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Hygrofor girlish (lat. Cuphophyllus virgineus) is a low-value conditionally edible mushroom of small size. Its pulp has a rather mediocre taste, and the very structure of the fruiting body is very fragile. On the territory of Our Country, this species is found infrequently.
Other variants of the name of the fungus: Camarophyllus virgineus or Hygrocybe virginea.
What does a girlish hygrophorus look like
The girlish hygrophorus forms a small convex hat, the diameter of which varies from 2 to 5 cm. At the very beginning of its development, it has a convex shape, however, it becomes flat with age. The edges crack during development.
The color of the species is monophonic, white, however, sometimes a yellowish area is formed in the center of the cap. Occasionally, reddish spots can be found on it, which are skin mold.
The hymenophore plates are thick, dense, however, they are rarely located – there are large gaps between them. Some plates partially pass to the leg. The color of the hymenophore is white, the same as the main color of the fungus. Spore powder has a similar color. Spores are tiny, oval in shape.
The leg of the girlish hygrophore is cylindrical, curved and slightly narrowed near the ground. It is very thin – its diameter is only 12 mm with an average height of 10-12 cm. The structure of the leg is dense, but brittle – the mushroom is very easy to damage. In older specimens, it is completely hollow.
The pulp of hygrophora maiden is white. In its structure, it is quite loose and even watery. At the place of the cut, the color remains unchanged, while the milky juice does not stand out. The aroma of fruiting bodies is weak, inexpressive. The taste of the pulp is pleasant, but also unremarkable.
The cap of young specimens is convex, while in old mushrooms it straightens.
Where does the girlish hygrophorus grow
Hygrophorus maiden is quite rare, however, a large group of mushrooms can be found at a time. Look for this species in clearings along the paths and on the edges or meadows. It is almost impossible to meet him in the forest. The fruiting period is August-October.
On the territory of Our Country, mushrooms grow mainly within the temperate zone.
Is it possible to eat girlish hygrophorus
The girlish hygrophorus is classified as a conditionally edible species, however, it cannot be called valuable. It is allowed to use after heat treatment or salting, but the taste of the pulp remains rather mediocre.
False doubles
Inexperienced mushroom pickers may confuse the girlish hygrophorus with some other species. First of all, it is a snow-white hygrophorus (lat. Hygrophorus niveus). This false double is also suitable for eating, but it does not differ in special taste qualities. Refers to edible mushrooms.
The structure of the fruiting body is more fragile: the stem is thinner, and the cap becomes funnel-shaped with age, when its edges are wrapped up. The hygrophorus maiden is slightly larger, and its fruiting body is more fleshy.
The snow-white hygrophorus not only looks similar, but also grows in the same places – it is found in large quantities in vast pastures, meadows and in old parks overgrown with weeds. Occasionally, you can find an accumulation of fruiting bodies in the clearings and clearings. The false twin does not grow in old forests.
Another difference between the species is that the fruiting of the snow-white hygrophore continues until the first frost.
In older specimens, the cap margins are thin and translucent, slightly serrated.
Yellowish-white hygrophorus (lat. Hygrophorus eburneus) is another false species, painted in ivory color. Some specimens may also have a snow-white color. Refers to edible mushrooms.
The main difference from the girl’s hygrophore is that the double’s hat is covered with a thick layer of mucus.
The false hat is fairly flat, but may have an indentation in the middle.
Rules for collection and use
Hygrofor girlish is collected taking into account the following rules:
- Fruiting bodies should not be abruptly pulled out of the ground. They are carefully cut with a knife or twisted out of the mycelium. So she can form a new crop for next year.
- Before leaving, it is advisable to sprinkle the mycelium with the top layer of soil.
- It is better to go to the forest early in the morning, when it is still quite cool. So the harvested crop will stay fresh longer.
- You should focus on young specimens. Old and overripe mushrooms can have an unpleasant aftertaste. In addition, during their development, they quickly accumulate heavy metals from the soil.
It is recommended to use girlish hygrofor after heat treatment. The loose structure of the pulp allows you to make mushroom caviar and minced meat for stuffing from fruiting bodies. Also, this type is suitable for hot pickling and salting.
Conclusion
Hygrofor girlish – conditionally edible, but not of particular value, mushroom. You can collect it, however, the resulting harvest is often not worth the effort.
