One of the representatives of the class of agaricomycetes and the Boletov family is pepper mushroom. It grows throughout the European zone and in the Far East.
Description of pepper mushroom
Mushroom description
Pepper mushroom prefers dry soils and coniferous forests. Mycosis forms with pines and firs. Less common under cedars. It has an attractive appearance. His description:
- hat of medium diameter (from 2-6 cm);
- the shape of the hat is convex, round;
- rust to red color;
- the flesh is uniform, yellowish;
- leg height 4-8 cm;
- thickness 1.5-2 cm.
The surface is pleasant to the touch, velvety and dry. On the fault, the flesh acquires a red tint. It tastes like pepper, hence the name Pepper Mushroom. The aroma is pleasant.
Spores and spore powder are yellow. There is no ring or ruffle on the solid leg.
Fruiting begins on hot July days and lasts until the end of autumn. Grows in small groups, 2-3 pieces.
Pepper mushroom prefers dry soils and coniferous forests
Similar views
Pepper mushroom is sometimes confused with ordinary oils. The main difference is in taste and red color of the spore layer. Also similar species include mustard and goat.
Gorchak
Fans of the “silent hunt” know how the pepper mushroom differs from its close relative Gorchak. Description:
- the hat is light, beige or brown, with a red tint;
- the leg is uniform, yellowish-orange;
- the tubes are light green or brown;
- the taste of pulp is pleasant, with a spicy tint, not sharp;
- the color of the flesh is pale pink.
The main difference is the pleasant mild taste of mustard. Its flesh turns red when cut. The aroma is enhanced.
Kozlyak
Another look-alike edible species is Kozlyak. His description:
- hat beige or brown, with a red tint;
- leg yellow, heterogeneous in color;
- a layer of tubules milky pink;
- the flesh is pink;
- the aroma is spicy, strong.
To taste, the flesh is the same burning-sharp as that of pepper mushroom. The height of the legs is 10 cm and a diameter of up to 2.5 cm. It is curved. Top down becomes thinner and lighter.
Goats grow under pines and firs. Feel good on acidic soils, prefer moist places. More common in Europe and Siberia, the Far East and the Caucasus. Fruiting mycelium begins in the last days of summer.
Beneficial features
The composition includes many elements useful to humans - leucine and alanine. They lower blood sugar.
Pepper mushroom is characterized by a high content of natural protein and fiber of phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. It is rich in vitamins C, D 1, K 1, nicotinic, folic and pantothenic acids. They contain different amino acids: valine, aspargin, threonine, etc.
Calorie content is low: 22 kcal per 100 g.
Pepper mushroom has many beneficial properties.
Application methods
Pepper has found its application in folk and traditional medicine, in cooking and cosmetology.
In traditional medicine
In medicine, the healing properties and chemical composition of this organism are used. From it make drugs that have this effect:
- stabilize pressure;
- stimulate the immune system;
- cleanse the liver;
- destroy cholesterol plaques;
- strengthen the nervous system;
- activate brain activity;
- increase stamina.
The high content of vitamins helps to restore metabolism, which is useful in the fight against excess weight. This pepper organism acts as a natural antibiotic, due to the huge amount of volatile production. This property is used in medicine to combat viral and bacterial infections.
In folk medicine
Narodniks use in the preparation of tinctures and decoctions. Ointments for warts and papillomas are made from the extract.
Purulent conjunctivitis is treated with tincture. Moistened gauze or a cotton swab applied to the burn helps to quickly scar tissue.
To treat kidney disease, urolithiasis, use fried peppersticks, previously thoroughly soaked and boiled.
In cooking
Russian biochemists rank the pepper list as inedible mushrooms. It is believed that they contain toxins that can cause cancer or cirrhosis.
In Europe, they say that these organisms are edible and admire its taste.
In practice, Russian "hunters" proved that mushroom-edible, it is not dangerous to humans. It loses its unpleasant burning taste after cooking and soaking. From such a treatment takes on piquancy and leaves a pleasant aftertaste.
In cooking, this special pepper mushroom is used for salting, pickling and seasoning, without adding pepper.
To make a spicy seasoning, mushrooms are washed and broken into several parts. After this, cook for 30-40 minutes, drain the water and strain. Spread on a baking sheet and dried in a warm oven for 3-4 hours (determined visually - they must be completely dry). After that, it is allowed to cool and grind into powder, additionally dried in a hot oven for several minutes, stirring occasionally. And pour into a storage container. This spice is used for sauces, salads, hot spicy dishes, etc.
Conclusion
Gathering mushrooms in the forest is fun and pleasant. You always need to make sure that poisonous specimens do not fall into the basket, carefully sort through the entire harvest, wash it and cook according to a proven recipe.
