Hygrofor larch: is it possible to eat, description and photo

The larch hygrophorus belongs to the Hygrophoraceae family, the Latin name of which is Hygrophorus lucorum. Also, this name has a number of synonyms: hygrophorus or hygrophorus yellow, as well as Limacium lucorum.

What does larch hygrophorus look like

Prefers moderate moisture and grassy soil

The fruiting body of Hygrophora yellow consists of a cap and a stem with the following characteristics:

1. Initially, the cap is bell-shaped, a little later it becomes flat with a concave middle. The diameter is from 2 to 6 cm. The surface is sticky, slippery, painted in lemon yellow. On some specimens, the remains of a bedspread can be seen along the edges of the hat.
2. On the underside of the cap are slightly descending, rare, but thick plates. Mushrooms are white when young, becoming yellowish with age.
3. Spores ellipsoid, colorless, smooth.
4. The leg of the larch hygrophore is fibrous and cylindrical, the width in diameter is 4-8 mm, and the length is 3-9 cm. Its color varies from white to light yellow.
5. The pulp is white, has no pronounced odor, tasteless.

Where does larch hygrophorus grow

A favorable time for the development of this fungus is the period from summer to autumn, but active fruiting occurs from September to November. This specimen received the appropriate name due to the fact that it forms mycorrhiza exclusively with larch. Therefore, these mushrooms live more often in deciduous forests. But they can also be found in park areas or meadows.

Is it possible to eat larch hygrophorus

This instance belongs to the edible group, which does not need pre-cooking before cooking. But larch hygrophorus is not suitable as an independent dish, because it does not have a pronounced taste.

False doubles

The specimen does not have a pronounced taste and smell

The larch hygrophorus is similar in some ways to the following gifts of the forest:

1. Hygrophorus is beautiful – belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. It grows in the same places as larch, but is quite rare. A distinctive feature is the color of the cap, in young specimens it is orange in color, eventually becoming golden yellow. The edges of the cap are paler than its center. 

   

2. Hygrophorus meadow is an edible species. At the initial stage of maturation, the cap is hemispherical with a central tubercle, after some time it becomes almost flat. This specimen is most often found in grazing areas, in meadows.

   

3. Hygrophorus yellowish white – an edible specimen, but due to the abundant mucus on the hat, the cooking process is complicated. Hemispherical cap, ash-white color. On the surface there is a layer of protective mucus. The leg is fibrous and straight, the same color as the cap, strewn with small scales. It grows in mixed and broad-leaved forests, most often found next to beeches and oaks.

   

Rules for collection and use

Going in search of a larch hygrophore, it should be remembered that it grows exclusively in the neighborhood of larch. Also quite often it can be found in parks or squares. Fruit bodies are very fragile, and therefore should be especially carefully removed from the soil. In order not to damage, it is advisable to stack the mushrooms separately from other larger relatives.

This specimen is quite versatile, as it is suitable for almost any type of cooking. But due to the lack of a pronounced taste, experienced mushroom pickers recommend combining larch hygrophorus with other, more fragrant and tasty forest gifts.

Conclusion

Larch hygrophorus is a fairly common species that lives in meadows, forests or parks. It has one drawback – the pulp of this mushroom is almost tasteless. However, it is great for marinating, pickling, or other dishes when combined with more aromatic forest products or spices.