Content
The powdered moss is a member of the Boletaceae family and belongs to the Cyanobolet genus. The Latin name is Cyanoboletus pulverulentus, and the folk name is powdered and dusty boletus. The species is rare, found in warm temperate climates.
What powdered moss mushrooms look like
The powdered boletus, like all moss mushrooms, has a cap from 3 to 10 cm in diameter. In young specimens, the hemispherical, growing, becomes convex, and the edges slightly curl upward. As they grow older, the border rises more and more. The skin looks matte and velvety, feels like felt, and is sticky and slippery when it rains.The color of the cap also changes depending on the age and place of growth.
Mainly brown with different shades:
- gray;
- yellowish;
- chestnut;
- even a slightly red tint.
The edges of the dusty moss fly caps are lighter. The lower plane of the boletus cap is powdered with a characteristic tubular layer with large pores. When young, the underparts are bright yellow, then gradually darken to olive, buff or brown due to changes in the spore powder. A characteristic property of the powdered appearance is that the tubular layer quickly turns inky blue if it is even lightly touched. The dense flesh is yellow and turns purple when cut.
The powdered flywheel stands on a strong, brightly colored leg:
- bright yellow on top;
- towards the middle in small mealy specks of red-brown color;
- near the soil, the base becomes brown with tints of rusty or red.
The height of the leg is from 6 to 10-11 cm, diameter is 1-2 cm. The shape can be expanded downwards or swollen. The flesh of the leg is hard, with a tough consistency. The rare mushroom has a characteristic rare smell. When cooked, the taste becomes soft and attractive.
Where do powdered moss mushrooms grow?
The powdered boleta species is common in areas with a warm temperate climate in the European south of Russia, as well as in the Far East. It is found in mixed and deciduous forests. Powdered mycorrhiza often forms on the roots of oak or spruce trees. Mushrooms are found growing singly or in groups, but quite rarely. The mushroom season for powdered boletus lasts from August to the end of September.
Is it possible to eat powdered mushrooms?
Powdered boletuses are considered edible mushrooms.But the species has not been thoroughly studied and is rather little known.
False doubles
In central Russia, the powdery appearance can be confused with the densely distributed chestnut or Polish mushroom. The appearance of the dusty boletus differs from this counterpart in its intense yellow tubular layer, as well as a bright stalk with a powdery coating. The blueing of the pulp after cutting or when pressed occurs faster and much more intensely than with the Polish mushroom.
The powdered type can be distinguished from other moss mushrooms, which are called oak mushrooms in local dialects and also grow in oak forests, by the bright yellow bottom of the cap. Oakweeds are known for their reddish underparts due to the color of the powder containing the spores.
It differs from other mushrooms, boletes, in the absence of a mesh on the stem.
Collection rules
The species is little known among mushroom pickers because it is rarely found. They take powdered moss mushrooms in oak groves or mixed forests, near pines or spruce trees. The species is found in the southern regions. Having discovered a family of similar mushrooms, they are checked by cutting the fruiting body. If intense blueness is visible, even black, and a rare smell is felt, the desired mushroom has been found.
Use
After cooking, the pulp of moss mushrooms acquires a pleasant, appetizing shade. Mushrooms are also used for preparations. It is better for people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders and children to avoid such food that takes a long time to digest.
Conclusion
The powdered moss is collected after thoroughly studying its external differences. The edible mushroom, judging by the reviews, is quite tasty, and the dishes are appetizing.
