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Meadow hygrophorus is one of the representatives of the Hygrophoraceae family. Belongs to the category of rare mushrooms. In other sources, it can be found under the name meadow hygrocybe or meadow koufofill. It grows mostly in small groups. The official name is Cupphophyllus pratensis.
What does meadow hygrophorus look like
The fruiting body of this species has a standard shape. Its color varies from golden to light brown, depending on growing conditions. The cap at a young age has a very convex shape with the edges turned down. But later it opens up and flattens out. In adult specimens, only a small tubercle remains in the center, and the edges become sharp, thin. In high humidity, the hat is slippery and shiny.
On the reverse side of the upper part, one can see rare thick plates descending onto the stem. They are dense to the touch, and their color is slightly lighter than the cap. When broken, you can see the pulp of a light yellow shade of a dense consistency. Its color does not change when exposed to air. The pulp has a pleasant taste and exudes a slight mushroom smell.
The spores of the meadow hygrophore are colorless and smooth. Their shape resembles an ellipse, and the size is 5-7 x 4-5 microns.
The stalk of this species is cylindrical, slightly narrowed at the base. Its length is 4-8 cm, and its thickness is 0,5-1,2 cm. It has a pale yellow color.
Meadow hygrophorus grows in thickets of grass, for which it got its name
Where does meadow hygrophorus grow
This species grows in grass in meadows and pastures. Sometimes it can be found in light plantings of a mixed type, but this is more an accident than a pattern.
Meadow Hygrophorus can be found in:
- Europe;
- North and South America;
- New Zealand;
- North Africa;
- Australia
- Northern Asia.
Is it possible to eat meadow hygrophorus
This mushroom is edible. In terms of taste, it belongs to the third category, so it is in no way inferior to autumn mushrooms. It can be used without fear for your health. However, when harvesting, it is better to give preference to young specimens, as their taste is more intense.
False doubles
This species is in many respects similar to its relative Karsten’s hygrophore. The last shade of the fruiting body is light apricot, and the plates are pale pink. The diameter of the cap is 3-7 cm. The stem is whitish, tapering at the base. The lookalike is also an edible mushroom.
This species grows in coniferous forests with a developed moss cover, prefers spruce forests. Widespread in Finland. The official name is Hygrophorus karstenii.
Karsten’s hygrofor is especially good fried and stewed, but it can also be consumed fresh.
Rules for collection and use
The fruiting period of the meadow hygrophorus begins in July and lasts until October, if weather conditions are favorable. When harvesting, it is necessary to cut it off at the base with a sharp knife so as not to disturb the mycelium. It is necessary to put the meadow hygrophore in the basket with the hats down so as not to break it, since even with a slight physical impact it crumbles.
Before cooking, mushrooms should be thoroughly cleaned of forest litter and earth. In addition, it is necessary to remove the upper slippery film from the hat, and then wash thoroughly. Meadow hygrophorus is suitable for any type of processing, while it retains a dense pulp consistency. It also keeps well when dried.
Conclusion
Meadow hygrophorus is an edible mushroom that can compete with many well-known species. But it is often simply invisible to lovers of quiet hunting. This is due to the fact that many mushrooms that grow in open areas out of habit remain unattended.
