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Mokruha spotted belongs to the lamellar mushrooms. It is the most common species of the genus of the same name. It is important for avid and novice mushroom pickers to know what this unusual representative of the forest kingdom looks like and what its nutritional value is.
What do spotted moths look like?
The mucus covering its surface gives the moth an unusual appearance. This feature gives the name to the whole family: the fruiting bodies appear wet.
The mushroom is notable for its large cap (from 2.5 to 5.5 cm in diameter). The layer of mucus is especially thick on its surface.At an early stage of growth, the cap of the spotted fly has a cone-shaped shape, but over time it becomes flat, with outstretched, slightly depressed edges. The surface of the mushroom is painted gray, with characteristic dark inclusions.
The leg, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, is dirty white in color, but appears swollen as it expands and becomes lighter at the top. It is mustard-colored at the base, may have dark gray or black spots, and be curved. The mucus is not expressed, but a massive ring of it forms near the cap itself. The height of the leg reaches 8 cm. It is dense in structure.
The loose, light flesh of a young mushroom turns pink when broken, and in older specimens it turns brown. The grayish plates of mature moth turn black.
Where do spotted moths grow?
The variety grows in Eurasia and North America. It can be found in small groups in sparse thickets of bushes and among mosses. The fungus prefers conifers, with which it forms mycorrhiza (mostly with spruce and larch), as well as mixed forests.
Is it possible to eat spotted flyweeds?
Spotted weed is classified as a conditionally edible mushroom. Before cooking, the fruiting bodies are boiled for at least half an hour. This species is used in pickling and pickling. Cooked mushrooms have a pleasant, butter-like taste, fleshy flesh and a good aroma.
False doubles
The spotted fly has no counterparts. External resemblance can only be found with other members of the family.
Collection rules
Despite the fact that spotted moth is quite difficult to confuse with other varieties, it is necessary to check the description, and, in case of any doubt as to its identity, it is better to leave the mushroom in place. You should follow the standard rules:
- It is best to go mushroom picking early in the morning.
- The optimal time will be after heavy rainfall, which significantly increases the yield level.
- It is strictly not recommended to collect spotted midges in urban areas, near highways, railways, and chemical plants. In such areas, mushrooms absorb heavy metals, toxins, and exhaust gases.
- When going mushroom hunting, it is best to wear boots or high boots, as well as things made of thick fabric.
- You should not cut off rotten, overripe, wormy or flabby specimens. Such spotted moths will begin to quickly decompose, releasing substances that are toxic to the body.
- To collect mushrooms, it is best to use wicker baskets with good ventilation or metal buckets. Do not put fruiting bodies in a plastic bag: in this form they will suffocate and quickly deteriorate.
- Having discovered a spotted moth, you should not pull it out of the soil: this can destroy the mycelium, causing the yield in the area to stop for several years. It is enough to carefully cut the fruiting body at the root using a knife.
Use
In addition to salting and pickling, spotted mokruki are good for preparing broths, sauces, side dishes for meat and fish dishes, and also as a unique ingredient in salads.
Eating spotted fly has a number of beneficial properties due to the presence of enzymes in the fungus that are used in the manufacture of antibiotics.
The fruiting bodies contain a complex of amino acids, microelements and vitamins. In terms of the protein concentration in mokrukha, spotted fish are compared to meat, which is why the product is included in the vegetarian menu.
Consumption of the mushroom has a beneficial effect on the quality of brain activity and the state of the immune system. The product helps eliminate fatigue, increase the overall tone of the body, and improve the blood formula.
In the field of traditional medicine, spotted moth is also used to combat migraines, insomnia, weakness and nervous disorders.
Conclusion
Spotted wetter is the most common variety. Like other representatives of the genus, this mushroom has a peculiarity: a fruiting body covered with mucus. The species has no false counterparts; it is classified as conditionally edible. Use in cooking is possible after preliminary boiling.
