Content
Early bentgrass is one of the representatives of the Bolbitiaceae family of mushrooms. Latin - Agrocybe praecox. In addition, the species is known under other names. Fans of “quiet hunting” call it the early vole, early agrocybe, and early flake (Pholiota praecox). The popular name is “champignon for the lazy.” The reason was the external similarity, identical places of growth and taste parameters of bentgrass and champignon mushrooms. And also such factors as close proximity to human habitation, abundant and early fruiting.
The appearance of the mushrooms is very appetizing and does not resemble inedible varieties
Where does early field grass grow?
Most often, a similar mushroom is found in parks and gardens. It grows on the edges of forest roads or rotted remains of wood. Agrocybe early is found in vegetable gardens or abandoned areas. A peculiarity of this species is its demands on soil fertility. The composition of the soil can be judged by the external and taste characteristics of the early field grass. The richer the soil, the tastier and more powerful the mushroom grows on it.
It is considered a rare mushroom, although in some years very strong fertility of early flakes is noted. Pollen grass is collected from early May to mid-July. The species grows in groups, sometimes very numerous.
If you are lucky enough to find at least one specimen, then the “silent hunt” is considered successful - mushrooms grow in groups
It is successfully grown using “champignon technology” at home.
What does a field ear look like?
Early agrocybe cannot be called a large mushroom. All parts of the fruiting body are quite small in size:
- Hat. The diameter varies from 3 cm to 8 cm. In young specimens it has the shape of a hemisphere, then opens up and looks more like a pillow. As it grows it becomes prostrate. The surface color is light clayey, yellowish. If grown in full sun, it may fade to an off-white color. Remnants of a bedspread were seen at the edges. The pulp has a pleasant mushroom smell and is whitish in color.
- The plates are fused with teeth, frequent and wide. Young field birds are light yellowish. Then they begin to darken and become dirty brown.
- Leg. The color scheme completely matches the hat. The structure is hard and fibrous. Hollow inside. Average height is about 5-8 cm.If the mushroom grows in tall grass, it can lengthen significantly. The thickness is no more than 1 cm. The remains of the ring remain on the upper part of the leg. The older the mushroom, the darker they are colored. On these remains, ellipsoidal spores of a tobacco-brown hue are visible. The flesh of the leg is brown.
You need to inspect the mushrooms from all sides, paying attention to the underside of the cap.
The mushroom is noticeable and can be easily identified by the listed parameters.
Video for clarity:
Is it possible to eat early field grass?
The species is recognized in scientific circles as edible. It belongs to the 4th category of nutritional value.
Taste qualities of mushroom
Even the fact that the taste of field grass is significantly inferior to champignons in terms of parameters does not reduce its value and popularity. Some sources contain data on the presence of bitterness during tasting. However, this does not prevent you from preparing a lot of dishes from agrocybe. Moreover, not all lovers of mushroom taste feel bitterness.
False doubles
Early fruiting of the species prevents the possibility of confusing the mushroom with many others. However, there are some representatives that have similar parameters.
Agrocybe dura is a very difficult to distinguish species. The signs by which you can recognize the hard field beetle are:
- Places of growth. The tough agrocybe prefers silage to woody remains and grass areas away from trees. It is considered a silage saprophyte.
- Spore size – they are larger. This parameter can only be seen under a microscope.
- Appearance. The surface of the cap is covered with cracks, especially in dry weather. The flesh shows through. The leg is covered with broken fibers that hang down. They give the leg pubescence.
It is necessary to carefully study the parameters of the hard field beetle in order to clearly distinguish the species from similar
The edibility of the species has not been confirmed, so you should carefully inspect the mushrooms before placing them in the basket.
Cylindrical vole (Agrocybe cylindracea). Differs in larger cap sizes. In an adult mushroom it reaches 15 cm in diameter. There is a small bump in the middle. The leg is cylindrical, length 8-15 cm. Also, the taste and smell of the species do not coincide with the characteristics of the early field grass. In the cylindrical variety, the aroma resembles the smell of rancid oil, and the fruiting bodies have a mealy taste. The fungus grows not only on dead wood, but also on living trees. Prefers willow, elderberry, poplar. Fruits from May to October. Considered an edible species.
If you happen to encounter a cylindrical vole, you can safely put the mushroom in the basket
Collection rules
Despite the fact that collecting Polevik early is very convenient, you need to strictly adhere to the recommendations:
- Do not take mushrooms near places with a negative condition - landfills, manure heaps. Do not collect near railways, highways, industrial enterprises,
- Before placing in the basket, carefully inspect the fruiting body. If the mushroom seems unfamiliar or there is at least one factor that confuses you, then you need to put the find aside.
- Process the harvest in a timely manner, without leaving this process “for later.”
- Adhere to cooking rules.
By following this small list of rules, you can protect your health and your loved ones.
Use
Agrocybe early contains many useful components. Mushroom dishes are well absorbed by the human body. Even people with diseases of the digestive tract are allowed to use early bellweed in remission.Limitations include individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation, and age up to 3 years.
Fruiting bodies do not require preliminary preparation before cooking. You can cook them in any form - fry, marinate, stew, boil. Amazing caviar, pie fillings, and salads are prepared with early field grass.
Conclusion
Early bentgrass has a very pleasant taste and good composition. Therefore, you should not neglect “unfinished champignons” during the mushroom hunting period. This species will enrich the diet and will not cause harm.
