Contents
Black hygrophorus (Hygrophorus camarophyllus) is a member of the Hygrophoraceae family. Refers to lamellar species, is edible. It is easy to confuse it with poisonous mushrooms, so you need to know the features of its appearance and habitat.
What does black hygrophorus look like
The black hygrophorus has a specially shaped hat. At first it is convex, then prostrate and depressed. There is some waviness. The surface is smooth and dry. The color is white, which eventually turns into a bluish. The diameter can reach 12 cm.
Leg whitish-black, cylindrical. At the base may be narrowed. Dense in structure. Wide and rare plates are formed under the cap. The pulp is white, fragile.
General characteristics of black hygrophore:
- not found as often as many edible representatives;
- you need to look for it in damp forests, in mosses;
- often grows in families, single mushrooms will be an exception;
- outwardly, representatives of this family are inconspicuous, they can be confused with pale grebes and pass by;
- the designation “black” is not always correct in relation to this fungus, it often has a whitish-gray and bluish tint, and there are also brown representatives;
- often the family is located near swamps;
- around the place of their accumulation, you can find bushes of blueberries and lingonberries;
- mushroom plates are very different from the cap – they are white;
- the leg is outwardly dense, but the pulp is tender and pure white;
- This is the most delicious mushroom from the Hygrophorus family.
Where does black hygrophorus grow
You can find these representatives of the mushroom kingdom in damp forests with moss litter. They grow in autumn in coniferous forests, in the undergrowth. Distributed in the northern zone of Europe.
Is it possible to eat black hygrophorus
Outwardly, many representatives of the species do not look like edible. They strongly resemble toadstools. At the same time, black hygrophores are not only edible, but also delicious.
They prepare a variety of dishes. Dried have a bright taste. If the latter are lowered into water, then within 15-20 minutes they acquire their former appearance, become almost fresh. The liquid used for soaking can be used for cooking as it retains the minerals and transfers them back to the mushrooms.
False doubles
Hygrophorus early belongs to false twins. The main difference from other species is that it occurs in spring. The hat is light gray or whitish, eventually becoming lead, dark with large spots.
Collection rules
Gather mushrooms in autumn. It is recommended to do this 1-2 days after the rain. To preserve freshness, harvesting is best done in the morning. Place in a basket with holes large enough to let in a lot of air.
You need to look for hygrophores in moss. They grow in groups.
Important! It is strongly not recommended to collect in places near industrial buildings and roads.
Fruit bodies are carefully cut with a knife. They can also be twisted one at a time in the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe legs from the mycelium. In its raw form, hygrophores should not be eaten.
Use
In cooking, black hygrophore is used for cooking immediately after harvest. For the purpose of canning, it is also suitable, but is not used as often. From the hygrophore, you can cook pies, casseroles. It can be boiled, fried. It goes well with a variety of vegetables.
Eating black hygrophore has a positive effect on the body:
- the work of the digestive system improves, the elasticity of the gastrointestinal mucosa increases, peristalsis returns to normal;
- there is an improvement in microcirculation, which helps to reduce inflammation;
- there is a rejuvenating effect on the body, the lymphatic system begins to work better, the aging process slows down;
- the work of the excretory and hepatobiliary system is normalized;
- nervousness decreases, mushrooms have a weak sedative effect;
- accelerates the metabolism in the body.
This variety is recommended for overweight people, but first you need to consult a doctor.
Important! It is necessary to remember about contraindications to the use of hygrophor:
- hypersensitivity to its components;
- period of gestation;
- breastfeeding.
If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract and liver, the use of mushrooms is limited.
In folk medicine, this species is used to treat colds. Hygrophores have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Conclusion
Hygrofor black – suitable for cooking first and second courses, it is used for canning for the winter. It is almost impossible to confuse it with twins, because they grow in different periods.
