Content
- 1 Where does yellow ramaria grow?
- 2 What does a yellow hornet look like?
- 3 Types of deer horns
- 4 Is the yellow horned mushroom edible or not?
- 5 Beneficial properties of reindeer horn mushrooms
- 6 How to distinguish deer horn mushrooms from false ones
- 7 Rules for collecting yellow horned mushrooms
- 8 Photo of mushrooms deer horns
- 9 Conclusion
Deer's horn mushrooms are the rarest, resembling sea coral in appearance. The species is also called horned coral or yellow bear's foot coral. Deer horns belong to the Gomphaceae family of mushrooms. They are basidiomycetes whose fruiting body produces spores.
Where does yellow ramaria grow?
Deer horns are a unique mushroom in appearance, the fruiting body of which has many branches. Its main feature is vertical growth. The Latin name for ramaria is Ramaria flava.Plant class – Agaricomycetes. It grows exclusively on the ground, in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. Sometimes witch circles and crooked lines appear where the fungus grows. They are characteristic of specimens growing on coniferous trees. Deer antlers are classified as parasites. They settle on sick trees, gradually turning them into dust.
Yellow horned mushroom is found both in groups and one mushroom at a time. It is represented in greatest numbers in the forests of Karelia, Primorsky Krai and the Caucasus. Recently, deer horn mushrooms have begun to be found in Crimea. Due to the mild climate, Crimean mushrooms and deer horns are collected already at the beginning of summer. Outside of Russia, they are common in Central European countries. Due to its rarity and uniqueness, the deer horn mushroom is listed in the Red Book. Therefore, it is officially prohibited for collection. Despite this, the product is used not only in cooking, but also in alternative medicine. This is facilitated by the abundance of beneficial properties and rich composition.
What does a yellow hornet look like?
It is no coincidence that the name Rotatorik got its name. The mushrooms, photos of which are posted below, resemble deer antlers. The height of the fruiting body can reach 20 cm. The diameter of the mushroom is 15 cm. The fruiting body is connected to the ground by a kind of “stump”. From it there are multiple branches with truncated ends. The color of the mushroom varies from light yellow to deep orange. At the base, the shade of the fruiting body does not change; it is almost always white. The fracture site is dirty white. The mushroom pulp is slightly moist, the smell of the mushrooms is herbaceous.
The pulp of horned mushrooms is often cooked in batter and marinated in sauce
Types of deer horns
There are several varieties of deer antlers in nature. All of them differ in edibility and appearance. Each representative has certain characteristics. Therefore, when collecting and preparing them there must be an individual approach. Yellow hornet comes in the following types:
- grozdevoy;
The grape-shaped ramaria has brittle and watery flesh.
- coral hedgehog;
Hericium branchata grows on the stumps and trunks of dead trees
- purple horntail;
A distinctive feature is the bright color
- amethyst hornet;
Can be sessile or with a leg
- comb horntail;
The mushroom is considered an inedible species
Is the yellow horned mushroom edible or not?
Deer horn mushrooms, photos of which can be seen below, are considered conditionally edible. They are classified as the fourth category in cooking. They are significantly inferior to popular varieties of mushrooms, despite this, they are used as food. Mushrooms must be classified before consumption. Some are tasteless. It is not recommended to eat old mushrooms and those specimens that grew near coniferous trees. Those deer antlers that grow near roads are also not suitable for indoor reception.
Beneficial properties of reindeer horn mushrooms
Mushrooms that look like yellow corals can not only be eaten, but also used for medicinal purposes. They are especially widespread in Chinese medicine. Due to the content of phytoagglutinin, amino acids and sterol, the product is often used to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the lungs. Cosmetologists use deer horns to slow down the aging process.The mushroom is also believed to be able to prevent the growth of malignant cells and strengthen the immune system. Other useful properties of slingshot include:
- prevention of thrombosis by strengthening vascular walls;
- normalization of the central nervous system;
- stabilization of respiratory function;
- reducing the risk of developing cancer;
- removal of toxic substances from the body;
- improvement of blood composition;
- strengthening the immune system;
- beneficial effects on brain function and memory;
- rejuvenation of the skin.
Among other things, deer antlers are considered excessively nutritious for the human body. They consist of 70% dietary fiber. Experts say that bear's paw is considered one of the most valuable sources of iron and calcium. Thanks to this, the product can be used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases caused by vitamin deficiency.
How to distinguish deer horn mushrooms from false ones
The yellow mushroom, like coral, has many poisonous counterparts. Therefore, it is important to be able to distinguish it from its inedible counterparts. A mistake in this case can cost the mushroom picker his life. The main parameter for evaluation is color. It shouldn't be too bright. Young specimens of cattails are distinguished by a milky or beige color.
The closest relative is the beautiful ramaria. The poisonous mushroom is very similar to deer horns. But at the site of the break, the flesh turns red. The top of the twin's branches has a soft pink color. In older specimens, this area becomes brownish-brown over time. This species has no specific odor. But it can be recognized by its bitter taste.It allows you to stop eating food in time, which reduces the risk of poisoning. According to other characteristics, the false double is practically indistinguishable from deer antlers. Therefore, novice mushroom pickers may make mistakes during collection.
According to external signs, the beautiful ramaria evokes extremely positive impressions
If you accidentally ingest ramaria beautifula, you should consult a doctor. To prevent serious complications, it is necessary to cleanse the digestive system. For these purposes, sorbents and drugs that relieve toxic poisoning are used. You may need to be hospitalized to administer intravenous medicinal solutions.
Another doppelgänger of hornworts is the golden ramaria. Its distinctive features include a rich yellow color and a dense short stem. The width of the fruiting body ranges from 5 to 12 cm. The double has a pleasant smell and a mild mushroom taste. Golden ramaria can only be eaten at a young age.
Rules for collecting yellow horned mushrooms
The bear's paw mushroom is harvested from August to September. When choosing, you should bypass old copies. They are of no use. It is also not recommended to take mushrooms, which look like deer horns, from tree stumps. In this case, there is a risk of stumbling upon poisonous species. Since slingshots have the property of accumulating radionuclides and heavy metals, industrial facilities, highways and military areas should be avoided. The farther a clearing with deer antlers is located from civilization, the lower the likelihood of developing food poisoning.
Collection is carried out using a sharp knife. It is not recommended to pick the fruiting body. This can damage its fragile structure.It is advisable not to store freshly collected slingshots for too long. When exposed to air and light, they begin to deteriorate. It’s better to sort them out and cook them right away.
Before cooking yellow coral, you should make sure it is edible. After this, the deer antlers are cleaned of forest debris and dirt. There is no need to soak the product before cooking. After washing, just blot it with a paper napkin to remove moisture. To preserve the beneficial properties and taste for a long time, the horned mushrooms are pickled and dried.
But freshly picked mushrooms are considered the most delicious. Their preparation does not take much time. Just boil them or throw them in a frying pan. The average cooking time is 20 minutes. It is not recommended to digest this type of cattails. Deer horns go well with potatoes and meat. It should be remembered that the product absorbs salt and spices well, so you should not overuse it.
Photo of mushrooms deer horns
Photos and videos about deer horn mushrooms will help you get a complete picture and understand how to distinguish them from other representatives. If you are not sure that the cattail is edible, then it is better to avoid eating it.
Old specimens have a dark, rich color
Bear's paw can be used as an anthelmintic
It is not recommended to give reindeer antlers to children under three years of age.
The younger the cattail, the more delicate the taste of its pulp.
For medicinal use, the product is dried
Conclusion
Deer horn mushrooms are worth trying at least once.When prepared correctly, they can become a real decoration for the holiday table, which can compete with delicacies. When collecting mushrooms, you should be careful and carefully study the general information and recommendations of specialists.
