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Beech hygrophorus (Hygrophorus leucophaeus) is a little-known conditionally edible mushroom with an interesting taste of pulp. It is not particularly popular due to its small size. It is also called Lindtner’s Hygrophorus or Ash Grey.
What does beech hygrophorus look like
Beech hygrophorus belongs to agaric fungi of the Hygrophoraceae family. In young specimens, the cap is almost spherical, but gradually opens and takes on a flat shape. It is elastic, very thin, very little pulp. The surface of the fungus is smooth. In rainy summers, when the humidity is high enough, it becomes sticky. The skin color is often white or pale pink, the transition is smooth, the color is uniform. White adherent plates are visible under the hat. They are rarely located.
Beech hygrophorus rests on a thin cylindrical leg. It expands slightly at the base. The surface is covered with powdery coating. The internal structure is dense, quite solid. The color is uneven. Above is predominantly white, and below is cream or red.
The pulp of the fruiting body is watery. Painted white or slightly pink. After destruction, the color does not change, there is no milky juice. The fresh mushroom is odorless; after heat treatment, an unobtrusive floral aroma appears. There are pronounced nutty notes in the taste.
Where does beech hygrophorus grow?
You can meet him wherever there are beech forests. It is widespread in the Caucasus, in the Crimea. The mushroom picker grows well high in the mountains. Fruiting bodies are located in small groups on a woody substrate, which contains the remnants of the bark.
Is it possible to eat beech hygrophorus
Beech hygrophorus is classified as a conditionally edible mushroom. However, it is practically not collected. The caps contain little pulp, and the size of the fruiting body is small. Although experienced mushroom pickers specially go up to the mountains in autumn to enjoy the indescribable taste.
False doubles
The beech hygrophorus is very similar to other representatives of the species, from which it differs only in the color of the cap and the place of growth.
Outwardly, it may resemble a girlish hygrophorus. However, the latter begins to bear fruit in the summer. At the same time, his hat is always painted white. It is found not only in the mountains, but also along paths, in meadows and plains. The double is not poisonous, but does not represent a special nutritional value.
You can confuse the mushroom with a pinkish hygrophore. It is somewhat similar in color, but grows much larger. His plates are frequent, the leg is thick, high. Widespread in North America and temperate regions. It is more common in coniferous forests, not far from firs. Refers to conditionally edible.
The edible beech-shaped hygrophore has almost absolute similarity. However, it is impossible to meet him on the territory of the Federation. The fungus is widely distributed in Sweden. The mushroom picker settles nearby with oaks that are found in deciduous forests.
Rules for collection and use
Collect young specimens that are rich in nutrients. They must be intact, with no visible signs of parasites.
The fruiting body is eaten fried, stewed or pickled. No need to pre-boil.
Conclusion
Beech hygrophorus is a fragile mushroom that requires care when harvesting. Its flesh is not too dense, but tasty enough. Mushroom pickers know a lot of cooking recipes that will impress any gourmet.
