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Hygrophorus snow-white or snow-white belongs to the edible representatives of the Hygroforaceae family. Grows in open areas in small groups. To recognize a mushroom, you need to read the description, know the place and time of growth.
What does snow-white hygrophora look like?
Snow-white hygrophorus can be recognized by its snow-white convex cap, which straightens as it matures, leaving a small tubercle in the middle. The edges are ribbed and transparent due to the thin flesh. The surface is slimy and becomes dull in hot, dry weather. The spore layer is formed by thin whitish plates descending onto the stalk.
The leg is dense, up to 4 cm long.Snow-white, fragile pulp without taste or smell. In case of mechanical damage, the color does not change.
This species reproduces by microscopic, elongated spores that are found in a whitish powder.
Due to the fragile pulp, the cap looks transparent
Where does snow-white hygrophorus grow?
Snow-white hygrophor prefers to grow in open places. The mushroom can be found in tall grass in meadows, pastures, forest clearings and within the city. The species can also be found in parks, squares, and private plots.
Is it possible to eat snow-white hygrophor
Hygrophorus snow-white is considered an edible specimen. After heat treatment, it can be fried, canned, stewed and frozen. You can also dry fresh mushroom harvest for the winter. The dried product is stored in paper or linen bags in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is about 12 months.
False doubles
Snow-white hygrophorus has no poisonous counterparts. But in the forest you can find similar species that can be eaten. These include:
- Early – occurs in early spring immediately after the snow melts. Grows in deciduous forests in numerous families. The species can be recognized by its snow-white cap, which becomes dark gray or black as it matures. The snow-white pulp is tasteless and odorless, but despite this, mushrooms are often used to make pureed soups.
The first mushroom that appears in the forest
- Russula - a rare, edible species that grows in deciduous forests. It grows in small groups and bears fruit from August to October. The fleshy cap is dark red or dark pink, slimy, and becomes dull in dry weather. The snow-white pulp exudes a pleasant aroma and has a sweetish taste.Only young specimens are used in cooking.
Dense, tasty and aromatic pulp is suitable for preparing a variety of dishes
- Maiden - a conditionally edible species with a small, convex cap. The surface is covered with snow-white skin, which in rainy weather is covered with a slimy layer. It grows in open areas, along roads, in clearings and meadows. Fruits throughout the warm season. Due to the lack of taste and smell, the mushroom is not of high value, but after heat treatment it can be fried, stewed, pickled and salted.
Grows in fertile soil until the first frost
Rules for collection and use
Since snow-white hygrophor is used in cooking, you need to know the rules of collection and methods of use. Experienced mushroom pickers advise doing quiet hunting away from roads and industrial enterprises. Collection should be carried out in dry, sunny weather in environmentally friendly places.
The harvested crop cannot be stored for long periods of time, so the mushrooms must be processed within 2 hours after harvesting. They are carefully inspected for damage and worminess. Selected mushrooms are washed and cleared of forest debris. Before preparing dishes, snow-white hygrophor is boiled in salted water for 10-15 minutes. Then it can be fried, stewed and preserved for the winter.
Conclusion
Snow-white hygrophor is suitable for consumption. It bears fruit in open areas throughout the autumn. After heat treatment, it is suitable for preparing mushroom dishes and preparations for the winter. In order not to make mistakes during a quiet hunt, you need to know what the species looks like, look at photos and videos.
