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The mushroom world is diverse. Types of edible mushrooms are represented not only by classic specimens of the family, but also by unusual varieties, the appearance of which may seem strange. Sparassis curly does not look like a mushroom at first glance, but upon close examination it reveals all the characteristic features.
Where does Sparassis curly grow?
Sparassis curly received the name mushroom cabbage for its external resemblance to a head of cauliflower.This fungus belongs to the class of parasites, that is, fungi that survive by attaching to trees. The mycelium of the culture is intertwined with the root system of the tree, gradually feeding with nutrients. After several colonizations, the tree begins to collapse from the inside and suffer from red rot.
Young sparassis curly mushrooms can grow on fresh stumps. They are usually attached to the bark of a tree due to structural features. They grow in the central European part of Russia, and are found in Siberia and warm regions of the Far East. Outside the country, places where Sparassis curly is growing are found in Georgia, the Baltic states, and Belarus.
What does Sparassis curly look like?
Mycologists describe curly sparassis in detail, mentioning secondary names: “hare cabbage”, “mushroom cabbage”, “ram”, “curly angelica”:
- Fruiting body. It is a cluster of curly lobes forming a ball or ellipse. Mycologists compare the body shape of the mushroom to an overgrown coral. The processes that cover the fruiting body may have a wavy or dissected edge. The mushroom grows to a maximum height of 20 cm, its diameter can vary from 6 to 30 cm. The maximum weight of the mushroom is 10 kg. The blades are white in the initial stages of growth, but over time they become yellowish-brown.
- Leg. The diameter of the leg does not exceed 5 cm, its length is 10 - 15 cm. The main part is located in the ground, only a few centimeters remain above the surface, so it is not easy to notice right away. The leg can be white or yellow, but becomes noticeably darker over time.
- Pulp. Young mushrooms have fragile, loose flesh; in adult mushrooms it is hard and tough.
- Controversy. They are an ellipse of a white or yellow hue, can be rough to the touch, and are narrowed at the base.
Is it possible to eat Sparassis curly?
Sparassis belongs to the group of edible mushrooms. It is prepared for cooking soups, adding to main courses, drying or drying. Its texture resembles the pulp of edible morels.
Young mushrooms are especially tasty. Adult sparassis become tough, lose their special taste characteristics, and are not recommended for consumption.
Taste qualities of mushroom
Young curly sparassis have a characteristic nutty flavor. However, they smell almost nothing. Spices are not used during cooking, as they can overwhelm the spicy taste. The nutty hue allows you to combine the flavors of Sparassis curly with meat, fish, and other seafood.
Benefits and harm to the body
Sparassis curly belongs to the Sparasaceae family. Despite the fact that it is considered a parasite in relation to the trees to which it attaches, it has a list of beneficial properties for the human body:
- has an antibacterial effect provided that young specimens are consumed and minimal heat treatment is used;
- due to the content of acids and glycosides, it affects blood counts, reducing the level of bad cholesterol;
- The unique substances contained in the composition contribute to the overall strengthening of the immune system and increase the body’s ability to produce macrophages.
Vitamins and minerals contained in the pulp and fruiting body have an effect on strengthening the body. Among microelements, the content of potassium is increased.The group of macroelements is represented by copper, selenium, zinc.
To digest mushrooms, the human body must have enough special enzymes. This property is related to the activity of the liver and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the peculiarities of its effect on the body, Sparassis curly is not recommended for those diagnosed with gastritis or ulcers. Its use is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 12 years of age.
False doubles
Mushroom cabbage is similar to sparassis lamellar. This is a rarer species that also attaches to tree bark. Both varieties have some external similarities, but they are easy to distinguish:
Curly | Lamellar |
Grows on coniferous trees. | Prefers oak bark. |
The edges are wavy. | The edges are solid. |
The color of the fruiting body can be light or creamy yellow. | The color of the fruiting body is straw-yellow. |
Collection rules
Mycologists compare the collection of curly sparassis to cutting flowers. The mushroom is cut from the surface of the tree with a knife at a sharp angle, trying not to damage the blades. If several specimens are collected, they are placed side by side so that the caps do not touch. Full ripening of the mushroom occurs in August-September.
Use
Sparassis curly, or mushroom cabbage, is a delicious, healthy mushroom. When cooked correctly, it has a subtle, nutty flavor that can easily be ruined by adding strong spices.
Before you start cooking, curly sparassis is thoroughly washed to remove earthen traces.This is a long and labor-intensive process, since the sparassis lobes are located over the entire surface of the fruiting body, layered on top of each other. For complete cleaning, you need to check each of them.
It is customary to prepare first and second courses from the mushroom; it is combined with cheese, nuts and seafood. In addition, there are recipes for preparing mushroom powder, according to which mushroom cabbage is dried for several months and then ground with a mortar.
Sparassis curly is boiled for at least 20 minutes. This helps get rid of toxins and substances that negatively affect the intestinal microflora. When boiling, use sea salt, but do not add bay leaves or pepper, so as not to interrupt the main taste. To boil the mushroom, cut it into small pieces or break off slices of the blades with your hands, like a lettuce leaf. The mushroom does not need additional boiling before frying. The main condition before frying is thorough cleaning of dirt and drying.
Use in folk medicine
Traditional medicine uses the properties of sparassis, which are officially recognized. The pharmaceutical industry works with extracts of the plant product, adding them to cream products for facial rejuvenation. Traditional medicine has collected recipes for preparing masks for the treatment of skin diseases.
In addition, the effectiveness of the use of the mushroom component of Sparassis curly has been proven in the elimination of oncological tumors at the early stage of development. This effect is explained by the high antioxidant properties of the product.
Sparassol, which is one of the main elements in the product, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This property is used in the preparation of cold and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Decoctions with added oil are prepared for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The mushroom contains substances that have a beneficial effect on liver activity and bile production.
Security status
Sparassis curly, which is rarely found in the wild, is listed in the Red Book as a rare and valuable organism. Mycologists warn that the illegal collection of sparassis is under the control of government agencies.
Sparassis curly is grown on special mushroom farms for consumption. The growing process is complicated by the creation of special conditions close to the natural habitat.
Conclusion
Sparassis curly is an edible mushroom with an unusual taste. The beneficial properties of mushroom cabbage make it in demand in folk and official medicine. Sparassis is rarely found in the wild, so it is listed in the Red Book. To prepare delicious dishes, sparassis is grown using a special technique.
