Contents
The mushroom world is diverse. Edible mushroom species are represented not only by classic specimens of the family, but also by unusual varieties, the appearance of which may seem strange. Curly sparassis does not look like a mushroom at first glance, but upon close examination it reveals all the characteristic features.
Where does curly sparassis grow?
Sparassis curly is called mushroom cabbage for its resemblance to a head of cauliflower. This mushroom belongs to the class of parasites, that is, fungi that survive by attaching themselves to trees. The mycelium of the culture is intertwined with the root system of the tree, gradually being fed with nutrients. After several settlements, the tree begins to collapse from the inside, to hurt with red rot.
Young sparassis curly mushrooms can grow on fresh stumps. Usually they are attached to the bark of a tree due to structural features. They grow on the territory of the middle European part of Our Country, are found on the territory of Siberia and warm regions of the Far East. Outside the country, places of growth of curly sparassis are found in Georgia, the Baltic states, and Belarus.
What does curly sparassius look like?
Mycologists describe curly sparassis in detail, mentioning secondary names: “hare cabbage”, “mushroom cabbage”, “ram”, “curly angelica”:
- Fruit body. It is a cluster of curly lobes forming a ball or ellipse. Mycologists compare the shape of the body of a fungus with an overgrown coral. The processes that cover the fruiting body may have a wavy or dissected edge. The mushroom grows to a maximum height of 20 cm, its diameter can vary from 6 to 30 cm. The maximum weight of the mushroom is 10 kg. The blades are white at the initial stages of growth, but become yellowish-brown with time.
- Leg. The diameter of the leg does not exceed 5 cm, its length is 10 – 15 cm. The main part is in the ground, only a few centimeters remain above the surface, so it is not easy to immediately notice it. The leg may be white or yellow, but darkens noticeably over time.
- Pulp. Young mushrooms have a fragile, loose pulp, in adult specimens it is hard and tough.
- Споры. They are an ellipse of a white or yellow hue, they can be rough to the touch, they are narrowed at the base.
Is it possible to eat sparassis curly
Sparassis belongs to the group of edible mushrooms. It is harvested for cooking soups, for adding to second courses, drying or drying. Its texture resembles the pulp of edible morels.
Young mushrooms are especially tasty. Adult sparassis become tough, lose their special taste characteristics, they are not recommended for use.
The taste of the mushroom
Young curly sparassis have a characteristic nutty flavor. At the same time, they smell almost nothing. When cooking, do not use spices, as they are able to kill the piquant taste. The nut shade allows you to combine the flavors of curly sparassis with meat, fish, and other seafood.
Benefits and harm to the body
Curly Sparassis belongs to the Sparassaceae family. Despite the fact that it is considered a parasite in relation to the trees to which it attaches, it has a list of properties that are beneficial to the human body:
- has an antibacterial effect, provided that young specimens are consumed and minimal heat treatment is used;
- due to the content of acids and glycosides, it affects blood counts, reducing the level of bad cholesterol;
- the unique substances contained in the composition contribute to the overall strengthening of the immune system, increase the body’s ability to produce macrophages.
The vitamins and minerals that the pulp and the fruiting body contain have an effect on strengthening the body. Among trace elements, the content of potassium is increased. The group of macronutrients is represented by copper, selenium, zinc.
For the digestion of mushrooms in the human body, there must be enough special enzymes. This property is related to the activity of the liver and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the peculiarities of the effect on the body, sparassis curly is not recommended for those diagnosed with gastritis or ulcers. Do not recommend its use to pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 12 years of age.
False doubles
Mushroom cabbage is similar to lamellar sparassis. This is a rarer species that also attaches itself to the bark of trees. Both varieties have some external similarity, but they are easy to distinguish:
Curly | Lamellar |
Grows on conifers. | Prefers oak bark. |
The edges are wavy. | Edges are solid. |
The shade of the fruiting body can be light or creamy yellow. | The color of the fruiting body is straw yellow. |
Collection rules
Mycologists compare the collection of curly sparassis with cutting flowers. From the surface of the tree, the mushroom is cut with a knife at an acute angle, trying not to damage the blades. If several copies are collected, they are laid side by side so that the hats do not have any contact. Full ripening of the fungus occurs in August-September.
Use
Sparassis curly, or mushroom cabbage, is a tasty, healthy mushroom. When cooked properly, it has a subtle nutty flavor that is easily spoiled by the addition of bright spices.
Before you start cooking, curly sparassis is thoroughly washed from earthen traces. This is a long and laborious process, since the lobes of the sparassis are located over the entire surface of the fruiting body, layered on top of each other. For a complete cleaning, you need to check each of them.
It is customary to cook first and second courses from the mushroom, it is combined with cheese, nuts and seafood. In addition, there are recipes for preparing mushroom powder, according to which mushroom cabbage is dried for several months, and then ground with a mortar.
Curly sparassis is boiled for at least 20 minutes. This helps to get rid of toxins and substances that negatively affect the intestinal microflora. When boiling, sea salt is used, but bay leaves or pepper are not added so as not to interrupt the main taste. To boil the mushroom, cut into small pieces or break off slices of the blades with your hands, like a lettuce leaf. Before frying, the mushroom does not need additional boiling. The main condition before frying is a thorough cleaning of dirt, drying.
Application in folk medicine
Traditional medicine uses the properties of sparassis, which are officially recognized. The pharmaceutical industry works with extracts of the herbal product, adding them to creams for facial rejuvenation. Folk medicine collected recipes for the preparation of masks for the treatment of skin diseases.
In addition, the effectiveness of the use of the fungal component of curly sparassis in the elimination of oncological tumors at the stage of early development has been proven. This effect is explained by the high antioxidant properties of the product.
Sparassol, which is in the composition of the product as one of the main elements, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This property is used in the preparation of anti-cold and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Decoctions with the addition of oil are prepared for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The mushroom contains substances that have a beneficial effect on the activity of the liver, the production of bile.
Security status
Sparassis curly, which is rarely found in the wild, is listed in the Red Book as a rare and valuable organism. Mycologists warn that the illegal collection of sparassis is under the control of state authorities.
Curly sparassis is grown on special mushroom farms for eating. The growing process is complicated by the creation of special conditions close to the natural habitat.
Conclusion
Curly sparassis is an edible mushroom with an unusual taste. Useful properties of mushroom cabbage make it popular in folk and official medicine. Sparassis is rarely found in the wild, so it is listed in the Red Book. To prepare delicious dishes, sparassi is grown using a special technique.
