Content
Champignons are one of our favorite mushrooms. They have high taste characteristics and are widely used in cooking. There are many species, both edible and poisonous. One of the most amazing is the dark red champignon with an unusual flesh color and aroma. You don’t see it often, so such a find for a mushroom picker is a great success. In order not to confuse this dark red species with others, it is worth learning more about its appearance and other features.
The species is distinguished by a dark red cap
What does a dark red champignon look like?
In young mushrooms, the cap has the shape of a cone with a blunt top, only in fairly old specimens it becomes flatter.The diameter of the upper part ranges from 10 to 15 cm. The cap itself is very dense and fleshy with a scaly surface. The leg is cylindrical, slightly thickened at the base. It is painted in an off-white shade, but after pressing it noticeably turns red. The height of the leg can reach 10 cm.
A distinctive feature of the mushroom is the non-standard color of the pulp. When cut, it has a reddish tint and a slight anise aroma.
Where does the dark red champignon grow?
This species is rarely seen. Mushrooms usually grow in temperate forests: deciduous, coniferous, mixed. The favorite soil of this species is calcareous. As a rule, such specimens grow in groups. The active fruiting period lasts from spring to mid-autumn.
Champignons grow in groups
Is it possible to eat dark red champignon?
This species is considered edible and versatile. It is used to prepare first and second courses, and is used as a filling for pies and stuffed fish. They are also suitable for salting and pickling. Professional chefs can prepare about 200 dishes from such products, including sauces and gravies, as well as gourmet delicacies.
False doubles
The dark red variety can easily be confused with other varieties. For example, with an edible forest double. Its main distinguishing features are slight redness of the flesh and the absence of the anise smell characteristic of the original.
Another edible double is August. It has yellowish flesh with a characteristic mushroom aroma.
August champignons
Inexperienced mushroom pickers should be especially wary of the poisonous mushroom mushroom and fly agaric. These mushrooms are often confused with the edible dark red mushroom.
Red-haired double (poisonous)
The white toadstool mushroom looks like a mushroom
Rules for collection and use
When picking mushrooms, it is very important to be sure that they are edible. If there is even the slightest doubt or they grow in a contaminated area, they should not be collected or eaten. The champignon is carefully cut with a sharp knife, taking care not to damage the fruiting body. It is not recommended to take overripe specimens, as they can cause poisoning.
Conclusion
Dark red champignon is a very tasty and unusual mushroom. If you follow all the precautions, it will become a real decoration of the table. Fried, pickled or dried - this mushroom will improve the taste of any dish. In addition, champignons are considered dietary and have a beneficial effect on the body, strengthening the cardiovascular system, vision and memory.
