Content
A small mushroom called melanoleuca black and white belongs to the Rowadovaceae family. Also known as melanoleuca vulgaris or melanoleuca related.
What melanoleucas look like black and white
This specimen is presented in the form of a cap and stem with the following characteristics:
- The cap is convex, the size of which reaches up to 10 cm in diameter. With age it becomes prostrate with a darker lump in the center. The surface of the cap is dry, smooth, matte with slightly drooping edges. It is colored in dark gray or brown shades; in dry summers the skin fades and acquires a pale brown tone.
- The plates are narrow, frequent, adherent to the stem, widened in the middle. Initially painted white, a little later they become light brown.
- The leg is round and thin, reaches about 7 cm in length, and the width is about 1 cm in diameter. At the base it is slightly widened, dense, longitudinally ribbed and fibrous. Its surface is dry, painted in brown shades with black longitudinal fibers.
- The spores are rough, ovoid-ellipsoid. The spore powder is pale yellowish.
- The pulp is loose and soft, when young it has a light gray color, and when ripe it is brown. Exudes a subtle spicy aroma.
Where do black and white melanoleucas grow?
Most often, this species grows in mixed and deciduous forests. It can also sometimes be found in gardens, parks and on roadsides. The optimal time for fruiting is from May to October. It grows both individually and in small groups.
Is it possible to eat melanoleucas black and white?
There is varied and conflicting information about the edibility of Melanoleuca black and white. Thus, some experts classify this species as an edible mushroom, while others consider this specimen to be conditionally edible. However, their opinion agrees that melanoleuca black and white is not poisonous and can be used as food only after preliminary heat treatment.
False doubles
Melanoleuca black and white has external similarities with some relatives of the Rowadovaceae family.
- Melanoleuca striapodosa – refers to conditionally edible mushrooms. The fruit body is gray-brown or reddish in color. When young, the flesh is whitish or gray; when ripe, it acquires a brown tint.
- Melanoleuca verruciforma - edible mushroom.The cap is fleshy, colored yellow-brown. A distinctive feature is a cylindrical stalk, the surface of which is covered with warts.
- Melanoleuca short-legged – the shape of the cap is similar to the species in question, however, the double has a much shorter leg, which is only 3-6 cm. It is edible.
Collection rules
When collecting melanoleuca black and white, it is advisable to follow the following rules:
- The best containers for mushrooms are wicker baskets, which will allow the gifts of the forest to “breathe.” Plastic bags are definitely not suitable for such purposes.
- You should not collect old, rotten or damaged specimens.
- It is recommended to cut the mushroom with a knife, but it is also possible to carefully remove it from the soil without damaging the mycelium.
Use
This specimen is suitable for all types of processing: it is stewed, salted, dried, fried and pickled. However, before proceeding directly to preparation, melanoleuca black and white should be processed. To do this, each specimen must be washed, the legs removed, then cooked for at least 15 minutes, after which you can proceed to further preparation of the dish.
Conclusion
Melanoleuca black and white is a rather rare species. It is found not only in mixed and deciduous forests, but also in parks, gardens and along roads. Prefers to grow alone, but sometimes forms small groups. This species is classified as a lower category edible mushroom. It has a sweetish mealy taste and a pleasant aroma.
