2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The pearl sponge / Amanita rubescens / is a basidiomycete fungus belonging to the genus Fly agaric and the family Amanitaceae. In some parts of the country it is also called a pearl and a pearl. Amanita rubescens is widespread in Europe and North America.
Representatives of the species are also found in South Africa. It is believed that she managed to get there after Europeans transported timber. The English name of the mushroom is Blusher, and the German - Perlpilz. In France, the species is known as Amanite rougissante, and in Russia - with the name Amanita gray-pink.
Initially the pearl sponge there is a spherical hood, which over time spreads out and becomes almost flat. It is painted in pink or reddish-brown. In different specimens, the diameter of the hood varies between 5 and 15 centimeters. There are warts on the surface that are almost gray. The flesh of Amanita rubescens is white in color. It is thick but fragile. If injured, it begins to acquire reddish hues. It has a subtle characteristic odor and a pleasant taste.
In young individuals, the plates are white and subsequently acquire reddish colors. They are thin and free from the stump of the sponge. The spores of Amanita rubescens are elliptical and the pollen in question is white. The stump of the pearl sponge is thin, cylindrical in shape. Reaches a length of 11 to 15 centimeters. At first it is dense, but then it becomes hollow. It is white and has remnants of the general cover.
Collect pearl sponge
The collection of pearl sponge not recommended for inexperienced fungi, as there is a danger that it will be confused with another species. Otherwise, the best time to pick Amanita rubescens is between May and October. It can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests. It is considered to be quite common both in the lowlands and in the mountains. It can also be seen in city parks.
When picking this mushroom, you must be very careful, because you can confuse it with the poisonous panther - Amanita pantherina. However, there are some differences between the two. In the case of the panther, the stump is mainly white, while in the case of the pearl it acquires a pink hue at its lower end.
In the case of the panther, the lamellae remain white at all times, while in the case of the pearl mushroom they turn pink with age. The other difference is that when pressed and injured, the pearl changes the color of its flesh, while in the panther such a reaction is not noticeable.
Amanita rubescens can also be mistaken for the dense fly agaric / Amanita excelsa /, which is not poisonous, but does not have any taste qualities. The dense fly agaric stands out from the pearl on the gray-brown color of the hood. In her case, the meat does not change its color when injured.
A potential double of the pearl is the fungus Amanita franchetii, which is inedible. It differs in that it has yellowish or creamy pieces of the common cover. In this case, the injured parts of the meat retain their original color.
Cooking pearl sponge
The pearl sponge has great taste. It is present at the table of many nations. The flesh of Amanita rubescens has a pleasant mushroom taste and unobtrusive aroma. It is used only after removing the skin and subjecting it to some heat treatment. Boil for at least fifteen minutes. Suitable for baking, frying and breading. Suitable for soups, stews, salads, pâtés and snacks.
We offer you a recipe with pearl spongewhich is very easy to prepare.
The necessary products: 500 g pearl mushroom, 3 pickles, 8-10 green olives (pitted), 2 cloves garlic, 5 tablespoons corn (canned), 1 stalk dill, olive oil, salt, oregano, black pepper
Method of preparation: The mushrooms are cleaned and washed. Place in boiling salted water. Keep on the fire until fully cooked. Then drain and cut into pieces. Place the sliced pickles and olives, crushed garlic, corn, chopped dill and other spices next to them. Stir and serve.
Benefits of pearl sponge
Eating the pearl sponge has its advantages. Amanita rubescens contains about five percent betaine, which plays an important role in metabolism. Betaine is an important substance that is important for the proper absorption of proteins in the human body. This substance is also important for liver function.
Pearl mushroom is a source of vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and phosphorus compounds. Scientists note that the pearl sponge contains large amounts of selenium. We remind you that selenium should be taken regularly in order to enjoy a good mineral balance. In addition, it takes care of the elasticity of the skin and makes it look smooth and young. Selenium is also important for the condition of the eyes.
It relieves the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. These are good enough reasons for the fairer sex to pay more attention to the pearl sponge. Eating Amanita rubescens has a general strengthening and energizing effect. So this type of mushroom should be present mostly in the menu of people who complain of physical or mental fatigue.
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