Contents
The funnel talker is a representative of the Tricholomov (Ryadovkov) family. This specimen has other names: funnel, fragrant or odorous talker. The article presents a photo and description of funnel talker mushrooms, as well as the habitat, edibility and rules of use.
Where do funnel talkers grow
This type of mushroom prefers deciduous and mixed forests, grows well in symbiosis with oaks and pines. In addition, the funnel talker is quite often found on pastures, in bushes, on the edges and roadsides. It can be located both singly and in groups, forming small circles. The mushroom prefers a temperate climate, it is most common in the European part of Our Country, Western Siberia, and the North Caucasus. The best time for development is from August to October.
What do funnel talkers look like
The funnel talker is a small mushroom that resembles a funnel or a glass in shape. The cap of a young specimen is thin and slightly convex, then, when growing up, becomes funnel-shaped with an uneven edge. Its surface is smooth, dry, light yellow, brown or reddish. The diameter of the funnel for the entire period reaches no more than 10 cm. On the underside of the cap there are narrow, frequent and white plates descending to the stem. The flesh is slightly yellowish or white, thin and elastic. It has a specific unpleasant odor and a subtle taste. It has a rounded leg, with a slight thickening at the base, which can be up to 7 cm long. As a rule, its flesh is more fibrous and tough, and the color is similar to the shade of the cap. Spores are smooth, not amyloid, elliptical in shape.
Is it possible to eat funnel talkers
Funnel talkers are classified as edible gifts of the forest of the fourth category. However, they should be eaten only after preliminary cooking. Initially, they are boiled, only then they proceed to the direct preparation of the desired dish. The broth in which they were cooked is not subject to further use.
Taste qualities of funnel talker fungus
It is recommended to eat only young specimens, as the old ones become tough and tasteless. To improve the taste, various spices should be added, and when marinating, use a composition with a large amount of vinegar.
Benefits and harm to the body
Funnel talker, like most mushrooms, contains a lot of useful substances that have a beneficial effect on the body, namely:
- contributes to weight loss due to its low calorie content;
- fiber improves metabolism, removes toxins, lowers cholesterol;
- has antibacterial properties;
- restores blood circulation;
- slows down the aging process of the skin and the whole body.
Thus, a funnel talker can bring great benefits to human health, but it is worth remembering that everything needs a measure.
False doubles
The edible funnel talker is similar to many poisonous species, especially the following representatives of the forest are similar to it:
- Brown-yellow talker. The cap of a young specimen is colored yellowish-brown, and fades with age and acquires a creamy hue. Expert opinions on the edibility of this species are divided: some sources indicate that the mushroom is conditionally edible, while others are poisonous. One main difference from the funnel is the wet spots of brown on the plates and cap, as well as slightly turned up edges.
- Whitish talker – belongs to the category of poisonous mushrooms. It has a powdery-white coating on the hat, which makes it even more similar to old and faded funnel talkers. The pulp exudes a mealy aroma.
Collection rules
The funnel talker must be collected away from industrial enterprises, landfills, highways, since specimens growing in polluted places can cause severe poisoning of the body. In addition, only young mushrooms are suitable for eating. Therefore, especially large, faded and with a clear funnel shape are not recommended to be placed in the general basket.
Use
It is believed that the legs of the funnel talker are not tasty, hard and poorly digested, therefore, only hats are used for food. It was previously mentioned that before cooking, the gifts of the forest must be processed. To do this, they are cleaned of debris, washed, the legs are removed and left for some time in water, then boiled for at least 30 minutes. After that, the processed gifts of the forest can be dried, fried, frozen, salted or pickled. However, due to the long processing time, funnel talkers are not suitable for making creamy sauces and soups.
Conclusion
The funnel talker is a little-known edible species and is found quite often in a variety of places. However, the species under consideration has quite a lot of poisonous twins, so the mushroom picker needs to thoroughly study the differences in these specimens in order to avoid poisoning. In addition, you should know that funnel talkers are contraindicated for people suffering from allergies, stomach diseases and children under 12 years old.