Contents
The species of mushrooms lacquer bicolor belongs to the genus Lakovitsy, family Gidnangiye. It is a conditionally edible fruiting body with low taste, which makes it not a very popular object for collection.
What do two-color varnishes look like?
As the name implies, the bicolor lacquer differs from other representatives of this genus in the color of the cap and plates. The central part of the upper surface has a heterogeneous color – from dark pink to orange-brown. At the edges, the shade is usually lighter. Rarely located plates on the underside are dark purple. They show through the surface at the edges, giving them a ribbed appearance.
Depending on the growing conditions, the hat may have a different shape and color. At first it looks compact with slightly curled edges. Then, as it grows, the edge line straightens out, and the finely scaly surface takes on a complex convex shape, depressed in the middle. The diameter can reach 2-7 cm.
In conditions of high humidity, the hat may take on irregular shapes. The pulp is thin, with a slight smell of radish and lack of taste.
The leg is long, thin, curved. Slightly widened at the base. The surface is rough with small vertical scales. The color is uneven, brown-pink. In the cut, the pulp is fibrous-cotton.
The height of the stem is 4-8 cm, the thickness is 0,3-0,7 cm. A small edge may be present at the base.
Where do bicolor lacquers grow
Mushrooms of this genus are widespread throughout Eurasia and North Africa. They prefer coniferous and mixed forests, most often found under pine, fir, cedar, spruce. Deciduous species practically do not grow under trees.
The fruiting period includes the entire summer-autumn season.
Is it possible to eat two-color varnishes
The type of lacquer two-color is conditionally edible. It can be eaten only after a certain heat treatment – frying, boiling, steaming. Under no circumstances should it be consumed raw.
Taste qualities of the mushroom lacquer bicolor
The nutritional value of mushrooms of this genus is low. In addition, a number of studies have revealed the presence of an increased level of arsenic in the representatives of this species.
False doubles
The following types of mushrooms are very similar to two-color lacquer:
Lacquer pink (ordinary). You can distinguish it by a smooth hat, the surface of which has no scales. The color can vary from pink to carrot red.
The lacquer is large. This double differs from the two-color lacquer in the absence of a lilac hue on the plates. The base of the leg also has no edging.
Lilac lacquer (amethyst). The old faded representatives of this double are very similar to the two-colored lacquer. However, the hat of these mushrooms is small in size – from 1 to 5 cm. The stem and plates are painted in bright purple.
Collection rules
The main rule of mushroom pickers is “Not sure, don’t take it!”. In order not to risk your health, you should also follow other basic recommendations when collecting a two-color lacquer:
Mushrooms that are in doubt are best left in the forest.
You can’t try them raw.
In order not to confuse a two-color lacquer with twins, it is necessary to carefully consider the shape, surface of the cap and the color of the plates.
Mature mushrooms may contain toxic substances that can lead to poisoning. Therefore, young specimens should be preferred.
A pre-prepared solid container will help maintain the integrity of the mushrooms during harvest.
The leg must be cut off at the base. This will protect the mycelium from damage and allow it to bear fruit next year.
Before going into the forest, you should first familiarize yourself with the main distinguishing features of representatives of this genus.
These recommendations will protect the life and health of mushroom pickers and help you make the right choice during the harvest.
Use
To completely or partially remove poisons, bitterness and unpleasant odors, mushrooms are subjected to heat treatment at high temperatures. But such measures reduce the nutritional quality and worsen the taste. Therefore, mushrooms of this species are recommended not to be boiled, but immediately fried in their natural, raw form.
After harvesting, the two-color lacquer must be prepared as quickly as possible. Damaged and insect-damaged areas should be cut off. For better cleaning of sand and forest debris, the entire harvest must be thoroughly washed. Can be soaked for 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Two-colored lacquer is a conditionally edible mushroom that grows mainly in coniferous forests and is distinguished by the rich brown-pink color of the plates. But due to the low nutritional and taste value, representatives of this genus are not popular among mushroom pickers.
