This lecture is part of a series of lectures, videos and tutorials which can be found on https://mushroomexam.com/. The site offers a no obligation free course for people interested in delving deeper into how to identify wild mushrooms. If you would like to watch this lecture on YouTube follow the link: https://youtu.be/-8fcjqad1NQ
1. 1.
This lecture is part of a series of lectures, videos and tutorials which can be found on
https://mushroomexam.com/. The site offers a no obligation free course for people interested in delving
deeper into how to identify wild mushrooms. If you would like to watch this lecture on YouTube follow the
link: https://youtu.be/-8fcjqad1NQ
2. 2.
There are many edible mushrooms that are enjoyed around the world. Some common examples include
white mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms. Each of these
mushrooms has its own unique flavor and texture, and can be used in a variety of dishes. In general, it is
important to only consume mushrooms that have been properly identified as safe to eat, as some
mushrooms can be poisonous. If you are foraging for mushrooms in the wild, it is important to be able to
correctly identify the various species, as some poisonous mushrooms can resemble edible ones.
3. 3.
There are a few general rules that you should follow when picking mushrooms:
1.Only pick mushrooms that you can positively identify as safe to eat. If you are unsure about the identification of a
mushroom, do not pick it.
2.Avoid picking mushrooms that are growing in areas that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
3.Never eat a mushroom that is spoiled or has visible signs of decay.
4. 4.
Chlorophyllum rhacodes, also known as the "shaggy mane" or "shaggy parasol," is a type of mushroom that is found in
many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is generally considered to be an edible mushroom,
although some people find it to be too tough or bitter to eat. This mushroom is characterized by its tall, slender stem and
large, shaggy cap, which is typically white or off-white in color. The gills on the underside of the cap are white and free,
meaning that they are not attached to the stem. Chlorophyllum rhacodes is often found in grassy or disturbed areas, such
as along the sides of roads or in gardens. It is typically found in the late summer or early fall.
5. 5.
The gills of a mushroom are the thin, flat structures that are found on the underside of the cap. They are made
up of tiny spore-producing cells called basidia, and are responsible for producing and releasing the spores of the
mushroom. The gills are typically arranged in a regular pattern, and can be attached to the stem of the
mushroom (called "adnate" gills) or free from the stem (called "free" gills). The color of the gills can vary
depending on the species of mushroom, but they are often white, brown, or black. The shape and arrangement
of the gills can be an important identifying characteristic for different species of mushrooms.
6. 6.
Agaricus arvensis, also known as the "horse mushroom," is a type of edible mushroom that is native to Europe
and Asia. It is closely related to the common button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), and is often confused with it.
However, there are a few key differences between the two species. Agaricus arvensis has a larger cap and a
thicker, more robust stem than Agaricus bisporus, and it is generally found in grassy areas rather than in
cultivated beds. The gills of Agaricus arvensis are also typically more closely spaced than those of Agaricus
bisporus. When young, the cap of Agaricus arvensis is white or pale yellow in color, and it becomes brown as it
matures. The flesh of the mushroom is white and has a mild, nutty flavor. Agaricus arvensis can be used in a
variety of dishes, and is often grilled or sauteed.
7. 7.
There are a few species of mushrooms that could potentially be mistaken for Agaricus arvensis, the "horse
mushroom," because they have a similar appearance. Some examples of these mushrooms include Agaricus
campestris, Agaricus augustus, and Agaricus xanthodermus. It is important to properly identify any mushroom
before consuming it, as some species may be poisonous or inedible. Agaricus xanthodermus, also known as the
"yellow-staining mushroom," is a poisonous species that is found in grassy areas in Europe and North America.
It has a white or pale gray cap, a thick stem, and free gills that are initially white but turn yellow as the mushroom
matures. If ingested, this mushroom can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. It is always important to
properly identify any mushroom before consuming it to ensure that it is safe to eat. If you are unsure about the
identification of a mushroom, it is best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.
8. 8.
Boletus edulis, also known as the "porcini" or "cep" mushroom, is a highly prized edible mushroom that is found
in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. It is characterized by its large, meaty cap,
which can be up to 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter, and its thick, sturdy stem. The cap is typically brown or reddish-
brown in color, and the stem is typically white or pale in color. The gills on the underside of the cap are white or
cream-colored and are attached to the stem. Boletus edulis has a rich, nutty flavor and a firm, meaty texture,
which makes it a popular ingredient in many dishes. It is often dried and rehydrated for use in soups, stews, and
pasta dishes.
9. 9.
Boletus edulis, do not have gills on the underside of their cap. Instead, they have a spore-producing structure
called a "pore layer," which is located on the underside of the cap and consists of tiny pores or tubes. The spores
of the mushroom are produced inside the tubes and are released through the pores. Boletes are characterized
by their fleshy, spongy caps and their thick, sturdy stems. They are found in a variety of habitats, including
forests, grasslands, and mountain regions. Some common edible species of boletes include Boletus edulis,
Boletus aereus, and Boletus pinicola. It is important to properly identify any mushroom before consuming it, as
some species of boletes may be poisonous or inedible.
10. 10.
The "devil's bolete," also known as Boletus satanas, is a poisonous mushroom that is native to Europe. It is
closely related to the edible bolete species Boletus edulis, and the two mushrooms are often confused with each
other.
11. 11.
The hedgehog mushroom, Hydnum repandum, is an edible mushroom that is found in many parts of the world,
including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is named for the spines or "teeth" that line the underside of its cap,
which resemble the spines of a hedgehog. The cap of the hedgehog mushroom is typically circular and ranges in
color from pale pink to reddish-brown. The stem is short and thick, and the spines are typically white or pale in
color. The hedgehog mushroom has a delicate, sweet flavor and a firm, meaty texture. It is often sauteed or
grilled, and is a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
12. 12.
Morel mushrooms, Morchella spp., are a type of edible mushroom that is prized for their unique, honeycomb-like
appearance and their rich, earthy flavor. They are found in many parts of the world, including North America,
Europe, and Asia, and are typically found in the springtime, growing in areas with damp, cool soil. Morels can be
identified by their distinctive, spongy caps, which are tan, brown, or black in color, and their elongated, hollow
stems. The caps of morels are divided into a series of ridges and pits, giving them their characteristic
honeycomb appearance. The flesh of morels is white and has a delicate, nutty flavor. Morels are often sauteed
or fried, and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
13. 13.
Chanterelle mushrooms, Cantharellus spp., are a type of edible mushroom that is prized for their distinctive
appearance and their rich, slightly fruity flavor. They are found in many parts of the world, including North
America, Europe, and Asia, and are typically found in the summer and fall. Chanterelles are characterized by
their funnel-shaped or trumpet-shaped caps, which are typically yellow, orange, or golden in color. The gills on
the underside of the cap are notched or forked, and are typically the same color as the cap. The stem of the
chanterelle is thin and fragile, and is often the same color as the cap. Chanterelles have a delicate, slightly sweet
flavor and a firm, meaty texture. They are often sauteed or grilled, and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
15. 15.
Black trumpet chanterelles, also known as Craterellus cornucopioides, are a type of edible mushroom that is
found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are closely related to the
more common golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), but are distinguished by their dark, almost black color
and their thin, elongated shape. Black trumpet chanterelles are typically smaller and more delicate than golden
chanterelles, and they have a more intense, earthy flavor. They are often used in soups, stews, and sauces, and
are a popular ingredient in many dishes. Black trumpet chanterelles are typically found in the late summer and
fall, growing in wooded areas and along the edges of forests.
16. 16.
Cantharellus cinnabarinus, is a type of edible mushroom that is found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is
closely related to the more common golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), but is distinguished by its
reddish-brown or cinnamon-colored cap and stem. The cap of the cinnamon chanterelle is funnel-shaped or
trumpet-shaped, and the gills on the underside of the cap are notched or forked. The stem is thin and fragile, and
is typically the same color as the cap. Cinnamon chanterelles have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a firm,
meaty texture. They are often sauteed or grilled, and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
17. 17.
Chicken of the woods, also known as Laetiporus sulphureus, is a type of edible mushroom that is found in many
parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is named for its chicken-like flavor and texture,
which makes it a popular ingredient in many dishes. Chicken of the woods is a large, bracket-like mushroom that
grows on the trunk of trees, typically oak or beech trees. It has a bright orange or yellow cap with a velvety
texture, and a thin, white stem. The gills on the underside of the cap are white or pale yellow in color. Chicken of
the woods has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, succulent texture. It is often sauteed, grilled, or
breaded and fried, and is a popular ingredient in many dishes.
18. 18.
Oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, are a type of edible mushroom that is found in many parts of the world,
including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are named for their oyster-like shape and their delicate, slightly
sweet flavor. Oyster mushrooms are typically medium to large in size, and have a fan- or shell-shaped cap that is
white, gray, or tan in color. The gills on the underside of the cap are white or pale in color, and are attached to
the stem. The stem of the oyster mushroom is short and thin, and is the same color as the cap. Oyster
mushrooms have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, meaty texture. They are often used in soups,
stews, and stir-fries, and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
19. 19.
Enoki mushrooms, also known as Flammulina velutipes, are a type of edible mushroom that is native to East
Asia. They are characterized by their small size, elongated shape, and delicate, tender texture. Enoki
mushrooms are typically white or pale yellow in color, and have a long, thin stem and a small, disk-shaped cap.
The gills on the underside of the cap are white or pale in color, and are attached to the stem. Enoki mushrooms
have a subtle, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. They are often used in soups, stir-fries, and salads,
and are a popular ingredient in many dishes. Enoki mushrooms are typically grown in controlled environments,
but can also be found in the wild in certain regions of Asia.
20. 20.
Truffles are a type of edible mushroom that is highly prized for its unique, pungent flavor and aroma. They are
found in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia, and are typically found in the
summer and fall. Truffles grow underground, and are typically found in the roots of trees, especially oak, beech,
and hazel trees.
21. 21.
There are a few different methods that can be used to find truffle mushrooms:
1.Using a trained dog or pig: Truffles produce a strong, musky aroma that is attractive to animals, especially dogs
and pigs. These animals can be trained to locate truffles by sniffing out the distinctive aroma.
2.Using a truffle oil scent: Some truffle hunters use a truffle oil scent to attract truffles to the surface. The scent is
sprayed onto the ground in areas where truffles are known to grow, and the truffles are then dug up using a small
tool such as a trowel.
3.Visual clues: Truffles can sometimes be found by looking for visual clues such as the presence of certain types of
trees or the presence of flies that are attracted to the truffles' aroma.