Is the hedgehog mushroom edible and its description (+30 photos)?

Description and features of the mushroom

There are several types of hedgehog mushroom, all of them are the same in structure and taste, but still each of them has some differences. The most common edible mushroom that can often be found in a pine forest is the variegated hedgehog mushroom. This variety of hedgehog is considered an autumn variety, since it ripens at the end of summer and finishes bearing fruit at the end of autumn.

• Hat. A conditionally edible mushroom, the cap reaches 14 centimeters in diameter and is brown or gray in color. At the top there are round scales of dark color. The younger the mushroom, the softer and less noticeable the scales, and when it ages, these scales acquire a rough surface and increase in size. If it is very old, then the scales fly off and the mushroom becomes completely smooth. The shape is initially convex, then as it matures it acquires a depressed shape, and in some cases a kind of funnel forms on it.
• Leg. The leg reaches 6 centimeters in height, it can be smooth or fibrous. Its color is the same as that of the cap, but sometimes there are legs of a purple or lilac hue. The leg is thick and strong, it is thinner at the bottom, and the closer it gets to the cap, the thicker it becomes.
• Pulp. It has a white or gray color; if the mushroom is young, it has a pleasant aroma and spicy taste, but an old mushroom will smell rotten.

Interesting things about the mushroom

Sarcodon motley

• Despite the name “hedgehog mushroom” and some external similarity (especially in sun-faded specimens) with yellow hedgehog mushroom , these mushrooms are not related, belonging to different genera and families. The only thing they have in common is the unusual spiny spore-bearing layer.

• Scientists have isolated a large number of substances used in medicine from the motley hedgehog, but their research is still in the laboratory stage.

When and where does hedgehog grow?

The hedgehog mushroom grows mainly in dry forests; most often it can be found in coniferous forests. There are several varieties, which can be found either individually or in combination with other types of mushrooms; they can also form rings.

They grow in almost all forests throughout Russia, and this applies to all types of mushroom: variegated, yellow, comb and coral. Fruits are produced mainly from June to November. The hedgehog mushroom can be found from mid-August to the end of October on the Eurasian continent in a temperate climate. They grow in mixed forests or coniferous forests, next to pine trees.

Distribution and collection

It can be found throughout the temperate European zone, prefers coniferous, sometimes mixed forests, most often growing near spruce trees, with the root system of which it forms a kind of symbiosis - mycorrhiza. The mushroom is quite rare, in some places it does not grow at all, but in some areas it grows abundantly, in large groups, forming the so-called. "Witches' Circles"

Scaly hedgehog.

The main fruiting occurs from August until the first frost.

Varieties

In general, there are a large number of varieties of hedgehogs all over the world; in general, they are from the same genus, but differ in appearance and color. Before you go mushroom picking, you should know about the differences in order to understand which mushroom is in front of a person.

combed hedgehog

The edible combed hedgehog can reach 25 centimeters, and its weight reaches 2 kilograms. it comes in yellow, cream or white. The shape is round, or oval, or completely irregular, not reminiscent of anything. This mushroom does not have a cap or legs, but the flesh is white, fleshy, and as it matures it turns yellow and dries out.

When and where does it grow? This mushroom can be found in Crimea, China and the Far East from mid-August to the end of October. It grows on weak or diseased trees, on oaks and beeches in places where the bark is broken.

Is the hedgehog edible? This mushroom is extremely rare, it is rarely added to food, and the taste is reminiscent of shrimp meat.

Why is the mushroom valuable? It is suitable not only for food, but useful medicines and dietary supplements are also made from it. The mushroom is used in the treatment of ulcers, gastritis and gastrointestinal problems. But this data has not been researched and has not been scientifically proven.

Clinical studies have shown that this type of mushroom has a positive effect on tumors, both benign and malignant. Also, in combination with the main therapy, it helps to cure prostate, cyst, fibroids and cancer of all organs.

Yellow hedgehog

The cap of this mushroom is 15 inches long and is red or orange-yellow in color. If you press it hard, it darkens, and the cap of the old mushroom also darkens. Fleshy, does not have a smooth surface, dense and convex, as they grow older they open up. The edges of the cap are curved, and there are small spines on the inside that easily break off, which is why the mushroom got its name.

The leg reaches 8 centimeters in height, the shape resembles a cylinder, wider at the bottom than at the top. The surface is dry and at the same time smooth. The color is the same as the cap - yellow; the older the mushroom, the darker the stem.

The pulp is brittle, white or yellow in color; when the mushroom ages, it becomes dark and hard to the touch. The smell is rich with a fruity note, and old blackberry has a bitter aftertaste.

When and where can I find it? In temperate climates in the Eurasian continent and America and throughout the territory from mid-June to October 13-20. This mushroom grows in coniferous and deciduous forests, among birches and near small bushes. They can also form circles.

Why is the mushroom valuable? Yellow hedgehog contains amino acids, organic acids and mycosterol. The isolated repanediol showed strong activity against cancer cells of any organ, especially the stomach. Repandiol prevents the proliferation of cancer agents because it binds the DNA of cancer cells with bridges.

Coral hedgehog

The mushroom grows like a bush, coral-shaped and branched. The color is white, less common yellow or flesh-colored. Reaches 30 cm in transverse size. The coral hedgehog has two-centimeter thin and brittle spines.

The pulp is tasty, aromatic, elastic and fibrous; as it matures, it turns yellow.

Where and when does it ripen? This type of mushroom can be found in all forests of Russian territory, in addition to the Northern part. Mushrooms grow in all forests; they settle on dead tree bark, in the hollows of living trees, and also on branches. In the southern region of Russia, the coral mushroom lives preferably on oak, linden and elm, and in temperate forests it loves aspen and birch. From June to October you can pick mushrooms and prepare dishes from them.

You can use this mushroom to make soups, stuff it into various dishes, fry or dry it.

Inedible hedgehogs

Only four inedible species are usually classified as hedgehogs. Moreover, there is no data regarding whether they are poisonous or simply not suitable for food for other reasons. Here's what we know about them now:

1. Black hedgehog. The cap, up to 8 cm in diameter, is usually irregular in shape, smoothly turning into a short stem. In addition to color, a characteristic feature is the ability to grow through forest debris - cones, fallen branches and other solid objects. Young mushrooms may have a bright blue color. Since the flesh of the mushroom is woody, it is not eaten. But whether it is edible in principle, for example, when ground into flour, is unknown. Grows in coniferous forests, loves mosses.
2. Felt hedgehog. The cap rarely exceeds 6 cm in diameter. Usually has a notch in the center, with age the edges become tortuous. A distinctive feature is the ring type of color - there is a wide white or beige stripe along the edge, in the center of the ring there are different shades of brown. The pulp is yellow-brown in color and tastes bitter. The leg is 1-3 cm long. Also painted with rings in different shades of brown. Individual mushrooms often grow together into a single mass. It grows in old coniferous forests and is very sensitive to soil pollution. It is considered inedible due to its bitter taste. The degree of toxicity is unknown.

3. Rough hedgehog. The cap grows up to 15 cm, in youth it is flat or slightly convex, then depressed in the middle. Usually irregular in shape. Colored in different shades of light brown, sometimes with a subtle pink tint. The entire cap is covered with small scales of a darker shade, which is why its surface becomes rough. The edges are wavy. The flesh is white-pinkish, the stem is gray-green. The leg is no more than 10 cm, tapers downwards and is also covered with small scales. It grows in both coniferous and deciduous forests, but prefers acidic sandy soils. Inedible due to bitter taste. The degree of toxicity is also unclear.
4. The hedgehog is false. The most exotic-looking species is an evolutionarily established set of individuals characterized by a single... among the inedible hedgehogs. The body shape may resemble a spoon, fan or tongue. The cap usually does not exceed 8 cm in diameter. Moreover, it is always thick and one edge is always longer and, as a rule, higher than the opposite. Color from white to light brown. Typically, the darker the mushroom, the older it is. Leg up to 5 cm long. Sometimes very weakly expressed and indistinguishable from the cap. The consistency of the pulp resembles well-frozen jelly, often translucent. Grows on rotting coniferous wood. As already mentioned, due to the complete lack of taste it is not suitable for food, but there is no data on toxicity.

Use of mushroom in cooking

Blackberry is a rare mushroom. Many experts recommend eating the yellow mushroom because it has a pleasant taste. As for the motley hedgehog mushroom, which is considered a conditionally edible mushroom, it can only be consumed when it is young. It is interesting to know that the yellow variety of the mushroom does not shrink in size when cooked because it has a high density.

The pulp of both variegated and yellow hedgehog mushrooms is dense and sour, but this only happens when the mushroom is young. Before cooking, you must remove all the thorns on the inside of the hat. If this measure is not taken, the thorns will fall off during cooking and the soup will turn into porridge.

Types of hedgehogs

Hedgehog mushrooms are usually called about a dozen individual species of mushrooms that are similar in appearance. In particular, these are representatives:

1. Hedgehog family -
   Yellow hedgehog. Also known as notched hedgehog. The most famous representative of this group. A good edible mushroom. According to other sources, it is conditionally edible.
2. Rufous hedgehog. Conditionally edible mushroom. Young fruits are eaten, as old mushrooms are bitter and quite tough.
3. Banker families -
   Black hedgehog. Due to its dark gray color, it is easily distinguishable from its relatives. It is not eaten due to its very hard pulp.
4. Felt hedgehog. One of the most common representatives of hedgehogs. Not edible.
5. Rough hedgehog. Unpleasant in appearanceThe appearance is an evolutionarily established set of individuals, characterized by a single... and the mushroom is brown to the touch. Not edible.
6. Variegated hedgehog. Also known as imbricated hedgehog. A conditionally edible mushroom with mediocre taste, but a very bright, rich aroma. For the second reason, it is often used as a mushroom seasoning.
7. Family Hericiaceae -
   Coral hedgehog. One of the most unusual species in this group. Instead of the traditional body of a mushroom, consisting of a stem and a cap, the mushroom is something like a coral bush. Although the mushroom is quite edible, it cannot be collected due to its rarity. This species is an evolutionarily established set of individuals characterized by a single... listed in the Red Book.
8. Crested hedgehog. In appearance it is also very far from an ordinary mushroom. Consists of long hanging threads formed into a “beard” or ball. Edible, but in some regions of Russia it is listed in the local Red Book.
9. Antennae hedgehog. It grows in the form of large clusters of caps, covered with “tendrils” on both sides. Edible when young.
10. Family Exidiaceae -
    Hedgehog gelatinous. Also known as false hedgehog. The photo clearly shows that it is almost impossible to confuse it with other hedgehogs. It has a jelly-like body consistency and a pale, translucent appearance. A species is an evolutionarily established collection of individuals characterized by a single…. In Europe it is considered inedible. In the United States, the mushroom is considered theoretically edible, but completely tasteless.

Benefits and nutritional value of mushroom

Due to its composition, the mushroom boasts a high content of fiber, carbohydrates and proteins. It also contains all the necessary macroelements and microelements. The energy value of 100 grams of mushroom is 22 Kcal.

Vitamins contained in blackberries:

• Vitamin RR;
• vitamin C;
• ryboflavin;
• vitamin B4;
• pantothenic acid;
• betaine;
• vitamin D;
• vitamin D2;
• vitamin K

As for microelements and macroelements, in blackberry they are as follows:

• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• selenium.

The product also contains:

• aminopropanoic acid;
• diaminohexanoic acid;
• leucine;
• glutamic acid;
• aminosuccinic acid.

Due to its unique composition, the mushroom is actively used in folk medicine. Active components that help cure many diseases:

• Campesterol. In its structure, this substance resembles cholesterol. When the substance enters the body, it mixes with bad cholesterol, this promotes natural release from the human body.
• Glutamic acid. Thanks to it, the taste of the mushroom becomes piquant, restores muscle tissue and is a source of energy.
• Aspartic acid. Normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system; it is also a growth hormone.
• Potassium maintains the body's water balance, also improves heartbeat and normalizes blood pressure.
• A nicotinic acid. Takes an active part in protein synthesis and energy metabolism.

Medicinal properties of blackberries

Of all the known species of this mushroom, it is the lion's mane that is characterized by the maximum number of beneficial properties. It contains antioxidants, phosphorus, calcium, iron, vegetable proteins, polysaccharides and vitamins.

Eating blackberries has the following effects on the body:

• improves the functioning of the respiratory system;
• contributes to the successful fight against depression and increased excitability;
• has a therapeutic effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalizes emotional state;
• smoothes the symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• strengthens the body's defenses;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• normalizes hematopoietic processes;
• prevents the occurrence of malignant tumors.

The presence of fatty acids, polysaccharides and phenols fight cancer cells similar to chemotherapy. As a result, the tumors resolve or decrease in size. Extracts obtained from the fungus are used in the production of means to combat fungal, viral and bacterial infections. In traditional medicine, ointments for skin diseases are made from it.

Growing

A large number of wild mushrooms, including hedgehog mushroom, are difficult to grow artificially, so very rarely people wonder how to grow a hedgehog mushroom with their own hands.

The easiest way to grow a mushroom is to buy ready-made mycelium, which is sold in stores, on the Internet and on official websites. If you plan to grow mushrooms outside, then planting should take place from April to October. This type of mushroom feels great indoors, so it would be advisable to breed hedgehog mushrooms in a basement or shed, where they can grow all year round.

How to grow a hedgehog:

1. First, you should cut down a deciduous log, which must not be rotten.
2. The branches can be cut, but the bark cannot be touched; the wood must be wet.
3. The wood is left in a warm, ventilated area for 7 days.
4. Next, you need to drill a hole with a diameter of 1 centimeter and a depth of 40 millimeters. Several such holes need to be made in a checkerboard pattern.
5. It is in these holes that the mycelium is placed.
6. Wrap the logs in plastic with holes so that the wood can breathe.
7. The logs are transported to a warm room where the sun's rays do not penetrate; it must be watered three times a day so that moisture does not disappear.
8. As soon as the first threads of the fungus appear, the wood is placed in cold water for a day.
9. Next, the chocks are moved to a bright room and placed vertically.

At the end of autumn, the chocks are covered with leaves or placed in the basement. The first harvest will be in 6 months, then the mycelium needs to be watered only occasionally for two weeks. Next, collect mushrooms as they grow, and it is better to collect young mushrooms.

There are only four types of hedgehog mushroom, each of them is unique in its own way. Some varieties are of great benefit to the body, but mushrooms should not be overused, since they are a heavy product. Before going into the forest to pick mushrooms, you should study all the mushrooms in detail, so as not to pick a poisonous mushroom due to inexperience and become poisoned by it.

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Cooking recipes

Let's consider how to process the mushroom before consumption and in what form it can be eaten.

Cleaning

Before you start preparing any dishes from the motley hedgehog, you need to get rid of the remaining spines and soil on it, and also rinse it in running water.

The only exception: if you want to get a dried mushroom, you just need to peel it and wipe it with dry material. Should not be washed.

Cooking

Boiling helps remove unpleasant bitterness. This should be done within 15–20 minutes. If you plan to use boiled blackberry for soup, then it is best to add several more types of mushrooms to it, so the dish will be more aromatic.

Pickling

Place an onion cut into rings and 2 halves of garlic cloves in a 700 ml jar. Add a tablespoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, add 2 tbsp. l. vinegar and one rapeseed oil. Pour 100 ml of boiling water.

Place the processed mushrooms on top, with a bay leaf on them. Add 150 ml of boiling water. Screw the lid on tightly and turn the jar over several times, shaking the contents. Place it on the lid and leave for an hour.

After the required time, turn it over and put it in the refrigerator for a day.

Freezing

Blackberry can be frozen by first blanching it. To do this, place 1 kg of peeled mushrooms in a pan with 5 liters of boiling water and wait until it boils again. After 2 minutes, remove the container from the heat and drain the water. Cool the mushrooms by pouring cold water over them. Then dry and place in a container to freeze.

Frying

Cut the prepared, washed specimens into slices and place in a frying pan with slightly heated vegetable oil. You need to fry the blackberries over low heat. After they soften, add the onion, cut into thin half rings, and salt.

The readiness of mushrooms is determined by their rich dark color, softness and appetizing aroma. To achieve an even more delicate consistency of the dish, you can add sour cream a couple of minutes before the end of cooking.

Pickling

Soak the peeled mushrooms for three to four hours in a medium-strength saline solution. After the required time, remove and cut into pieces no larger than 6 cm.

Approximately, in order to pickle 1 kg of product, you will need 40–50 g of salt, a couple of large dill umbrellas, 2 onions, 4 cloves of garlic and a small piece of horseradish root.

Boil the prepared mushrooms in salted water until tender, rinse in a colander. Place in a container under pressure, after sprinkling with salt and adding all the specified ingredients.

Leave the workpiece for a week in a cold place. Blackberries prepared in this way can be used in soups and main courses, as well as pickled.

Drying

Clean and prepare the mushrooms. Cut them into thin slices of 0.5 cm and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. The slices should not touch each other. Place the baking sheet in the oven preheated to 45 degrees. You need to constantly monitor the process, monitoring the moment when the mushrooms are easily separated from the parchment. After this, raise the temperature to 70 degrees.

The oven door should be slightly open. The process is carried out in several stages over two days. Properly dried mushrooms should bend easily, but not break.

Canning for the winter

In order to make a preparation of hedgehog mushrooms, you will need 2 kg of mushrooms soaked in a saline solution; they need to be cut into small pieces, put in an enamel pan and filled with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes. Remove from water. Cool.

Prepare brine based on 1 liter of water - 70 g salt, 120 g sugar, 8 cloves, 10 allspice peas. The brine should boil, after which place the product in it and boil for 10 minutes. Pour in 8 tbsp. l. lemon juice and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and place in sterile, dry jars. Roll up, turn the lids down and insulate. Leave it like this to cool. After this, store in a cool place. After a month, the workpiece will be ready.

IMPORTANT! Young variegated hedgehog mushrooms are best suited for consumption. With age, it becomes tough and practically inedible due to its characteristic bitterness.

Growing at home and in the country

Interestingly, this type of mushroom can be grown both at home and in a summer cottage. It is sown in open ground starting in mid-spring and ending until mid-autumn. For sowing, ready-made mycelium is used (sold in sticks that are infected with fungal spores).

In some types, wood may be used instead of soil. Coniferous, deciduous trees, and fresh branches are used as it. The wood is filled with water for several days, after which it is removed and all the water is allowed to drain. Next, insert mushroom sticks into the holes.

Then the tree is wrapped in film and cuts are made to allow oxygen to enter. It is stored in a dark, warm room. Watering occurs twice a week. When the mycelium appears, the wood should be placed in water for 24 hours, then placed vertically in a bright place.

IMPORTANT In winter, the mycelium needs to be insulated, covered with leaves or stored in the cellar.

The first harvest should be expected approximately six months after sowing.

Useful properties and contraindications

Due to its many beneficial properties, eating yellow bramble helps the human body cope with many problems.

• The work of the endocrine glands is stabilized.
• Harmful cholesterol dissolves, the walls of blood vessels become more elastic, and their tone increases.
• Fights insomnia.
• It has an antibacterial effect and actively fights against staphylococci and other similar bacteria. If you get injured, applying the milky juice will prevent infection and fester.
• Improves the functioning of the pulmonary system.
• It has an antibacterial effect and increases resistance to viral diseases.
• Improves the functioning of the body's endocrine glands.

They are also used to make tinctures that calm the nervous system and lower blood pressure. Specially dried fruiting bodies are included in the menu of weightlifters to accelerate muscle gain. Healing ointments are prepared from them to treat skin diseases. Blackberry is used to make cosmetic products that have a restorative effect, toning and nourishing the skin. Contraindications are mostly general, as for all mushrooms in general.

• intolerance to mushroom dishes;

• increased sensitivity of the digestive tract, gastritis with high acidity;
• It is not advisable for children under 5 years of age and pregnant women to use.
• liver disease – cirrhosis, liver failure.

This type of mushroom accumulates toxins and other harmful substances, so it is better to choose places for collection in ecologically clean areas.

How to properly cook blackberry mushroom

The shelf life of fresh mushrooms is short, only 2-3 hours. Then the fruits begin to darken. If you need to preserve the crop for a longer period, it should be placed in the refrigerator, following several steps before doing so:

• to get rid of pests, mushrooms need to be soaked in salt water;
• allow the water to drain and remove damaged areas;
• place in a deep container and cover with a paper towel.

The advantage of blackberries over other representatives of the mushroom kingdom is that they do not have milky juice, which gives the fruit an unpleasant bitter taste. In view of this feature, boiling the raw product in lightly salted water has a different meaning.

It is recommended to boil the harvested crop in order to soften the aromatic forest product. After this procedure, it can be fried or stewed. Although boiling is not a strict rule, it improves the taste of the mushroom. To process mushrooms for the winter, it is recommended to pickle, freeze or dry them.