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Mushroom white umbrella is a representative of the genus Macrolepiota, the Champignon family. A species with a long fruiting period. Edible, with an average nutritional value, belongs to the third category. The mushroom is called white umbrella (Macrolepiota excoriata), as well as field or meadow.
They collect white umbrellas in an open area among low grass
Where does the meadow umbrella mushroom grow
The representative prefers humus-rich soil, in fertile areas it can reach large sizes. Distributed in the temperate, temperate continental climatic zone, the main accumulation of the species is in Siberia, the Altai Territory, the Far East, the Urals, and is found in the Central regions.
It grows in compact groups or singly in pastures, meadows, along the edges of arable land in the steppe. Mushrooms are found on the edges of coniferous and mixed forests, clearings, among low grass in plantations. Fruiting is stable, every year a white umbrella gives a good harvest. They start picking mushrooms in early June and finish in October.
What does an umbrella mushroom look like
The species forms large fruiting bodies, adult specimens grow up to 13 cm with a cap size of 12 cm in diameter. The color is white or beige.
View with white large fruiting body
Hat:
- at the beginning of growth elongated, ovoid. The velum is private, tightly fused with the stalk;
- during the growing season, the cap opens, becomes domed, then prostrate;
- when broken, the spathe leaves a clearly defined, white, wide mobile ring and flocculent fragments along the edge of the cap;
- on the surface in the central part there is a wide cone-shaped bulge with a smooth coating of light brown color;
- the protective film below the tubercle, finely scaly, when the tissue breaks, the coating is separated from the surface, it becomes like flakes;
- the pulp is thick, rather dense, white, does not change color at the site of damage;
- the hymenophore is lamellar, well developed, the plates are free with smooth ends, frequent. Located along the edge of the cap, reach the middle;
- the color is white, in adult specimens it is cream with brownish spots.
Leg:
- cylindrical shape, reaches a width of up to 1,3 cm, height – 8-12 cm;
- central hollow, thickened at the base;
- the structure is longitudinally fibrous, rigid;
- the surface is smooth, up to the ring – white, below – with a yellow or brown tint;
- when cut or pressed, it turns light brown.
Edible or not white parasol mushroom
The mushroom is edible with a good gastronomic rating. According to nutritional value, the species is included in the III classification group. Fruiting bodies are universal in processing.
False doubles
Edible twins include the variegated umbrella (macrolepiota procera).
The color of the hat is beige with large dark scales.
Fruiting bodies are large, the surface of the cap is covered with separating scales. Color white-gray or brown. The leg is brown, the surface is finely scaly. Fruiting is plentiful – from July to frost.
Mushroom umbrella Konrad medium size, edible.
In adult mushrooms, the remnants of the film are only in the center
At the beginning of growth, it is almost impossible to distinguish from a field umbrella. In adult specimens, the surface of the cap becomes brown, the film is torn, and long cracks form. There is no scaly coating, the structure is dry and smooth.
Lepiota poisonous is a highly toxic autumn mushroom.
Lepiota poisonous with an unexpressed bulge in the center
The color is from pink to brick, the appearance is small in size, the diameter of the cap is within 6 cm. The surface is covered with tight-fitting small scales that form radial stripes. The ring is weakly expressed; in adult fungi it may be absent. When broken, the flesh turns red. At the beginning of the growing season, the smell is pleasant, then it resembles kerosene or gasoline.
Rules for collection and use
For many seasons, the species forms fruiting bodies in the same place. Do not harvest in an ecologically unfavorable zone, do not take overripe specimens. Young mushrooms and adult caps are suitable for thermal processing. Rigid legs are dried, ground into powder, used as seasonings. Suitable fruits for winter harvesting.
Conclusion
White umbrella mushroom is an edible species with good gastronomic characteristics, versatile in processing. It bears fruit from July, including October, in open areas of forests, fields, meadows, prefers fertile humus soils. Forms dense small colonies or grows singly.