The Moss

If for meat-eaters mushrooms are just a part of a varied diet, then for vegetarians they are a truly valuable product that can replace meat. And one of the best representatives can be called flywheel. In addition, this tasty “forester” is never poisonous.

How to recognize a flywheel

Mokhovik is a tubular representative of the Boletaceae family (to which the porcini mushroom also belongs – outwardly they even look a little similar). Mushroom pickers recognize the flywheel by its massive hemispherical hat, which becomes flat in old specimens. Depending on the type of mushroom, the velvety dry cap can be brown or olive green, the stem is wrinkled, white and without a ring. The pulp is quite hard, yellowish, although after damage (on the cut) it quickly changes color – turns blue. But such external transformations do not affect the taste characteristics of the product.

Mycologists, who studied the huge genus of flywheels, divided them into 18 species. ^[1]. Among them are Polish, green, chestnut, red, powdered, semi-golden, woody, parasitic and others. Some of them may be conditionally edible, some have been labeled inedible. But in any case, there are no pronounced poisonous specimens among them. This means that none of the representatives of mossiness mushrooms (even inedible ones) can cause severe poisoning, since it does not contain toxic substances. And some mushroom pickers even believe that among the “moss family” there are no inedible ones – they are all suitable for the dining table, you just need to be able to cook them correctly. True, not all mycologists can agree with this.

In search of flywheels, you can go to any forest: deciduous, mixed or pine. The only requirement is the presence of moss. As the name already implies, these “forest dwellers” simply adore the moss bedding, on which they are comfortably accommodated either alone or with whole families.

The flywheel season is long. The first mushrooms appear at the beginning of summer, and the last specimens of mushroom pickers are collected in late autumn.

Than useful

Speaking about the beneficial properties of mushrooms, first of all it is customary to recall the high content of proteins. Mokhovik, like its relatives, is rich in proteins, the chemical composition of which is very similar to meat. This product is useful for restoring physical strength, during a period of intensive growth and for building muscle mass. Protein is necessary for people involved in mental activity, as well as for the strengthening and regeneration of almost all tissues in the body. In addition, the proteins contained in the product are a set of essential amino acids, without which healthy physical activity is impossible. By the way, some sources claim that the flywheel is the leader in the content of amino acids among other mushrooms. ^[2].

The second plus of this delicacy is a rich vitamin composition. Moss mushrooms are a storehouse of vitamins A, C, D, as well as many B vitamins. You can almost completely replenish the daily intake of copper and zinc from one serving of these mushrooms ^[3]. In addition, they are rich in molybdenum, calcium and chitin.

Moss mushroom caps contain special essential oils and enzymes. These substances influence the rate of digestion of food. This means that the flywheel improves the functioning of the digestive system and the quality of the absorption of nutrients from food.

It also has natural antibiotic properties, strengthens the immune system and is useful for increasing hemoglobin. In folk medicine, it is known as a product that has a diuretic, tonic and anti-inflammatory effect. It was used as a natural antiseptic for the rapid healing of wounds. And due to the presence of molybdenum, this product is useful for the treatment of the thyroid gland. The rich vitamin composition of mossiness mushrooms is the key to good vision, healthy hair and beautiful skin. The ability to speed up the metabolism has created the glory of the fungus mushroom against obesity. The unique chemical composition of these members of the Boletaceae family makes them useful for the nervous system, brain function, kidneys, as well as for the rapid restoration of bone and muscle tissue.

Who are harmful flywheels

Frequent consumption of mushrooms in large quantities is highly undesirable for people with digestive disorders: mushrooms that are difficult to digest can aggravate the course of the disease. It is recommended to refuse the product for people with an allergy to mushrooms or with chronic liver diseases. In any form, they should not be given to children under 3 years of age. ^[4]. And absolutely everyone is forbidden to eat mushrooms collected in contaminated areas, along highways or near industrial facilities. Such a product accumulates a huge amount of carcinogens in the pulp and turns from quite useful into poison.

As already mentioned, mossiness mushrooms are not poisonous. But only if a real moss fly got into the basket, and not a panther fly agaric that looks like it – one of the most toxic “forest dwellers”. In order not to be mistaken, it is important to remember that mossiness mushrooms are tubular mushrooms, and fly agarics are lamellar.

What diseases can be cured with mushrooms

As already mentioned, mossiness mushrooms are a natural antibiotic. And all because of boletol – a substance that is part of the chemical composition of the product. This compound has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps in the treatment of many diseases. It is known that extract from mushrooms is useful for people with cirrhosis of the liver, atherosclerosis, nervous disorders, anemia, reduced immunity, depression, and chronic fatigue. This product improves blood circulation, treats inflammation and suppuration on the skin (dried mushroom powder is used). In alternative medicine, it is used as a treatment for cancer. ^[5].

How to cook

In order for the mushroom to be digested quickly and easily, culinary specialists and nutritionists advise grinding it. Some mushroom pickers believe that the flywheel does not need additional pre-cooking, as it does not contain toxins. Although if the dish is intended for schoolchildren, the elderly, people with digestive disorders or weakened after an illness, then it is better to boil the product first and then cook the desired dish from it.

Moss mushrooms belong to rapidly oxidizing products, so they must be cleaned and washed as soon as possible. In order to prevent darkening of the pulp, it is poured with cold water, in which a teaspoon of salt and 2 g of citric acid are diluted.

The most popular among mushroom pickers are Polish and green mossiness mushrooms. Despite belonging to the third food category ^[6], they are quite tasty, especially fried ones. Many people like to pickle them for the winter. By the way, so that the mushrooms intended for salting do not darken, they should first be poured over with boiling water and only then lowered into boiling water (an important rule: the pan in which the mushrooms are cooked must be enameled). Boiled mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and frozen, dried or canned – up to a year.

In culinary needs, legs and hats are used. Gourmets distinguish mossiness mushrooms from other mushrooms by their delicate fruity flavor. This product goes well with potatoes, rice, buckwheat, cabbage, cheese. The taste of stewed mushrooms is perfectly emphasized by fried onions and sour cream. With seasonings, bay leaves, allspice, dill seeds, garlic, cloves are suitable for them.

Quiet hunting is not only a good way to relax, but also a great opportunity to pamper your body with useful substances that are found exclusively in the “forest dwellers”. Mokhovik is one of those mushrooms that do not really hide from people. In a place where there is a soft moss carpet, this tasty and healthy product is likely to be hidden.

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