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Fans of “silent hunting” know about 20 species of edible and conditionally edible mushrooms. But few people know that the pigeon row is an edible mushroom, with which you can add a unique flavor to culinary dishes.
Ryadovka pigeon (bluish) – hat agaric of rather large size, belongs to the Ryadovkovy family, which has about 100 species. The bluish row is a rare find, among true mushroom pickers it is valued for its taste.
Where does the pigeon row mushroom grow
Pigeon row (tricholomacolumbetta) grows singly or in small groups. Prefers deciduous and mixed forests, proximity to birches and oaks. It can also be found in meadows and pastures.
Most often found in the forests of Siberia, the Ob region, the Leningrad region and the northern regions of the country. Fruiting begins in August and ends at the end of September. This species tolerates the first frosts well, while not losing its taste.
What does a pigeon row look like
The pigeon row has a strong rounded leg up to 10 cm high. It tapers downwards, has a bluish tint at the base. At a break, the fibers become pink. The leg is fibrous, has no cavities on the cut.
It reaches 3 cm in thickness. It is even, round. At the base you can see a bluish-green tint.
The hat is hemispherical or bell-shaped. Young specimens have a tubercle at the top, and small scales are also characteristic. With growth, the hat becomes flat, opens wide. The diameter reaches 12 cm. Its edges are slightly turned down.
The surface is smooth and sticky. Color – white, sometimes with bluish or pinkish spots. The fleshy hat is complemented by frequent plates, which acquire a brown tint with age.
The mushroom has a mild taste and pleasant aroma. The pulp is elastic, dense. Under the influence of high temperatures, it becomes red at the break.
In order not to be mistaken, and not to be confused with a poisonous double, you need to carefully read the description, study the appearance from the photo of the pigeon line.
Is it possible to eat a pigeon row
The bluish row is considered an edible mushroom. It contains a large amount of amino acids and protein, which makes it possible to equate it in terms of its nutritional properties with some types of meat.
The taste of the mushroom
Despite the fact that in its raw form the mushroom does not have a strong specific aroma, like, for example, boletus or boletus, when cooked, it becomes a great addition to hot dishes.
As an additive to meat broth, it fills it with a special unique aroma, for which it is valued among professional chefs. Pigeon dishes are hearty and tasty. The nutritional value is due to the rich chemical composition and high protein content.
Benefits and harm to the body
Ryadovka bluish in chemical composition can be compared with a full range of dietary supplements that help strengthen the immune system.
Edible species of the Ryadovkov family are unique in composition. They contain many useful elements for the human body:
- vitamins (A, C, PP, D, the whole group of vitamins B, choline);
- trace elements (phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, etc.).
In addition, they demonstrate a high anti-inflammatory ability, have bactericidal and antiviral properties, contain 18 amino acids that play an important role in protein synthesis. These qualities are used by traditional healers for the preparation of various remedies.
The following fact was noted: with regular eating, susceptibility to influenza viruses, tubercle bacillus decreases, and the growth of cancer cells stops.
But no matter how unique the rowing properties are, it should still be taken into account that all types of edible mushrooms are classified as protein products. With uncontrolled use, the load on the kidneys, liver and digestive system increases dramatically.
It is unacceptable to eat mushroom dishes for children under 14 years old, nursing mothers, pregnant women and people with individual intolerance.
But the main danger lies in the fact that even experienced mushroom pickers can mistakenly take a white row (a poisonous species of the family) for an edible double.
False doubles
The Ryadovkov family has about 100 species. The biggest danger is kept in itself by a double rowing of a pigeon – a poisonous specimen of a white rowing (tricholomaalbum).
Outwardly, these two species are strikingly similar to each other, which can lead to a mistake even for the most experienced mushroom pickers. You can distinguish the “twins” by the main feature: the white one exudes a sharp disgusting smell, while the bluish one has a slight pleasant mushroom aroma.
The second difference is that the hat of the poisonous mushroom is invariably dry, while that of the edible mushroom is sticky.
Collection rules
Experienced mushroom pickers know that there are certain rules for collecting all types of mushrooms:
- you can not collect them near highways, railways and industrial enterprises;
- wormy and overgrown specimens are not suitable for cooking;
- in case of doubt, it is worth resolutely refusing to put the mushroom in the basket.
The bluish row can be collected from August to the end of September. The collection does not stop even after the first frost, it does not lose its taste. It is better to unscrew the leg of the mushroom so as not to damage the mycelium.
Use
Pigeon row is eaten fried, boiled. It can be dried, salted and marinated for long-term storage.
Before cooking, it is soaked in water, after which the film is removed from the hat. It is also recommended to boil mushrooms for 15 minutes before further cooking.
Ryadovka is good as an addition to meat broths, vegetable dishes and, especially, potatoes. Mushrooms can be stewed with sour cream. As a result, unusually tasty and fragrant masterpieces are obtained.
Conclusion
Pigeon rowing is a delicious mushroom that can fill any hot dish with a special aroma. Unfortunately, this species is not often found in the forest. Finding him is considered a real success. The bluish row is eaten in preparations for the winter: pickles and marinades. It can be dried, and then it will serve as a fragrant seasoning for a large number of dishes.