Contents
Hygrophorus snow-white or snow-white belongs to the edible representatives of the Hygroforaceae family. It grows in open places in small groups. To recognize a mushroom, you need to read the description, know the place and time of growth.
What does a snow-white hygrophorus look like
Snow-white hygrophorus can be recognized by a snow-white convex hat, which straightens as it grows, leaving a small tubercle in the middle. The edges are ribbed, transparent due to the thin pulp. The surface is mucous, in hot, dry weather it becomes dull. The spore layer is formed by thin whitish plates descending onto the stem.
The leg is dense, up to 4 cm long. Snow-white, fragile flesh without taste and smell. In case of mechanical damage, the color does not change.
This species reproduces by microscopic, oblong spores, which are in a whitish powder.
Due to the fragile pulp, the hat looks transparent
Where does the snow-white hygrophorus grow?
Hygrophorus snow-white prefers to grow in open places. The fungus can be found in tall grass in meadows, pastures, forest clearings and within the city. Also, the species can be found in parks, squares, in personal plots.
Is it possible to eat snow-white hygrophorus
Hygrophorus snow-white is considered an edible specimen. After heat treatment, it can be fried, canned, stewed and frozen. Also, a fresh mushroom crop can be dried for the winter. The dried product is stored in paper or linen bags in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is about 12 months.
False doubles
Hygrophorus snow-white does not have poisonous counterparts. But in the forest you can meet similar fellows that can be eaten. These include:
- Early – occurs in early spring immediately after the snow melts. It grows in deciduous forests in numerous families. You can recognize the species by the snow-white hat, which becomes dark gray or black as it matures. The snow-white flesh is tasteless and odorless, but despite this, mushrooms are often used to make puree soups.
The first mushroom that appears in the forest
- Russula – a rare, edible species that grows in deciduous forests. Grows in small groups, bears fruit from August to October. The fleshy hat of dark red or dark pink color is slimy, in dry weather it becomes dull. The snow-white pulp exudes a pleasant aroma and has a sweetish taste. In cooking, only young specimens are used.
Dense, tasty and fragrant pulp is suitable for preparing a variety of dishes.
- Maiden – a conditionally edible species with a small, convex hat. The surface is covered with a snow-white skin, which in rainy weather becomes covered with a mucous layer. It grows in open areas, along roads, in clearings and meadows. Fruits throughout the warm season. Due to the lack of taste and smell, the mushroom is not of high value, but after heat treatment it can be fried, stewed, pickled and salted.
Grows in fertile soil until the first frost
Rules for collection and use
Since the snow-white hygrophore is used in cooking, you need to know the rules for collection and methods of use. Experienced mushroom pickers advise to make a quiet hunt away from roads and industrial enterprises. Collection should be carried out in dry, sunny weather in ecologically clean places.
The harvested crop is not subject to long-term storage, so the mushrooms must be processed within 2 hours after harvest. They are carefully inspected for damage and worminess. Selected mushrooms are washed and cleaned of forest debris. Before cooking, the snow-white hygrophore is boiled in salted water for 10-15 minutes. Then it can be fried, stewed and preserved for the winter.
Conclusion
Hygrophorus snow-white is suitable for human consumption. It bears fruit in open areas throughout the autumn period. After heat treatment, it is suitable for preparing mushroom dishes and preparations for the winter. In order not to make a mistake during a quiet hunt, you need to know what the view looks like, view photos and videos.