This is about how I found a parasol mushroom (latin name: Macrolepiota procera ), identified, prepared and ate it.
During the research for this post, I found out, that the parasol grows globally and can be found in all moderate regions of Europe, Asia and America.
Here in Europe it can not as easily be mistaken for poisonous species.
Warning !
This is not a complete guide on how to identify this mushroom.
Like many others this mushroom has poisonous look-alikes !
The following characteristics are not sufficient to identify the parasol without doubt.
If you plan on eating any mushroom, it is absolutely necessary to identify it clearly.
When in doubt, consult an expert !
This was meant as a pilot to a new series of posts about #foraging
The parasol has gills and therefore doesn't get a lot of attention from mushroom hunters around here.
Most pickers prefer mushrooms with pores, because those can not as easily be mistaken for a poisonous specimen.
It has some clear characteristics, that make it relatively easy to identify:
- (at least in Europe), it usually is the biggest mushroom in the forest
- the cap is large, scaled und has a leathery dark knob in the center
- the stem ( stipe ) has a snake-skin like pattern
- the base is thick and doesn't come out of the ground easily
- it doesn't discolor when cut or dented and stays white.
- it has a very light, not unpleasant smell
- There is a movable ring around the stem
- the gills are not attached to the stipe
I tried to document this mushrooms' growth:
~36 hours later:
another ~48 hours later:
I then picked two and took them home.
Slugs had eaten away the stems, so the mushrooms didn't grow any larger.
| Pictures I took at home | the gills are not attached to the stipe |
|---|---|
 |  |
Finally, I prepared them like a Schnitzel:
Parasol has a mild, nut-like flavour.
I had it with a Schnitzel, fries and ketchup; lemon to taste.
Attention !
Do not eat mushrooms unless you can identify them without any doubt !
When in doubt, consult an expert !
If you have any suggestions or questions, please leave a comment.
Thank you for reading,
have a great day !
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrolepiota_procera
http://www.first-nature.com/fungi/macrolepiota-procera.php
Pictures:
by @felixxx