Content
The pearl fly agaric is a representative of the numerous genus of the same name in the Amanitaceae family. The mushrooms are large, with remnants of a covering on the cap.
Only experienced mushroom pickers can distinguish between poisonous and edible species.
Description of pearl fly agaric
Representatives of the species are quite large. In the forest they are noticeable with a light color.
Description of the cap
The width of the cap is up to 10-11 cm. At first it is convex, yellow-brownish or pinkish, then it darkens, shades of red-brown appear. Small and large scales remain on the glossy smooth surface. The loose plates are also white, like the spore powder.
Scales granular, whitish
Description of the leg
A stable leg with a diameter of 2-3 cm, a height of up to 14 cm. At the bottom, there is a noticeable thickening with ring-shaped remains of the bedspread. The velvety surface is matte, identical to the color of the cap or a shade lighter.On top there is a leathery white ring with descending grooves. The white, juicy pulp turns red after cutting and smells pleasant.
The remains of the Volva are visible, turned into circular folds
Where and how does it grow
Pearl is a widespread mushroom with no special soil preferences, found in mixed, coniferous and deciduous forests from mid or late June to October. More often the species is found under birch, oak or spruce trees. In Russia, the variety is typical for the temperate climate zone.
Is the pearl fly agaric edible or poisonous?
The fruiting bodies of the species are considered edible, and in many European countries they are considered conditionally edible. Mushrooms from the genus Amanita should not be consumed raw, but only after heat treatment. The fruiting bodies are soaked, the skins are removed from the caps and boiled for 20-30 minutes, the water is drained. Also, mushrooms are not dried, but pickled, frozen after cooking, or salted. Only experienced mushroom pickers can take pearl ones, because the fruiting bodies of this fly agaric can be easily confused with poisonous ones.
Doubles and their differences
Many fly agarics are very similar to each other; among the representatives of the genus there are dangerous species with strong toxins. Some are false doubles of the pearl variety:
- panther;
In the panther species, the edges of the cap are slightly folded
- thick or stocky.
The stocky variety has a darker, grayish-brown skin compared to the pearl variety.
Both species are poisonous; their flesh does not oxidize when broken and retains a whitish color.
The original mushroom differs in the following characteristics:
- when exposed to air, the broken raw pulp turns red;
- the plates are free;
- the ring on the stem is not smooth, with grooves.
Conclusion
Pearl fly agaric is consumed only after cooking. Inexperienced mushroom pickers should not take fruiting bodies similar to those described, since the species has false poisonous counterparts that are difficult for beginners to distinguish.
