Content
Fans of “silent hunting” know about 20 species of edible and conditionally edible species of mushrooms. But few people know that the pigeon row is an edible mushroom that can be used to add a unique aroma to culinary dishes.
The pigeon row (bluish) is a cap-shaped lamellar mushroom of quite large size, belongs to the Ryadovkov family, which has about 100 species. The bluish row is a rare find; among true mushroom pickers it is valued for its taste.
Where does the pigeon row mushroom grow?
Pigeon row (tricholomacolumbetta) grows singly or in small groups. Prefers deciduous and mixed forests, close to birch and oak trees.It can also be found in meadows and pastures.
Most often found in the forests of Siberia, the Ob region, the Leningrad region and the northern regions of the country. Fruiting begins in August and ends at the end of September. This species tolerates the first frosts well, without losing its taste.
What does a pigeon row look like?
The pigeon row has a strong rounded leg up to 10 cm high. It tapers downwards and has a bluish tint at the base. When broken, the fibers turn pink. The stem is fibrous and has no cavities on the cut.
It reaches 3 cm in thickness. It is smooth and round. A bluish-green tint can be seen at the base.
The hat is hemispherical or bell-shaped. Young specimens have a tubercle at the apex, and small scales are also characteristic. As it grows, the cap becomes flat and opens wide. The diameter reaches 12 cm. Its edges are slightly turned down.
The surface is smooth, sticky. Color – white, sometimes with bluish or pinkish spots. The fleshy cap is complemented by frequent plates, which acquire a brown tint with age.
The mushroom has a mild taste and a pleasant aroma. The flesh is elastic and dense. When exposed to high temperatures, the fracture turns red.
In order not to be mistaken and not to be confused with a poisonous double, you need to carefully read the description and study the appearance from the photo of a row of pigeons.
Is it possible to eat pigeon row
The bluish row is considered an edible mushroom. It contains a large amount of amino acids and protein, which makes it comparable in its nutritional properties to some types of meat.
Taste qualities of mushroom
Despite the fact that in its raw form the mushroom does not have a strong specific aroma, like, for example, boletus or boletus, when cooked it becomes an excellent addition to hot dishes.
As an additive to meat broth, it fills it with a special, unique aroma, for which it is valued among professional chefs. Dishes from the pigeon row turn out to be satisfying and tasty. The nutritional value is due to its rich chemical composition and high protein content.
Benefits and harm to the body
The chemical composition of the bluish rower can be compared with a full range of dietary supplements that help strengthen the immune system.
Edible species of the Ryadovkov family are unique in composition. They contain many elements beneficial to the human body:
- vitamins (A, C, PP, D, the entire group of B vitamins, choline);
- microelements (phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, etc.).
In addition, they demonstrate high anti-inflammatory ability, have bactericidal and antiviral properties, and contain 18 amino acids that play an important role in protein synthesis. These qualities are used by traditional healers to prepare various remedies.
The following fact has been noted: with regular consumption of food, susceptibility to influenza viruses and tubercle bacilli decreases, and the growth of cancer cells stops.
But no matter how unique the properties of the row are, it should still be taken into account that all types of edible mushrooms are classified as protein products. With uncontrolled use, the load on the kidneys, liver and digestive system increases sharply.
Children under 14 years of age, nursing mothers, pregnant women and people with individual intolerance should not eat mushroom dishes.
But the main danger is that even experienced mushroom pickers can mistake the white mushroom (a poisonous species of the family) for its edible counterpart.
False doubles
The Ryadovkov family has about 100 species. The greatest danger lies in the dove row's twin - the poisonous specimen of the white row (tricholomaalbum).
Externally, these two species are strikingly similar to each other, which can lead to mistakes even for the most experienced mushroom pickers. The “twins” can be distinguished by the main feature: the white one exudes a sharp, disgusting odor, while the bluish one has a light, pleasant mushroom aroma.
The second difference: the cap of a poisonous mushroom is invariably dry, while the cap of an edible mushroom is sticky.
Collection rules
Experienced mushroom pickers know that there are certain rules for collecting all types of mushrooms:
- they cannot be collected near highways, railways and industrial enterprises;
- Wormy and overgrown specimens are not suitable for cooking;
- If in doubt, you should resolutely refuse to put the mushroom in the basket.
The bluish row can be harvested from August to the end of September. The collection does not stop even after the first frost, it does not lose its taste. It is better to unscrew the mushroom stem so as not to damage the mycelium.
Use
Pigeon row is eaten fried or boiled. It can be dried, salted and pickled for long-term storage.
Before cooking, it is soaked in water, after which the film is removed from the cap. It is also recommended to boil the mushrooms for 15 minutes before further cooking.
Ryadovka is good as an addition to meat broths, vegetable dishes and, especially, potatoes. Mushrooms can be stewed with sour cream.The result is incredibly tasty and aromatic masterpieces.
Conclusion
Pigeon row is a delicious mushroom that can add a special aroma to any hot dish. Unfortunately, it is not often possible to find this species in the forest. Finding it is considered real luck. The bluish row is used as food in preparations for the winter: pickles and marinades. It can be dried, and then it will serve as a fragrant seasoning for a large number of dishes.
