the end of October, umbrellas disappear because for their normal growth, in addition to moisture and light, they also need warmth. That is why, even during cold periods in summer, you can observe a sharp decrease in the number of this type of fungus.

How to process umbrella mushrooms?

Rules for processing umbrella mushrooms

In principle, the processing of umbrella mushrooms is the same as any other. At the initial stage, you just need to clear them of dry grass, leaves and soil. Since the umbrella cap is dry and not very sticky, you can handle this task easily. Next, you will need to clear the leg of the soil and cut it off immediately. As a rule, the stems and caps of these mushrooms are boiled separately.

This is due to the fact that in some species they produce bitterness, which can spoil the taste. ready-made dish. If you are sure that you do not have such umbrellas, you can buy both the hats and the legs together. After you deal with the legs, you can begin to remove the scaly film from the cap. On final stage All that remains is to rinse the mushrooms in large quantities water and you can boil, fry or dry them.

Umbrella mushroom, pop - the largest: what does it look like?

Umbrella mushroom, pop

Umbrella mushroom, pop is a large umbrella mushroom with dense but juicy pulp with pleasant aroma. This species is considered edible, although you must remember that the older the umbrella is, the rougher and less juicy its flesh will be. Visually, the umbrella pop is practically no different from its relatives from the Champignon family. It also has light flesh with a gray or beige tint, a straight leg and characteristic scales on the cap.

But the shape of the hat itself is slightly different. In young mushrooms it also has the shape of an umbrella, but as soon as the mushroom reaches its maturity, it becomes like a saucer with a small bulge in the very center. Some differences also apply to the legs. Initially it has a brownish color, but the older the umbrella gets, the more it turns brown and small dark-colored scales appear on it.

Video: Mushroom umbrella. Edible mushrooms

Picking mushrooms is fun and interesting. The umbrella mushroom is a real find, it is tasty, healthy and aromatic. The peculiarity is that its pulp does not contain harmful substances, which is typical for such plants. It is best to go for umbrellas at the edge of the forest or in a field, immediately after heavy rain. Every mushroom picker should know what an edible and poisonous mushroom looks like and be able to identify their distinctive features and characteristics.

Umbrella mushroom - description

The umbrella mushroom belongs to the genus Macrolepiota, the Champignon family. It got its name because of its external resemblance to an open umbrella: a large dome-shaped hat on a high and thin stem. Many species are safe and can be eaten, although the plant has several poisonous counterparts that are extremely dangerous to human health. The structure of the mushroom is typical capped, and the size can be medium to large. The flesh is dense and fleshy, the stem can bend slightly and is easily separated from the cap.

After heavy rains, umbrellas can grow to very large sizes. The cap of such a mushroom reaches a diameter of 35 to 45 cm, and the height of the stem grows to 30-40 cm.

On average, the mushroom has a stalk length of about 8-10 cm and a cap diameter of 10-15 cm. The surface of the cap is dry and finely scaly; at the edges the skin may crack and hang down in the form of a fringe. The pulp and juice are light in color with a pleasant mushroom smell and delicate taste. The leg at the base is thickened, it has a characteristic movable membranous ring. In young umbrellas, the cap is connected to the base of the stem and has a spherical shape. As it grows, it separates from the stem and opens, forming a dome with a small elevation in the center.

Types of umbrellas

The umbrella mushroom is considered widespread; it grows in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests, found in fields and forest edges, in steppes and meadows, in gardens, orchards and nature reserves.

Umbrella mushroom photo - edible and poisonous:

Edible mushroom and poisonous counterparts

The difficulty in collecting umbrellas is that there are their poisonous counterparts. Outwardly they look like edible umbrellas, but contain toxic substances, so their consumption is prohibited.

All umbrella doubles are deadly poisonous and threaten human life. When collecting umbrella mushrooms, you should be attentive and careful, as it is very easy to confuse a false mushroom with a real one. Most inedible mushrooms emit an unpleasant odor and have a bitter taste.

Umbrella mushroom - photo and description, poisonous counterparts:

How to properly prepare umbrellas

Umbrellas, like many other mushrooms, are healthy and nutritious and should be collected young, when the cap is not yet fully opened. Mature representatives may begin to feel bitter. How to cook umbrella mushrooms? The stem is removed, and the cap must be subjected to heat treatment - fried, boiled, stewed, pickled, salted. Umbrellas can be pre-dried or frozen, and then used to prepare a wide variety of dishes - soups, appetizers, baking fillings and pancakes.

Umbrella mushrooms should not be collected near industrial enterprises, garbage dumps, large highways and railroad tracks. They can accumulate harmful and hazardous substances threatening human health and life.

Umbrella mushroom recipes:

a large umbrella cap is cleaned of scales and washed well, salt and pepper to taste, and then fried on both sides on vegetable oil– simple and very tasty;
you can fry the caps, previously dipped in batter, or rolled in breadcrumbs or flour, this is original and quick;
special fans cook grilled umbrellas on the grill oven or street barbecue, marinating them briefly in lemon juice with herbs and garlic, an interesting and affordable option;
dry and aromatic umbrella cooks quickly, it is good for broth, as an additional ingredient for appetizers and sandwiches.

The unique taste and rich mushroom aroma are the main advantages of the umbrella. Nutritionists note their unique composition and high nutritional value, content of amino acids, fiber, salts, vitamins and minerals. The beneficial mushroom is widely used in folk medicine for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

2017-10-26 Igor Novitsky

The variegated umbrella mushroom is a magnificent mushroom that is not difficult to find in Russian forests. However, it rarely ends up on the table, since due to its great similarity with ordinary toadstools, most mushroom pickers are afraid to take umbrella mushrooms.

Variegated umbrella mushroom. Description

Although almost all adult mushrooms are shaped like an open umbrella, the umbrella mushroom truly deserves its name. In its “youth”, the mushroom looks like a folded umbrella, in which the knitting plates are tightly pressed to the “umbrella handle” leg. As they grow older, the plates move away from the stem and become horizontal, which very closely resembles the opening mechanism of an umbrella.

Even from the description of the variegated umbrella mushroom, it is clear that this is a fairly large mushroom. He's even more impressive live. The diameter of the cap is about 20-25 cm, and sometimes reaches 35 cm. The stem is on average 10 to 20 cm, although there are individuals with a height of 30-40 cm. The thickness of the stem is usually 1-2 (sometimes 4) cm. On the stem, like usually there is a small “skirt”.

On the underside of the cap there are plates 2 cm wide at the edge, which narrow as they approach the stem. The color of the plates is white; as the mushroom ages, they can become beige or cream. The stem and cap separate from each other very easily.

While the umbrella mushroom is young, the shape of the cap is spherical, which is why, for example, in Italy it is often called “drumsticks” in everyday life. As the cap grows older, it opens up and takes on its usual umbrella-shaped shape.

The skin on the cap is brownish-gray with brown “scales.” In the center, as a rule, the scales merge into a solid brown circle. While the mushroom is young, its stem has a light brown color, then it becomes a little darker and covered with dark scales, which is why rings of light and dark tones often form on the stem.

The pulp is loose and fleshy, but in old mushrooms, on the contrary, it is dense. The color is white and does not change when pressed or cut. The raw mushroom has a slight mushroom smell.

Variegated umbrella mushroom - edible or not?

Many good edible mushrooms have their “evil” counterparts among their poisonous counterparts. The variegated umbrella is no exception in this matter. In view of this, the old rule does not lose its relevance: take only well-known mushrooms and leave those that raise the slightest doubt.

Before you go on a “quiet hunt,” carefully study the photo and description of the variegated umbrella mushroom. By external signs it is very similar to mushrooms from the fly agaric genus - pale toadstool and gray fly agaric. It is for this reason that many mushroom pickers, especially inexperienced ones, completely ignore the umbrella mushroom, which, given a lack of experience, is, of course, an absolutely correct tactic.

Main differences from poisonous counterparts:

the “skirt” of the umbrella mushroom is a three-layer ring that is not attached to the stem and can easily be moved vertically;
the edible mushroom does not have any other remnants of the “veil”, which poisonous ones always have;
the umbrella's cap is matte, while that of the fly agaric is, on the contrary, shiny and smooth;
the fly agaric cap is covered with sparse specks, while the umbrella has more of them, and in the central part they merge into a single smooth circle;
Grebes can often be identified by their greenish or olive color caps, uncharacteristic for an umbrella mushroom.

We hope you now understand the question of whether the variegated umbrella mushroom is edible or not.

Variegated umbrella mushroom: photos of edible and poisonous species

In addition to toadstools and fly agarics, the variegated umbrella mushroom can be confused with its other close relatives. In particular, under the guise of a harmless variegated one, you can accidentally put the purple umbrella of acutesquamosis into the basket. This mushroom can be recognized by unpleasant smell and bitter taste. So if the cooked mushroom tastes bitter, spit it out immediately and consult a doctor immediately.

Another evil twin of the motley is the combed umbrella. Fortunately, it is quite easy to recognize it by its significantly smaller size: the diameter of the cap is only 2-5 cm. The masteoidea umbrella is slightly larger - the cap is 8-12 cm, which is already close to the norm for a motley umbrella.

But the greatest danger is the fleshy-reddish umbrella, the consumption of which can be fatal. However, it is also distinguished by its small size - the diameter of the cap usually does not exceed 2-6 cm.

We remind you once again that if you have the slightest doubt, walk past the mushroom, no matter how tempting it may seem.

How to cook variegated umbrella mushroom

Unlike most mushrooms, which are eaten whole, when preparing the variegated umbrella mushroom, the stem is usually discarded, since it is quite tough and fibrous. But the cap, on the contrary, is very soft and fleshy.

Of course, any housewife can come up with a lot of recipes for how to cook variegated umbrella mushroom. The easiest option is to simply fry the caps on sunflower oil or stew them in sour cream. In principle, the caps can be cut into pieces so that they can be used as a classic addition to mashed potatoes. But many gourmets prefer to fry the whole caps, like pancakes. After rolling them in breadcrumbs or flour (you can add an egg), the caps are fried first on the bottom side and then on the top.

A good idea would be to use an umbrella mushroom to make soup. Also, young umbrellas are often pickled raw for the winter.

As mentioned, the fleshy soft caps are of the greatest interest, but not everyone agrees that the legs should simply be thrown away. Since in their original form they are indeed quite harsh, you can grind them in a meat grinder and, after frying in this form, add them to soup, mashed potatoes, or use them as a spread for sandwiches. Mixed with meat or mashed potatoes, grated mushroom stems can be used for dumplings or pies.

The variegated umbrella mushroom belongs to the champignon family, that is, it is a close relative of the garden champignon - the same one that accounts for 80% of the world's harvest of artificially grown mushrooms. However, despite such famous relatives, the umbrella mushroom itself has not yet been “domesticated”. Although attempts to artificially grow it occur constantly, an economically feasible technology has not yet been found.

Despite the umbrella’s stubborn desire to remain a wild mushroom, it is still possible to breed it for personal purposes. Of course, we are not talking about guaranteed high yields here, but it is still possible to grow a bucket or two of these mushrooms for the family table. The main thing is to carefully study the photo of the variegated edible umbrella mushroom and its poisonous counterparts, so as not to accidentally start breeding fly agaric mushrooms.

If you suddenly don’t know, we’re happy to enlighten you that mushrooms reproduce in two ways:

Through mycelium. This is a kind of rhizome or underground part of a mushroom colony, from which grows an above-ground part, called the mushroom itself.
Disputes. Something like seeds (only much smaller) that ripen in the mushroom cap.

Since growing umbrellas still remains the province of individual and very few amateur gardeners, you will not be able to purchase mycelium anywhere. The only way to get it is to dig it out in the forest yourself. However, the likelihood that after transplantation it will take root in a new place is extremely low.

You won't be able to buy spores either. But you can get them yourself - in the forest. To do this, you need to find an old flabby umbrella mushroom, bring it home and sow it on the site. Sowing is carried out as follows: the mushroom cap is pinned on a tree branch or hung in another way (even on a rope) over the area where it is planned to grow mushrooms. While suspended, the mushroom dries out, and the spores inside the cap ripen and over time spill out onto the ground, sowing the area.

To ensure at least minimal chance In order for the umbrella mushroom to take root on the site, the bed should be prepared accordingly. The umbrella loves calcium-rich soils, so it is worth fertilizing the garden bed with calcium carbonate. By the way, as mentioned above, the umbrella is related to champignons, and their cultivation today has been put on stream, which is manifested, among other things, by the abundance of ready-made concentrates for soil on the market. These concentrates are also suitable for umbrella mushrooms.

Growing umbrella mushroom in the forest

And yet, the variegated umbrella mushroom remains a very finicky mushroom, and therefore its successful cultivation on personal plot will be more of a rare stroke of luck than a natural result. Practice shows that cultivation attempts will be more successful if done in the area where mushrooms naturally grow, that is, in the forest.

Apply special effort in this case you won't have to. We just take and hang the old worm caps right above the place where we cut them off. In this way, we imitate the natural reproduction of coffins as much as possible, but only expand the sowing area. If in natural conditions mushrooms pour out all the spores under themselves, which is why only some of them will be able to sprout, then by spraying them within a radius of several meters, you can reduce the competition between spores, increasing the total number of sprouts.