Content
Hygrophora maiden (lat. Cuphophyllus virgineus) is a low-value conditionally edible mushroom of small size. Its pulp has rather mediocre taste, and the structure of the fruit body itself is very fragile. This species is rarely found in Russia.
Other names for the mushroom: Camarophyllus virgineus or Hygrocybe virginea.
What does a girl's hygrophorus look like?
Hygrophorus maidens forms a small convex cap, the diameter of which varies from 2 to 5 cm. At the very beginning of its development, it has a convex shape, however, with age it becomes flat. The edges crack during development.
The color of the species is uniform, white, however, sometimes a yellowish area forms in the center of the cap.Occasionally you can find reddish spots on it, which represent skin mold.
The plates of the hymenophore are thick and dense, however, they are rarely located - there are large gaps between them. Some plates partially extend onto the stem. The color of the hymenophore is white, the same as the main color of the mushroom. Spore powder has a similar color. The spores are tiny, oval in shape.
The leg of the hygrophorus maidens is cylindrical, curved and slightly narrowed near the ground. It is very thin - its diameter is only 12 mm with an average height of 10-12 cm. The structure of the stem is dense, but brittle - the mushroom is very easy to damage. In older specimens it is completely hollow.
The flesh of Hygrophorus maidens is white. Its structure is quite loose and even watery. At the cut site, the color remains unchanged, and no milky juice is released. The aroma of the fruiting bodies is weak and inexpressive. The taste of the pulp is pleasant, but also unremarkable.
The cap of young specimens is convex, while in older mushrooms it straightens
Where does Hygrophorus maidens grow?
Hygrophorus maidens is quite rare, however, a large group of mushrooms can be found at a time. You should look for this species in clearings along paths and in forest edges or meadows. It is almost impossible to find him in the forest. The fruiting period is from August to October.
In Russia, mushrooms grow mainly within the temperate zone.
Is it possible to eat hygrophorus maidens?
Hygrophorus maidens is classified as a conditionally edible species, however, it cannot be called valuable. It can be consumed after heat treatment or salting, but the taste of the pulp remains rather mediocre.
False doubles
Inexperienced mushroom pickers may confuse Hygrophora maidens with some other species. First of all, this is the snow-white hygrophorus (lat. Hygrophorus niveus). This false double is also suitable for eating, but it does not differ in any special taste. Refers to edible mushrooms.
The structure of the fruiting body is more fragile: the stem is thinner, and with age the cap acquires a funnel-shaped shape when its edges turn upward. Hygrophorus maidens is slightly larger, and its fruiting body is more fleshy.
Hygrophorus snow-white not only looks similar, but also grows in the same places - it is found in large quantities in vast pastures, meadows and in old parks overgrown with weeds. Occasionally you can find a cluster of fruiting bodies in woodlands and clearings. The false twin does not grow in old forests.
Another difference between the species is that snow-white hygrophora continues to bear fruit until the first frost.
In older specimens, the edges of the cap are thin and translucent, slightly jagged
Hygrophorus eburneus is another false species, ivory-colored. Some specimens may also have a snow-white color. Refers to edible mushrooms.
The main difference from the girl's hygrophorus is that the double's cap is covered with a thick layer of mucus.
The false cap is quite flat, but may have a depression in the middle
Rules for collection and use
Hygrophorus maidens is collected taking into account the following rules:
- Fruiting bodies should not be abruptly pulled out of the ground. They are carefully cut off with a knife or twisted out of the mycelium. This way she will be able to form a new harvest for next year.
- Before leaving, it is advisable to sprinkle the mycelium with the top layer of soil.
- It is better to go to the forest early in the morning, when it is still quite cool. This way the harvested crop will remain fresh longer.
- You should focus on young specimens. Old and overripe mushrooms may have an unpleasant aftertaste. In addition, during their development they quickly accumulate heavy metals from the soil.
It is recommended to use hygrofor maiden after heat treatment. The loose structure of the pulp makes it possible to produce mushroom caviar and minced meat for filling from the fruiting bodies. This type is also suitable for hot pickling and salting.
Conclusion
Hygrophorus maidens is a conditionally edible, but not particularly valuable, mushroom. It can be collected, however, the resulting harvest is often not worth the effort.
