Mushrooms – a resource, but also a danger

Serbia is a paradise for mushrooms. They grow in different parts of the country, but collectors must be careful if the mushrooms are edible or just medicinal. Among the most well-known species are the oak shiner, green budgerigar, seductress, foxglove and honeysuckle.

What mushrooms do we have? List

Oak gloss

Photo by Mahdi Kordi on Unsplash

Oak glow, known as reishi mushroom (ganoderma lucidum), is valued for its medicinal properties. It is used to make tinctures and teas, especially in traditional Chinese medicine where it is considered as valuable as gold. It grows on oak stumps and is harvested from spring to autumn. This mushroom contains carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins in the cap, while the stem is rich in minerals such as magnesium, zinc and potassium.

Zelena pupavka

Amanita Phalloides 2802348 640
Image by Alice from Pixabay

Amanita phalloides is the most poisonous mushroom in Serbia and is responsible for most of the fatal poisonings. It grows in oak and other forests from July to October. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and weakness, with symptoms occurring from a few hours to two days after consumption. Amanita caesarea is often confused with the edible mushroom (amanita caesarea), but even a small amount of amanita can cause death. Experts advise not to buy mushrooms at markets without confirming their authenticity.

Temptress

Mushroom 22549 640
Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay

The temptress (omphalotus olearius) is a poisonous mushroom that looks like an edible chanterelle. When small, the seductress is yellow in color and can easily seduce collectors, but she emits a dye that turns her fingers orange. Unlike foxglove, foxglove grows on trees and stumps, although it can sometimes look like it’s growing out of the ground because it’s covered in leaves. It is characterized by its larger and darker appearance than the foxglove.

The vixen

Real Chanterelle 9357 640
Image by Hans from Pixabay

Chanterelle (cantharellus cibarius) is an edible and very popular mushroom in cooking, recognizable by its yellow or pale orange hat of irregular shape and pleasant smell. It grows in large groups in deciduous forests from spring to autumn. Foxglove has a specific smell and taste reminiscent of apricot. They can be used in the preparation of various dishes, such as marinades and sweets, due to their rich taste.

Medenka

1200px 2011 10 09 Hygrophorus Russula (schaeff.) Kauffman 175022
„1200px 2011 10 09 Hygrophorus Russula (schaeff.) Kauffman 175022“, Photo: Ak ccm, licensee pod CC BY-SA 3.0 Izvor: Wikimedia Commons

Honeysuckle (hygrophorus russula) is a rare, edible mushroom specific for the wine colored tones that cover its cap, stem and leaflets. It grows mainly in oak forests and on limestone terrain. Medenka is meaty and hearty, and is best prepared by frying in oil with added salt. It can be combined with eggs or used to prepare goulash, and many enjoy its rich taste.

Mushrooms in Serbia represent a valuable natural resource, but collectors should be careful because of the danger of poisoning. Correct identification and consultation with experts are key to safely enjoying the mushrooms that nature has to offer.

Source: Good morning

Source: boljazemlja.com