Content
Black hygrophorus (Hygrophorus camarophyllus) is a representative of the Hygrophorus family. It belongs to the lamellar species and is edible. It can be easily confused with poisonous mushrooms, so you need to know the features of its appearance and habitat.
What does black hygrophorus look like?
Black hygrophorus has a specially shaped cap. At first it is convex, then spread and depressed. There is some waviness. The surface is smooth and dry. The color is white, which turns into bluish over time. The diameter can reach 12 cm.
The leg is whitish-black, cylindrical. It may be narrowed at the base. The structure is dense.Wide and sparse plates form under the cap. The pulp is white, fragile.
General characteristics of black hygrophore:
- not as common as many edible representatives;
- you need to look for it in damp forests, in mosses;
- often grows in families, single mushrooms will be an exception;
- outwardly, representatives of this family are inconspicuous, they can be confused with pale toadstools and passed by;
- the designation “black” is not always correct in relation to this mushroom; it more often has a whitish-gray and bluish tint, and brown representatives are also found;
- often the family is located near swamps;
- around the place where they accumulate you can find blueberry and lingonberry bushes;
- the plates of the mushroom are very different from the cap - they are white;
- the leg is externally dense, but the flesh is tender and pure white;
- This is the most delicious mushroom from the Hygrophorus family.
Where does black hygrophorus grow?
These representatives of the mushroom kingdom can be found in damp forests with a moss litter. They grow in autumn in coniferous forests and undergrowth. Distributed in the northern zone of Europe.
Is it possible to eat black hygrophor
Outwardly, many representatives of the species do not look edible. They strongly resemble toadstools. At the same time, black hygrophores are not only edible, but also a delicacy.
A variety of dishes are prepared from them. Dried ones have a bright taste. If the latter are immersed in water, then within 15-20 minutes they acquire their previous appearance and become almost fresh. The liquid used for soaking can be used for cooking as it retains the minerals and transfers them back to the mushrooms.
False doubles
Early hygrophorus is one of the false twins. The main difference from other species is that it occurs in spring.The cap is light gray or whitish, over time it becomes leaden, dark with large spots.
Collection rules
Mushrooms are collected in autumn. It is recommended to do this 1-2 days after the rain. To preserve freshness, it is best to collect in the morning. Place in a basket with holes large enough to allow plenty of air flow.
You need to look for hygrophores in moss. They grow in groups.
Important! It is strictly not recommended to collect in places near industrial buildings and roads.
The fruiting bodies are carefully cut with a knife. You can also unscrew them one by one in the area of the leg from the mycelium. Hygrophores cannot be eaten raw.
Use
In cooking, black hygrophor is used for preparing dishes immediately after collection. It is also suitable for canning purposes, but is not used as often. You can make pies and casseroles from hygrophores. It can be boiled, fried. It goes well with a variety of vegetables.
Eating black hygrophorus has a positive effect on the body:
- the functioning of the digestive system improves, the elasticity of the gastrointestinal mucosa increases, peristalsis returns to normal;
- microcirculation improves, which helps reduce inflammatory processes;
- there is a rejuvenating effect on the body, the lymphatic system begins to work better, the aging process slows down;
- the functioning of the excretory and hepatobiliary systems is normalized;
- Nervousness decreases, mushrooms have a mild sedative effect;
- metabolism in the body accelerates.
This variety is recommended for overweight people, but you should first consult a doctor.
Important! You need to remember about contraindications to the use of hygrophor:
- hypersensitivity to its components;
- gestation period;
- breastfeeding.
If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract and liver, the consumption of mushrooms is limited.
In folk medicine, this species is used to treat colds. Hygrophores have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Conclusion
Hygrofor black - suitable for preparing first and second courses, it is used for canning for the winter. It is almost impossible to confuse it with doubles, since they grow at different periods.
