At the same time, the hedgehog mushroom is a mushroom that may well lay claim to the title of the most underrated among its relatives. The thing is that many mushroom pickers are simply afraid to collect it because of the similarity of the most common species - yellow hedgehog - with toadstool. The fact that the prejudice against hedgehog mushrooms is unfounded is evidenced by the fact that these are the mushrooms that most actively store proteins for the winter.
Types of mushrooms
It is noteworthy that the name “hedgehog” unites at least ten separate species of mushrooms, often endowed with very distant external similarities. However, they have one common characteristic - the hymenophore (lower surface of the cap) in the form of small spines. It is partly because of them that mushroom pickers don’t like hedgehogs so much: the whole point is that the outgrowths of the hymenophore are very fragile, they quickly come off, dirtying the rest of the “catch”.
Content:
- Types of mushrooms
- Yellow hedgehog - general characteristics
- Composition and calorie content
- Beneficial features
- Harm and contraindications
- Taste and use in cooking
So, representatives of several families are called hedgehogs: hedgehogs (yellow and reddish hedgehogs), bankeraceae (black, felt, variegated and rough hedgehogs), hericiaceae (coral, combed and antennal hedgehogs), exidiaceae (jelly-shaped hedgehogs).
It is noteworthy that, although representatives of almost all of the listed species theoretically grow on the territory of Russia, you may not even expect to meet some of them in the forest. Many hedgehog mushrooms are not just rare, but listed in the Red Book. Therefore, it does not make much sense to describe them in detail, but instead it is better to closely study the most common edible mushroom from this group - the yellow hedgehog.
Yellow hedgehog - general characteristics
Yellow hedgehog or Hydnum repandum has several names. It is known to specialists as hydnium concavate and dentinum concavate.
The “calling card” of this mushroom is its cap. It is a delicate cream color, and its underside is strewn with very brittle “needles” of the same color as the surface of the cap. The diameter of the cap varies from three to twelve centimeters and, despite its rigidity, it is quite fragile. Young mushrooms have convex caps, with a distinct floral aroma and slight pubescence. In their more “older” counterparts they are depressed, with a clearly visible depression in the center. At the same time, the color of the pulp is also different: the younger the mushroom, the lighter it is.
The leg of the notched hedgehog is usually somewhat lighter than the cap and quite thick. At the same time, it can be elongated, as a result of which the mushroom can be confused with a toadstool.
You can go on a “quiet hunt” for yellow hedgehogs from July to September. They feel comfortable in any soil, in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, but most often live among birch trees. At the same time, mushrooms often grow in so-called “witch circles” and even grow together with caps and legs, as if in a round dance. They love moss and cool air very much.
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.
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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.
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.
Composition and calorie content
In terms of its chemical composition, the mushroom boasts a high content of dietary fiber, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as a wide range of macro- and microelements.
At the same time, the energy value of 100 g of product is 22 Kcal. The composition of nutritional elements is as follows: 3.09 g of protein, 3.26 g of carbohydrates, 1 g of dietary fiber and 0.34 g of fat. Vitamins
| Vitamin C | 2.1 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin PP | 3.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B4 | 17.3 mg |
| Betaine | 9.4 mg |
| Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) | 0.2 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 7 IU |
| Dihydrophylloquinone (Vitamin K1) | 1 mcg |
Micro- and macroelements
| Calcium | 3 mg |
| Magnesium | 9 mg |
| Phosphorus | 86 mg |
| Potassium | 318 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Selenium | 9.3 mcg |
Amino acids
| 2,6-diaminohexanoic acid | 0.107 g |
| 2-aminopropanoic acid | 0.199 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.343 g |
| Leucine | 0.12 g |
| 2-amino-3-methylbutanoic acid | 0.232 g |
| Aminosuccinic acid | 0.195 g |
In addition, 100 g of blackberry pulp contains 0.05 g of saturated fatty acids, 0.16 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids and 2 mg of the steroid alcohol campesterol.
It is very important when going on a “silent hunt” to remember the properties of mushrooms to accumulate toxins and heavy metal salts. Therefore, hedgehogs should be collected exclusively in areas with favorable ecology.
An important distinguishing characteristic of mushrooms is also the fact that, unlike other products, their beneficial substances are retained almost completely even after cooking.
Literature[ | ]
- World of Plants: in 7 volumes / Ed. Academician A.L. Takhtajyan. T.2. Slime molds. Mushrooms - 2nd ed., revised. - M.: Education, 1991. - 475 p. (Page 354).
- Aurel Dermek. Mushrooms. - Bratislava: Slovart, 1989. - P. 58.
- Z.A.Klepina and E.V.Klepina. Mushroom Picker's Guide. - Moscow: AST-PRESS, 2006. - 256 p. (page 59)
- "Mushrooms". Directory. / lane from Italian F. Dvin - Moscow: AST. Astrel, 2004. - 303 p. (page 236)
- Lesso T.
Mushrooms, key / trans. from English L. V. Garibova, S. N. Lekomtseva. - M.: “Astrel”, “AST”, 2003. - P. 238. - ISBN 5-17-020333-0. - Udu J.
Mushrooms. Encyclopedia = Le grand livre des Champignons / trans. from fr. - M.: “Astrel”, “AST”, 2003. - P. 77. - ISBN 5-271-05827-1.
Beneficial features
Hydnum repandum is a mushroom that is not only widely eaten, but is also actively used by traditional medicine specialists due to its unique chemical composition.
Thus, the biologically active elements present in the composition of yellow hedgehog are:
- Campesterol. In its molecular structure, this substance resembles organic cholesterol. Once in the body, campesterol combines with “bad” cholesterol and promotes its natural removal from the body.
- Glutamic acid, to which the mushroom pulp owes its piquant taste, promotes the regeneration of muscle tissue and is a source of energy that is not inferior to glucose.
- Aspartic acid helps normalize the functioning of the endocrine system. In addition, it promotes the synthesis of growth hormones.
- Potassium is responsible for maintaining water and electrolyte balance. It also helps normalize heart rate and blood pressure.
- Nicotinic acid is an active participant in protein synthesis and energy metabolism.
The presence of blackberry dishes in the diet can replenish the reserve of useful substances if for some reason a person refuses to eat animal proteins. In particular, the pulp of this mushroom helps to restore strength after intense physical activity.
In addition, yellow hedgehog:
- It boasts a pronounced antibacterial effect. The substances included in its composition help fight E. coli, staphylococci, and streptococci. Experienced mushroom pickers know well: if you accidentally scratch or injure yourself in the forest, you should apply the milky juice of a hedgehog to the wound. It will prevent infection and stop the inflammatory process. Naturally, this does not exclude the need to treat the wound with an antiseptic after returning home.
- Helps increase vitality and build muscle mass during active sports.
- Helps fight depression and improves mood. Helps stabilize the nervous system and normalizes sleep.
- Accelerates the removal of waste and toxins from the body, improves peristalsis.
- Helps remove “bad” cholesterol, increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, and improves their tone.
- Helps restore radiance to the skin, make hair shinier and silkier.
- Stimulates the production of red blood cells, normalizing the blood formula.
The healing properties of the hedgehog were known to ancient healers. Thus, in Chinese medical treatises of past centuries there are recipes for tinctures based on this mushroom, which help lower blood pressure and improve sleep. In addition, these mushrooms have long been used to make ointments used for skin diseases, as well as space masks that effectively nourish the skin and have a tonic and rejuvenating effect.
The nutritional value
100 grams of yellow bramble are very high in iron (292% of the daily value) and manganese (1.105% of the daily value), very high in magnesium (65%), calcium (60%) and zinc (60%) and high in protein (approx. 35%), mushrooms have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes them one of the most nutritious mushrooms and an invaluable source of iron for those who do not include meat in their diet (vegans, vegetarians). With this combination of nutrients, blackberries will help the body strengthen bones, regulate proper blood clotting and nerve function, store energy and cellular proteins, fight viruses, and even enhance hormone function.
Harm and contraindications
Restrictions on the use of the product are practically no different from medical prohibitions related to other mushrooms. Thus, people suffering from pancreatitis and disorders of the biliary tract should exclude them from the diet. In addition, dishes made from hedgehogs are not suitable for those who have been diagnosed with gastritis with high acidity and any liver diseases. Allergy sufferers should use this mushroom with caution.
It is also worth recalling that any mushrooms must be excluded from the menu for children under five years of age, as well as pregnant women.
The advantages of preparing for the winter
Naturally, each housewife has her own recipe, which amazes the household and guests of the house with its results. By the way, pickling is not the only recipe for preserving the amazing taste and unique, almost fruity aroma of hedgehog mushrooms after the picking season has already passed. Moreover, preparing dry mushrooms takes less time and effort, but at the same time provides a wider field for culinary experiments and further preparation of mushroom dishes.
Preparing your favorite mushrooms for the winter is the best way to ensure that you can enjoy your favorite blackberries all year round, regardless of the season.
Once again asking yourself the question of what you can prepare in the winter, which is not rich in the gifts of nature, and thereby please your family and guests, remember the autumn preparation - dried hedgehogs. By adding a few mushrooms to the soup, you will refresh the taste of the dish and give it a unique aroma.
Taste and use in cooking
Yellow hedgehog is a mushroom that is not particularly popular, although its taste is excellent. Moreover, unlike many other mushrooms, it almost does not decrease in size during heat treatment due to the fact that its pulp is very dense.
It is noteworthy that, despite the fact that yellow hedgehog mushroom is certainly an edible mushroom, it is still recommended to use exclusively young specimens in cooking. The thing is that in old mushrooms the pulp acquires a distinct bitterness. At the same time, young hedgehogs have a very pleasant taste, with a characteristic aroma with notes of nuts and slight sourness.
Yellow blackberries are suitable for pickling, cooking and drying. In addition, they can be fried. It is curious that in France and some other European countries these mushrooms are used as a side dish to accompany meat and fish dishes. They are usually served with a variety of sauces. Blackberries are also added to salads.
Please note that before putting your “catch” into a pot or frying pan, it is better to remove all the spike-like outgrowths from the hymenophore. The thing is that during heat treatment they fall off, as a result of which your roast runs the risk of turning into some kind of mushy porridge.
As noted above, there are many options for culinary use of this mushroom. First of all, of course, the hedgehog mushrooms can be dried. To do this, thoroughly clean your “catch”, remove the needles from the back of the cap and spread the blackberries in an even layer on the prepared surface. When they are slightly dry, you can either string them on a thread, as our grandmothers dried mushrooms, or put them in an oven preheated to 35°C. The finished product must be packaged in glass jars and carefully sealed.
French mushroom sauce
Another option is to prepare a flavorful mushroom sauce according to a French recipe.
To do this, you will need not only fresh (400 g), but also dried (15 g) mushrooms, a glass of dry white wine, as well as one onion, celery stalks (200 g) and several cloves of garlic. Dried blackberries should be thoroughly washed, placed in an enamel container and filled with cold water until it completely covers them.
While the mushrooms are soaking, you need to prepare the vegetables.
To do this, finely chop a medium-sized onion and squeeze out three cloves of garlic. Wash the celery stalk, remove the outer shell and leaves and chop thoroughly.
Drain the dried mushrooms in a colander and then place on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. After this, finely chop them.
The next step is to pour 50 g of vegetable oil into a frying pan with high sides, heat it up and add vegetables and dried blackberries. Cook the mixture covered for five minutes over very low heat, stirring from time to time to prevent a crust from appearing. After this, the mixture is sent to a blender, wine and water are poured into it, and butter is added. The crushed preparation is salted to taste and simmered for three minutes over very low heat.
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Cut fresh mushrooms into slices, fry in a frying pan (ten minutes) and add to the vegetable mixture. Simmer for about seven to ten minutes, stirring constantly. This sauce is suitable for meat and fish.
Italian salad
In a ceramic bowl, mix a tablespoon of anchovy paste, one and a half tablespoons of mayonnaise, two tablespoons each of grated Parmesan and lemon juice. Squeeze two cloves of garlic into the mixture.
Boil 200 g of blackberries for a quarter of an hour in salted water and let cool. Cut them into slices, add pieces of boiled chicken breast and ten cherry tomatoes cut in half. Season with salt and pepper, place the dressing on top and, without stirring, place in the refrigerator. After four hours, remove and mix thoroughly. Salad ready.
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