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Hygrophorus meadow is one of the representatives of the Hygrophoraceae family. Belongs to the category of rare mushrooms. In other sources it can be found under the name hygrocybe meadow or kuphophyll meadow. It grows mainly in small groups. The official name is Cuphophyllus pratensis.
What does meadow hygrophorus look like?
The fruiting body of this species is of a standard shape. Its color varies from golden to light brown, depending on growing conditions. When young, the cap has a very convex shape with downward curved edges. But subsequently it opens up and flattens.In adult specimens, only a small tubercle remains in the center, and the edges become sharp and thin. At high humidity the cap is slippery and shiny.
On the reverse side of the upper part you can see sparse thick plates descending onto the stem. They are dense to the touch, and their color is slightly lighter than the cap. When broken, you can see the pulp of a light yellow shade with a dense consistency. Its color does not change upon contact with air. The pulp has a pleasant taste and emits a slight mushroom smell.
The spores of the meadow hygrophorus are colorless and smooth. Their shape resembles an ellipse and their size is 5-7 x 4-5 microns.
The leg of this species is cylindrical, slightly narrowed at the base. Its length is 4-8 cm, and its thickness is 0.5-1.2 cm. It has a pale yellow color.
Meadow hygrophorus grows in thickets of grass, which is why it got its name
Where does hygrophorus meadow grow?
This species grows in grass in meadows and pastures. Sometimes it can be found in light mixed plantings, but this is more an accident than a pattern.
Hygrophorus meadow can be found in:
- Europe;
- North and South America;
- New Zealand;
- North Africa;
- Australia;
- North Asia.
Is it possible to eat meadow hygrophorus?
This mushroom is edible. In terms of taste, it is classified in the third category, so it is in no way inferior to autumn honey mushrooms. It can be consumed without fear for your health. However, when collecting, it is better to give preference to young specimens, as their taste is more intense.
False doubles
This species is in many ways similar to its relative Karsten's hygrophorus. The latter has a light apricot shade of the fruiting body, and the plates are pale pink.The diameter of the cap is 3-7 cm. The stem is whitish, tapering at the base. The lookalike is also an edible mushroom.
This species grows in coniferous forests with a developed moss cover and prefers spruce forests. Widely distributed in Finland. The official name is Hygrophorus karstenii.
Karsten's hygrofor is especially good when fried and stewed, but it can also be eaten fresh
Rules for collection and use
The fruiting period for meadow hygrophorus begins in July and lasts until October, if weather conditions are favorable. When collecting, it is necessary to cut it off at the base with a sharp knife so as not to disturb the mycelium. Meadow hygrophorus should be placed in a basket with the caps facing down so as not to break, since even with slight physical impact it crumbles.
Before cooking, mushrooms should be thoroughly cleaned of forest litter and soil. In addition, it is necessary to remove the upper slippery film from the cap and then wash it thoroughly. Meadow hygrofor is suitable for any type of processing, while it retains the dense consistency of the pulp. It also keeps well when dried.
Conclusion
Hygrophorus meadow is an edible mushroom that can compete with many well-known species. But it is often simply invisible to lovers of quiet hunting. This is explained by the fact that many mushrooms growing in open areas due to habit remain unattended.
