Everyone knows that poisonous mushrooms are dangerous to humans and pose a threat to their health and life. But not everyone knows that the same effect can be expected from edible mushrooms. Today we will talk to you about oyster mushrooms.
Is it possible to get poisoned by oyster mushrooms? This is a question to which there would seem to be an obvious negative answer. But this is another misconception.
Oyster mushroom - the queen among edible mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are edible mushrooms with a very pleasant taste and smell. They grow in groups and have a characteristic appearance, so it is almost impossible to confuse them with other mushrooms.
They don't even have poisonous "twin brothers." But, nevertheless, poisoning with oyster mushrooms does occur. What is their reason? We will tell you about this. And the photos and videos in this article will help you better understand the material you read.
Why is intoxication with such a product unlikely?
Poisonings occur not only because people mistakenly collect and eat dangerous varieties. Deterioration in health can be caused by mushrooms that grew next to the roadway, in places with poor environmental conditions. To protect themselves from intoxication, some people prefer to buy such food in stores. On supermarket shelves you can find products grown in specially created conditions. This is, for example, oyster mushrooms.
Many people love to purchase such a product. After all, manufacturers monitor the quality of the soil, the regularity of watering, and do not add chemicals to the soil. Is it possible to get poisoned from store-bought oyster mushrooms? Symptoms of intoxication after their use rarely occur.
Possible consequences
- If the intoxication turned out to be mild and the patient was given first aid correctly, negative consequences can be avoided. After 1-2 days, digestion will improve, weakness will recede and the functioning of the whole body will normalize;
- Poisoning caused by a poisonous mushroom found among the oyster mushrooms will be more severe. In advanced cases, jaundice or pancreatitis may develop;
- Poisoning from canned oyster mushrooms containing botulism toxin poses a particular danger. This can lead to problems with the kidneys, liver or heart.
Summarizing the above, we can say with confidence that even edible oyster mushrooms can be poisoned. But this condition can be avoided if you collect them in an ecologically clean forest area, adhere to all technologies for preparing dishes with mushrooms and eat only properly preserved oyster mushrooms. Collect and choose mushrooms correctly, this will help you avoid intoxication.
What is this type of mushroom?
Oyster mushrooms are a popular product. What makes it so is its special taste and beneficial properties. This variety of mushrooms contains many substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body, for example:
- Potassium.
- Iron.
- Phosphorus.
- Copper and cobalt.
- Calcium.
- Fructose.
- Various amino acids.
In terms of nutritional value, oyster mushrooms are not inferior to meat products, seafood delicacies, and vegetables. They are used to treat certain diseases. But are these mushrooms as beneficial as they seem at first glance? Is it possible to get poisoned by oyster mushrooms? The answer to this question is ambiguous. Intoxication occurs primarily in those who collect and eat false varieties. It should be remembered that oyster mushrooms are safe.
Other types of mushrooms are harmful. They provoke poisoning. Dangerous types include oak and coated oyster mushrooms. Therefore, when picking mushrooms, you need to be extremely careful.
Nutritional value of fruits
Before discussing the dangers of the crop we are considering, let us pay attention to the beneficial properties and rich chemical composition of this mushroom variety. Of course, oyster mushrooms are considered one of the most healthy, dietary, tasty, and also budget mushrooms. In addition to the mild taste and pleasant aroma, the fruiting bodies are enriched with a huge amount of minerals and vitamins. When consuming oyster mushrooms, our body receives:
- Iron;
- Calcium;
- Copper;
- Phosphorus;
- Potassium;
- Amino acids;
- Vitamins B, C, E, PP.
- Beta-carotene;
- Magnesium;
- Zinc;
- Selenium.
All of the listed microelements are necessary for the proper functioning of vital systems of the body, primarily the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal tract.
The high value of the product allows mushrooms to replace all kinds of vegetables and even meat and seafood, which is very attractive for vegetarians, as well as those who adhere to religious, health or sports diets. Another huge advantage of oyster mushrooms is that even a small amount of fruit eaten quickly makes you feel full, although the mushrooms themselves are low in calories - only 43 kcal per 100 grams of raw product.
The chemical composition of the product has medicinal properties; decorative cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, as well as all kinds of tinctures and extracts used in alternative medicine are created on the basis of mushrooms.
It is important to know! People concerned about their health should know that only a few varieties of oyster mushrooms are healthy, and some of them are considered conditionally edible, which means they can cause serious food poisoning. If the mushroom picker is not confident in his knowledge, it is worth preparing in advance for the outing and studying what the safest and most popular, edible members of the family – oyster mushrooms – look like. The rest are not worth collecting. If you didn’t find it in the forest, you can find it in the nearest store.
Other causes of intoxication
Is it possible to get poisoned by oyster mushrooms? Considering that they grow in groups and are easily recognizable, an experienced mushroom picker is unlikely to make a mistake in his choice. But it must be remembered that soil, groundwater and air often contain large amounts of toxins. They can cause deterioration in well-being. Like a sponge, mushrooms absorb poisons. By engaging in “silent hunting” in places with poor environmental conditions, a person risks his health. Is it possible to get poisoned by canned oyster mushrooms? Intoxication is likely. Firstly, the toxicity of mushrooms that have absorbed chemicals increases during cooking. Secondly, improper processing of products promotes the growth of bacteria.
Sometimes your health may worsen even after eating quality foods. Mushrooms are a food that is difficult to digest by the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, persons suffering from chronic diseases of the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and intestines are not recommended to consume this food.
Chemical composition
The main reason why people decide whether they can eat oyster mushrooms raw is the desire to retain maximum nutrients. This makes sense, because the chemical composition of oyster mushrooms is very rich. They are especially rich in the following components:
- Vitamins B, C and D.
- Amino acids.
- Alimentary fiber.
- Minerals.
But that is not all. Modern research shows that this product contains unique substances that can stimulate the immune system and have antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Contains a mushroom and a strong antioxidant that stops bleeding and heals wounds. It turns out that you receive not only good nutrition, but also protection of the body from illnesses. It is worth urgently including this product in your diet.
Intoxication with products grown in artificial conditions
But even those who buy oyster mushrooms in the supermarket do not have a complete guarantee that they will be able to avoid poisoning. The quality of the product depends on the integrity of the manufacturer. Failure to follow certain rules can make the product poisonous. Is it possible to get poisoned by oyster mushrooms bought in a store? Yes, and this happens under the influence of the following circumstances:
- Adding large amounts of fertilizers and other chemicals to the soil.
- Growing products in areas located near the roadway or plant. Mushrooms are able to absorb exhaust gases and fumes of toxic substances.
- Failure to follow the rules for preparing pickled or salted oyster mushrooms.
Insect pests
Tick larvae
Woodlice
Midge
This pest is a problem for absolutely all mushroom farms.
It is almost impossible to remove midges without harm. Most experienced mushroom growers recommend destroying midge-infested blocks. Next, you will need to disinfect the room with chemicals. In the future, it is necessary to keep the mushroom room clean. It is also recommended to make a mesh on all ventilation holes. Once every six months or a year, spray the room with a 2-4% solution of bleach, and it is necessary to close the room for a couple of days.
It is unsafe to treat a midge-infested plantation with insecticides. Some of the chemicals remain in the mushrooms in any case. In addition, they significantly inhibit the growth of mycelium and have a detrimental effect on yield.
Signs of intoxication
Some time after consuming harmful products, a person notices a deterioration in health.
The course of the disease and its severity depends on the reasons that provoked it. It is important to recognize the signs of mushroom poisoning in time. How long does it take for symptoms of the disease to appear? Consumption of oyster mushrooms containing toxic substances provokes a deterioration in health after 2-3 hours if they were improperly prepared. A person experiences the following symptoms:
- Sudden and sharp rise in temperature.
- Feeling of nausea, bouts of vomiting.
- Loose and frequent stools.
- Dehydration, which is accompanied by fainting, a feeling of thirst, and convulsions. This ailment indicates a severe form of intoxication. It occurs against a background of intense vomiting and diarrhea. If dehydration occurs, the patient requires immediate medical attention.
Video: a clear example of oyster mushroom
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The effect of botulinum toxin on the body
The most dangerous is considered to be intoxication caused by the penetration of such a microbe into a mushroom dish. This occurs if the rules for preparing oyster mushrooms before preservation are not followed. The impact of bacteria on the body is dangerous because it can lead to complications in the form of dysfunction of the liver, myocardium, and urinary system. If a person becomes ill with botulism, the following symptoms join the signs of poisoning:
- Severe discomfort in the abdominal area.
- Decreased vision. The patient's vision is blurry and spots flash before his eyes.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Pain in the muscles.
Preparation
Selecting the most beautiful mushrooms is an important part of the work. Now we have candidates for freezing. If they look good before they are placed in the chamber, they will look good after.
Algorithm of actions:
- Rinse and place on a towel to drain.
- Cut into neat slices. Let it dry a little more.
- Transfer to a baking sheet or cutting board and place in the freezer for 4 hours. This is necessary so that the mushrooms do not stick together into one large piece.
All that remains is to package the finished semi-finished product. It can be taken out at any time and used for its intended purpose. That is, consumed raw, boiled or baked. In any case, it will delight you with excellent taste.
Other harmful effects
Oyster mushrooms that grew in poor environmental conditions provoke the following manifestations of intoxication:
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Increased sleepiness.
- Feeling of pressure and discomfort in the head and back of the head.
Intoxication also occurs if toadstools, fly agarics or other dangerous varieties get into the dish. Even a small amount of poison can make you feel worse. In such a situation, symptoms of mushroom poisoning will also inevitably appear. How long does it take for signs to appear? Oyster mushrooms that are accidentally mixed with a poisonous product provoke the onset of illness within 24 hours after consumption. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are accompanied by visions and auditory hallucinations. This is due to the effects of toxins contained in dangerous mushrooms.
The most common oyster mushrooms
The most common types of oyster mushrooms include:
- Pulmonary. The diameter of the cap reaches 15 cm. The color is light gray in the young fruit body and yellowish in the old one. Fan shape. The stem is short and matches the color of the cap. The mushrooms are meaty and have a pleasant aroma. This species is edible and very tasty. They usually grow on deciduous trees in forests or park areas. They bear fruit from July to September.
- Royal. This is a delicious type of these mushrooms, hence the name. The cap is small in size - 4-13 cm. Young mushrooms are white with a red or gray tint, and old ones become yellow. The leg is small - up to 4 cm. The plates are not densely located. The pulp is dense and fleshy. The taste is light with pleasant mushroom notes. Such oyster mushrooms grow in the steppe zone, which distinguishes them from all other species. They bear fruit in the first half of autumn.
- Autumn. The hat (length about 12 cm, width - 6 cm) looks like the shape of an ear. The color is gray and darkens as the mushroom grows. The pulp is white and aromatic. The plates are also white. The leg is short, dense and slightly drooping. You can see such mushrooms on stumps and deciduous trees. They usually live in mixed forests. They bear fruit from August to December. Edible mushrooms.
- Horn-shaped. The mature cap of the fruiting body has a horn-shaped shape measuring 4-13 cm. The color is white or yellow, but as it matures it becomes brown. The leg is very short, about 1 cm long. It comes in a milky or gray shade. The plates are light and sparsely located. The pulp is fleshy, aromatic and tight. They prefer to grow on aspens, birches, oaks, rowan trees or maples. They bear fruit from May to September.
- Oak. The cap has a convex semicircular or oval shape with wavy edges, up to 10 cm in size. In a mature mushroom, it becomes concave. The color is cream or yellow. The leg is short and cylindrical. The plates are densely located. Their color matches the color of the cap. The pulp has a light sweetish aroma, but is hard and dense. This type of oyster mushroom grows on deciduous trees in temperate climates. Fruits in the second half of summer and early autumn.
Stages of the disease
So, experts give a positive answer to the question of whether you can be poisoned by oyster mushrooms. Symptoms of the disease appear gradually. 1-4 hours after eating the product, a slight malaise occurs. This is the stage of hidden intoxication. Then signs are observed indicating disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
This condition usually lasts from 5 to 8 hours. After this stage, temporary improvement occurs. However, experts say that it is imaginary. In severe cases, death as a result of complications of intoxication occurs on the 2-3rd day of illness. Therefore, it is necessary to provide assistance to the person as quickly as possible. And it is better to consult a doctor in time to avoid dangerous consequences.
Advantages of the method
Currently, there are many different ways to prepare mushrooms for future use at home. But freezing remains the most popular. Thanks to this method, you can preserve the natural aroma and special taste of mushrooms, and also not damage their natural structure, which is especially important for oyster mushrooms.
It is about them that will be discussed further. When you collect a large number of mushrooms, or you manage to buy them at a good price, then knowledge of how to freeze fresh oyster mushrooms will be more useful than ever.
Frozen, such a product can be sent for storage for a period of 6 to 12 months , depending on its initial processing. They will be a kind of semi-finished product, which can later be used to prepare first and second courses, as an ingredient for filling pizza, pies and pancakes, as well as for preparing pates, etc.
Ways to combat intoxication at home
If symptoms of the disease occur, it is important to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of harmful substances. To do this, gastric and intestinal lavage is performed. A person needs to be given 1-2 liters of clean water and vomited.
The procedure is repeated until the contents of the gastrointestinal tract become transparent. An enema is used to cleanse the intestines. However, it is prohibited to use it in the presence of severe diarrhea. In this case, the procedure can lead to severe dehydration. The victim needs to take activated charcoal or a drug that helps rid the body of toxic substances (Enterosgel, Smecta, Polysorb). To prevent dehydration, you should drink plenty of fluids (water with honey and lemon juice, a decoction of dried fruits, still mineral water). You need to drink often, but in small portions. If mushroom poisoning, symptoms and signs of the disease are accompanied by fever, the patient is recommended to take antipyretic tablets (Nurofen, Aspirin).
First aid for poisoning with hanger mushrooms
First aid measures comply with the protocol recommended for food poisoning:
- Gastric lavage in order to eliminate toxins and remnants of the eaten product that did not have time to penetrate the bloodstream.
- Taking sorbents (activated or white carbon, Regidron, etc.). If such drugs are not present in your home medicine cabinet, skip this item.
- Drink plenty of water in the form of still water, compotes and tea. You can prepare a drink that normalizes the balance of electrolytes in the body: 1 tsp. honey and 5 drops of lemon juice per glass of water.
- Conducting a cleansing enema.
It is important, after a person’s well-being improves, to organize a diet for him lasting several days. Dishes in the diet should be easily digestible with a minimum of fat.
If symptoms of intoxication progress, the situation may be related to botulism. First aid for oyster mushroom poisoning in this case is ineffective, the patient requires urgent hospitalization. You cannot hesitate to contact a doctor - the effect of anti-botulinum serum is effective only in the first 3 days after food poisoning.
How to avoid intoxication?
Prevention of the disease consists of observing the following rules:
- Collecting mushrooms in places with good environmental conditions.
- Buy oyster mushrooms in trusted stores.
- Compliance with the rules of preparation and heat treatment of products.
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to be poisoned by oyster mushrooms, in some situations, is affirmative. However, those who follow simple recommendations manage to avoid the disease. If intoxication does occur, it is important to remember first aid measures. If your condition suddenly worsens, you should call a doctor.
Prevention
Mushroom poisoning can be avoided by taking precautions before consuming them. Let's list the main points:
- collect mushrooms in natural conditions strictly under the supervision of an experienced person;
- do not eat or taste raw oyster mushrooms;
- do not eat the product if there are signs that it has deteriorated, for example, a white coating has formed on the oyster mushrooms, there are moldy areas on the cap and legs, there is a foreign smell, etc.;
- the preparation of homemade mushroom preparations should be carried out in compliance with canning technology and the cleanliness of the containers used;
- You should purchase ready-made canned mushrooms only from trusted retail outlets, taking into account their expiration date and storage conditions, the integrity of the jar, and the transparency of the brine.
Unfortunately, sometimes it is not possible to avoid poisoning. If the initial symptoms of intoxication develop, you must immediately provide first aid to the person and consult a doctor.
How to cook oyster mushrooms for future use. Solyanka with oyster mushrooms: step-by-step recipe
What could be tastier than homemade hodgepodge? It turns out that this dish can be prepared for future use. You can use canned solyanka as a quick snack, take it with you to work, simply heat it up and serve with potatoes.
To preserve hodgepodge at home you need:
- white cabbage – 1-2 heads (5 kilograms);
- onion – 1 kilogram;
- boiled mushrooms – 3 kilograms;
- tomato sauce or paste – 500 milliliters;
- sweet red, orange pepper – 8-10 pieces;
- carrots – 1 kilogram;
- granulated sugar – 200 grams;
- fine salt – 0.5 cups;
- sunflower oil – 2 cups;
- spices (laurel, allspice) – 5-6 pieces;
- vinegar – 15 grams;
- purified water – 1.5 cups.
Preparing the hodgepodge:
- Wash the mushrooms in advance, cut into arbitrary pieces and boil in salted water.
- Transfer the finished mushrooms to a colander.
- Chop all the cabbage, carrots, onions and peppers into a large saucepan.
- Mix everything well.
- Pour tomato sauce, water, oil into the vegetables and add salt, granulated sugar and spices.
- Simmer the prepared vegetables for about 1.5 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add boiled mushrooms to the vegetable mixture and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- 10 minutes before the dish is ready, add vinegar and continue simmering.
- Pre-wash the jars, sterilize and cool.
- Place the prepared hodgepodge into dry, sterile jars.
- Seal the jars and send them under the “fur coat”.
- Store the workpiece in a cold basement.
The specified quantity of products yields 9 liter jars of delicious hodgepodge.
After defrosting
The mushrooms go away very quickly. Therefore, you need to take them out immediately before use. First, move it to the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, and only then feel free to add it to the salad. At the same time, the mushrooms completely retain their structure, taste and beneficial properties. They are no worse than those just collected, as reviews say. The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms depend on the quality of the product and its quantity. Don't forget that a large portion of rough fiber can lead to constipation, bloating and intestinal problems. It is best to consult a gastroenterologist.
Interesting Facts
Fungi that live on trees are wood destroyers. This is due to the fact that their mycelium is located in the middle of the wood, which entails the destruction of its composition.
On dead trees, oyster mushrooms perform a very useful function. It turns out that they clear the forest of dry trunks and branches, turning them into dust, which over time forms fertile soil. These are natural orderlies, without whom the entire earth would be covered with the remains of old wood. By clearing the forest, they enable young trees to grow.
Oyster mushrooms have long gained popularity among lovers of tasty mushrooms. If you prepare them correctly, they become a real delicacy, and the beneficial properties of this product will replenish your body with essential vitamins and substances.
