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Beech hygrophorus (Hygrophorus leucophaeus) is a little-known conditionally edible mushroom with an interesting taste of the pulp. It is not particularly popular due to its small size. It is also called Lindtner's hygrophor or ash gray.
What does beech hygrophorus look like?
Beech hygrophorus belongs to the lamellar mushrooms of the Hygrophoraceae family. In young specimens, the cap is almost spherical, but gradually opens up and takes on a flat shape. It is elastic, very thin, and there is very little pulp. The surface of the mushroom is smooth. In rainy summers, when the humidity is high enough, it becomes sticky. The skin color is often white or pale pink, the transition is smooth, the color is uniform. White adherent plates are visible under the cap.They are rarely located.
Beech hygrophorus rests on a thin cylindrical stalk. It widens slightly at the base. The surface is covered with a powdery coating. The internal structure is dense and quite hard. The color is uneven. It is predominantly white above and cream or red below.
The pulp of the fruiting body is watery. Painted white or slightly pink. After destruction, the color does not change, there is no milky juice. Fresh mushrooms are odorless; after heat treatment, an unobtrusive floral aroma appears. The taste has pronounced nutty notes.
Where does beech hygrophorus grow?
You can meet it wherever there are beech forests. It is widespread in the Caucasus and Crimea. Mycelium grows well high in the mountains. The fruiting bodies are located in small groups on a woody substrate that contains remains of bark.
Is it possible to eat beech hygrophorus?
Beech hygrophorus is classified as a conditionally edible mushroom. However, it is practically not collected. The caps contain little pulp, and the size of the fruiting body is small. Although experienced mushroom pickers specially climb the mountains for it in the fall to enjoy the indescribable taste.
False doubles
Beech hygrophorus is very similar to other representatives of the species, from which it differs only in the color of the cap and the place of growth.
Outwardly it may resemble a girl's hygrophorus. However, the latter begins to bear fruit in the summer. Moreover, his hat is always painted white. It is found not only in the mountains, but also along paths, in meadows and plains. The double is not poisonous, but does not have any special nutritional value.
You can confuse the mushroom with pinkish hygrophorus.It is somewhat similar in color, but grows much larger. Its plates are frequent, the leg is thick and high. Distributed in North America and temperate regions. More often found in coniferous forests, near fir trees. Refers to conditionally edible.
The edible hygrophorus beech-shaped has almost absolute similarity. However, it is impossible to meet it on the territory of the Russian Federation. The mushroom is widespread in Sweden. The mycelium settles nearby with oak trees, which are found in deciduous forests.
Rules for collection and use
Young specimens, which are rich in nutrients, are collected. They must be intact, without visible signs of parasites.
The fruit body is eaten fried, stewed or pickled. No need to pre-boil.
Conclusion
Beech hygrophorus is a fragile mushroom that requires care when collecting. Its pulp is not too dense, but quite tasty. Mushroom pickers know many recipes that will not leave any gourmet indifferent.
