Mushroom deer horns: photo and description, types, useful properties

Deer horn mushrooms are the rarest, in appearance they resemble sea coral. The species is also called coral yellow, bear’s foot. Reindeer horns belong to the gomph mushroom family. They are basidiomycetes, on the fruiting body of which spores are formed.

Where does ramaria yellow grow?

Deer horns are a fungus that is peculiar in appearance, the fruiting body of which has many branches. Its main feature is vertical growth. The Latin name for ramaria is Ramaria flava. Plant class – Agaricomycetes. It grows exclusively on the ground, in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests. Sometimes witch circles and crooked lines appear at the site of growth of the fungus. They are characteristic of specimens growing near coniferous trees. Deer horns are classified as parasites. They settle on diseased trees, gradually turning them into dust.

Horned yellow is found both in groups and in one mushroom. The largest number is represented in the forests of Karelia, Primorsky Krai and the Caucasus. Recently, reindeer horn mushrooms began to be found in the Crimea. Due to the mild climate of the Crimean mushrooms, deer horns are harvested already at the beginning of summer. Outside of Our Country, they are common in Central European countries. Due to its rarity and uniqueness, the deer horns mushroom is listed in the Red Book. Therefore, it is officially prohibited for collection. Despite this, the product is used not only in cooking, but also in alternative medicine. This is facilitated by the abundance of useful properties and rich composition.

What does a yellow horn look like

The name of the hornet was not accidental. Mushrooms, the photo of which is placed below, resemble deer antlers. The height of the fruiting body can reach 20 cm. The diameter of the fungus is 15 cm. The fruiting body is connected to the ground with a kind of “stump”. From it come multiple branches with truncated ends. The color of the mushroom varies from light yellow to deep orange. At the base, the shade of the fruiting body does not change, it is almost always white. The fracture site is dirty white. Mushroom pulp is slightly moist, the smell of horns is grassy.

The flesh of the horned ones is often cooked in batter and marinated in sauce

Types of deer horns

In nature, there are several varieties of deer horns. All of them differ in edibility and appearance. Each representative has certain characteristics. Therefore, when collecting and preparing for them, there should be an individual approach. The yellow horn is of the following types:

• grapevine;
  
  

  The vine-shaped ramaria is characterized by brittle and watery flesh

• nut coral;
  
  

  Hericium ramus grows on the stumps and trunks of dead trees.

• purple slingshot;
  
  

  A distinctive feature is the bright color

• amethyst slingshot;
  
  

  Can be seated or legged

• comb horn;
  
  

  The mushroom is considered an inedible variety

Edible or not yellow horned mushroom

Deer horn mushrooms, photos of which can be seen below, are considered conditionally edible. They belong to the fourth category in cooking. They are significantly inferior to the popular varieties of mushrooms, despite this, they are used as food. Mushrooms must be classified before consumption. Some are tasteless. It is not recommended to eat old mushrooms and those specimens that grew near coniferous trees. For internal reception, those deer horns that grow near roads are also not suitable.

Useful properties of deer horn mushrooms

Mushrooms, similar to yellow corals, can not only be eaten, but also used for medicinal purposes. They are especially popular in Chinese medicine. Due to the content of phytoagglutinin, amino acids and sterol, the product is often used to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the lungs. Beauticians use deer horns to slow down the aging process. It is also believed that the fungus is able to prevent the growth of malignant cells and strengthen the immune system. Other beneficial properties of hornwort include:

• prevention of thrombosis by strengthening the vascular walls;
• normalization of the central nervous system;
• stabilization of respiratory function;
• reducing the risk of developing oncology;
• removal of toxic substances from the body;
• improvement of blood composition;
• strengthening the immune system;
• beneficial effects on brain function and memory;
• skin rejuvenation.

Among other things, deer horns are considered overly nutritious for the human body. They are 70% dietary fiber. Experts say that the bear’s paw is considered one of the most valuable sources of iron and calcium. Due to this, the product can be used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases caused by beriberi.

How to distinguish deer horn mushrooms from false ones

The yellow mushroom, like the coral, has many poisonous counterparts. Therefore, it is important to be able to distinguish it from inedible counterparts. A mistake in this case can cost the mushroom picker his life. The main parameter for evaluation is color. It shouldn’t be too bright. Young specimens of hornbills are distinguished by a milky or beige color.

The closest relative is the beautiful ramaria. The poisonous mushroom is very similar to deer horns. But at the site of the fracture, the flesh turns red. The apex of the ramifications of the twin is distinguished by a pale pink color. In older specimens, this area acquires a brown-brown color over time. This species has no specific smell. But it can be recognized by its bitter taste. It allows you to stop eating in time, which reduces the risk of poisoning. For other features, the false double is practically indistinguishable from deer horns. Therefore, novice mushroom pickers may make mistakes during the collection.

By external signs, beautiful ramaria causes extremely positive impressions.

If you accidentally eat ramaria beautiful in food, you should consult a doctor. To prevent serious complications, it is necessary to cleanse the digestive system. For these purposes, sorbents and drugs that stop toxic poisoning are used. You may need to be admitted to a hospital for the administration of therapeutic solutions intravenously.

Another twin of the hornets is golden ramaria. Its distinctive features include a rich yellow color and a dense short leg. The width of the fruiting body ranges from 5 to 12 cm. The twin has a pleasant smell and mild mushroom taste. Ramaria golden can only be eaten at a young age.

Rules for collecting yellow horned mushrooms

The bear’s paw mushroom is harvested between August and September. When choosing, you should bypass old instances. They are of no use. It is also not recommended to take mushrooms, similar to deer horns, from tree stumps. In this case, there is a risk of stumbling upon poisonous varieties. Since hornets have the ability to accumulate radionuclides and heavy metals in themselves, industrial facilities, highways and military territories should be avoided. The farther from civilization a clearing with deer horns is located, the lower the likelihood of developing food poisoning.

Collection is carried out with a sharp knife. It is not recommended to pluck the fruiting body. This can damage its fragile structure. It is advisable not to store freshly harvested hornbills for too long. Under the influence of air and light, they begin to deteriorate. It is better to sort them out and cook them right away.

Before culinary processing of yellow coral, you should make sure that it is edible. After that, deer horns are cleaned of forest debris and dirt. Soaking the product before cooking is not required. After washing, it is enough to blot it with a paper towel to remove moisture. To preserve the beneficial properties and taste for a long time, the horned ones are marinated and dried.

But freshly picked mushrooms are considered the most delicious. Their preparation does not take much time. It is enough to boil them or throw them into a frying pan. The average cooking time is 20 minutes. Digesting this type of hornworms is not recommended. Reindeer horns go well with potatoes and meat. It should be remembered that the product absorbs salt and spices well, so you should not abuse it.

Photo of deer horns mushrooms

Photos and videos about antler mushrooms will help you get a complete picture and understand how to distinguish them from other representatives. If there is no certainty that the horn is edible, then it is better to refuse to use it.

Old specimens have a dark saturated color.

Bear paw can be used as an anthelmintic

It is not recommended to give deer horns to children under three years of age.

The younger the horn, the more tender the taste of its pulp.

For medicinal purposes, the product is dried

Conclusion

Deer horn mushrooms are worth trying at least once. With proper preparation, they can become a real decoration of the festive table, which can compete with delicacies. When collecting the mushroom, care should be taken, having carefully studied the general information and recommendations of specialists.