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Hygrophorus early is an edible, lamellar mushroom of the Hygrophoraceae family. Grows in small families in mixed forests. Since this representative is often used in cooking, you need to know the external characteristics, look at photos and videos, so as not to mistake the poisonous gifts of the forest for it.
What does early hygrophorus look like?
Early hygrophore has a small cap, up to 10 cm in size. At the beginning of growth, the mushroom has an oblong-convex shape, as it matures it straightens, and the wavy edges curl inward. The surface is covered with shiny, grayish-whitish skin. As it grows, the color darkens, and at full maturity it becomes black with small light spots. The lower layer is formed by light, wide, partially adherent plates.Reproduction occurs by colorless, elongated spores, which are found in snow-white powder.
The short, barrel-shaped leg is covered with velvety, light skin with a silvery tint. The dense light gray pulp has a mushroom taste and aroma. With mechanical damage, the color does not change, the milky juice is not released.
Grows on spruce and deciduous substrates
Where does early hygrophorus grow?
Hygrophorus early grows in mixed forests in single specimens or small groups. Fruiting occurs in early spring; the mushroom can appear from underground even at sub-zero temperatures. Often a mushroom harvest can be found under a blanket of snow.
Is it possible to eat hygrophor early?
Hygrophorus early is a delicious representative of the mushroom kingdom. It has delicate flesh, pleasant taste and aroma. Since the mushroom is eaten, you need to study the external data and look at the photo.
False doubles
Hygrophorus early has an early fruiting period, so it is very difficult to confuse it with poisonous specimens. But the species has similar counterparts that bear fruit from July to October. These include:
- Motley - an edible species that grows in fields and meadows. The species got its name due to its periodic color changes. The bell-shaped or flat cap is initially bright lemon in color, but as it matures it becomes greenish or acquires a pink tint. The fleshy, hollow leg is covered with a mucous layer and has a lemon-olive color. The pulp is light and practically tasteless and odorless. It bears fruit throughout the warm period in numerous specimens.
As it grows, the color of the cap changes
- Black – a delicious species that prefers to grow among deciduous and coniferous trees. The convex cap straightens as it grows and at full maturity takes on a depressed shape. The matte surface is painted dark gray. Light, fleshy pulp with a delicate taste and aroma. It bears fruit in autumn; only young specimens are used in cooking.
For the winter, the mushroom can be dried and frozen.
- Spotted - edible species. The surface is covered with light gray, slimy skin. The fibrous leg is dark colored and has numerous light scales. The whitish pulp is fragile, tasteless and odorless. After boiling, the harvested crop is suitable for preparing side dishes and aromatic soups. For the winter, mushrooms can be frozen and dried.
Grows in small families in mixed forests
Rules for collection and use
This specimen is collected from early spring to late autumn. The found mushroom is cut off with a sharp knife or carefully twisted out of the ground, trying not to damage the mycelium. Mushroom hunting is best done in sunny weather, early in the morning, in an environmentally friendly place.
The harvested crop is thoroughly cleaned of forest debris, washed under running water and the peel is removed from the stem. After a 10-minute heat treatment, the mushrooms are used to prepare side dishes, soups and preparations for the winter. You can also dry mushrooms. The dried product is stored in a paper or cloth bag for no more than 12 months.
Conclusion
Hygrophorus early is an edible representative of the mushroom kingdom. Grows in small families among spruce and deciduous trees.Appears in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. Young specimens are used for food in fried, boiled or canned form. To avoid confusing the mushroom with inedible species, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the external data, look at photos and video material.
