Content
Blue gyroporus (Gyroporus cyanescens) is listed in the Red Book, as it is very rare. Mushroom pickers call it blue because of the reaction to the cut: a blue color quickly appears. This is why people consider it inedible. In fact, it is tasty, not much different from boletus.
What does blue gyroporus look like?
This is a representative of the Giroporus genus. When going for mushrooms, you need to carefully study which ones can be put in the basket, and which ones are best avoided. Gyroporus blue can be distinguished from other mushrooms by the following characteristics:
- convex caps are whitish, brownish-yellow.
- pulp that turns blue when cut or pressed;
- fragility of the mushroom;
- full tuberous stem.
hat
Young blue gyroporus are distinguished by a convex felt cap. Over time it straightens out. The diameter reaches 15 cm. The color is white at first, then a barely noticeable yellowness appears. If you touch the cap of the gyroporus or break it, it quickly turns blue. This property is reflected in the name.
Pulp
Gyroporus blue is distinguished by brittle white or yellowish flesh. Small porous tubes are freely located in it. The spore layer is small - about 10 mm. The pulp is aromatic, soft, light. They have an interesting taste, somewhat reminiscent of walnuts.
Leg
Young gyroporus have dense, full, smooth legs. Over time, as the fungus grows, this part loosens and cavities appear in it. The shape of the stem is tuberous; near the ground it can be thicker or thinner. Height is approximately 10 cm, the thickest part in diameter is about 3 cm.
Where does Gyroporus blue grow?
On the territory of Russia, blue gyroporus grows only in forests of the temperate and southern zones, since they develop better in a warm, humid climate. These are deciduous and mixed forests of Western Siberia, the European part of Russia. In Central Asia, bruises grow right in the steppe.
Oaks, pines, chestnuts, birches growing on wet sandstones are favorite places for bruises. Mushrooms have a symbiosis with these trees. They exchange nutrients with each other.
Mushrooms grow singly and are rare, which is why they are under state protection. Fruiting time is mid-July.Depending on climatic conditions, you can find mushrooms in September-October, almost until the first frost.
Is it possible to eat blue gyroporus?
Since blue gyroporuses are rare mushrooms listed in the Red Book, lovers of quiet hunting are interested in collecting and eating them. It should be noted right away that bruises are quite edible, but only after heat treatment. They belong to the second category.
Blue gyroporus are tasty and nutritious, low in calories. They contain useful substances, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Despite their beneficial properties, mushrooms should be consumed with caution even after heat treatment. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
False doubles
They are difficult to confuse with inedible mushrooms due to their interesting color change feature. The blue color will not disappear until the fruits are placed in hot water. During heat treatment they turn white.
Although in the mushroom kingdom there are Gyroporus blue counterparts. This:
- Gyroporus chestnut;
- Yunkville hogweed.
Gyroporus chestnut
This conditionally edible mushroom has a convex or flat cap, which becomes cushion-shaped as it grows. The hat is smooth and velvety. If there is no rain for a long time, it begins to crack. The chestnut or red-brown cap reaches 3-11 cm in diameter.
Unlike Gyroporus cyanide, the stem is hollow, its length is about 8 cm, the convex part is about 3 cm. The shape is cylindrical or club-shaped.
The tubular layer is first white, then yellowish-cream, and begins to turn brown when pressed.The pulp of young mushrooms is fleshy, hard, then becomes brittle and breaks easily. It has a hazelnut flavor.
Yunkville Boletus
Yellow boletus is an edible tubular mushroom from the Boletaceae genus. Can be eaten raw and has many culinary uses. The timing of fruiting and the place of growth coincide with the bruise, and it is also similar in appearance. It initially has a convex hemispherical cap, which becomes prostrate over time. It is light yellow or brown. When it rains it becomes slimy. The legs are light yellow, fleshy, hollow, with granular brown scales along their entire length. The pulp is odorless, but tastes pleasant.
Collection rules
Since blue gyroporus is listed in the Red Book, mushrooms must be collected carefully so that the mycelium remains intact. A sharp knife is used for this purpose. Cut off close to the ground so that part of the stem remains. Also, you should not collect overripe mushrooms with large caps; they are wormy, but necessary for reproduction.
Like any other forest fruits, they are capable of accumulating toxic substances and heavy metals. Therefore, you should not pay attention to the gyroporuses that grew next to the highway or railway. No heat treatment removes accumulated harmful substances from fruiting bodies.
Use
Mushrooms are edible, there is no bitterness in them, the taste and aroma are pleasant. During heat treatment, mushrooms do not become tough.
Due to their beneficial properties, bruises are used in cooking and medicine:
- Blue gyroporus contains the natural antibiotic boletol.
- The presence of antioxidants allows the fruiting bodies to be used as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of tumors.
- Microelements such as potassium, magnesium, sodium contained in bruises are easily absorbed by the body. That is why it is recommended to use blue gyroporus to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system and increase immunity.
Fruits collected in the forest can be left in the refrigerator for three days, and boiled ones are suitable for 2-3 days, but only in decoction. Blue gyroporuses can be dried, stewed, fried, and cooked with them in soups, sauces, and stews. Connoisseurs of mushroom dishes, in addition to various vegetables, add raisins and prunes. Bruises fried with nuts look delicious.
Conclusion
Gyroporus blue is famous for its excellent taste. It’s a pity that mushrooms are very rare and only grow one at a time. But if you managed to find at least 2-3 copies, you can cook a delicious roast.
