Content
The variety of mushrooms in the forest often complicates the search for edible specimens. The winter talker is one of the common species belonging to the Ryadovkov family, the Klitotsibe or Govorushka genus. The Latin name is Clitocybe brumalis. This representative of the mushroom kingdom is edible, but it also has poisonous counterparts, the differences from which are presented below.
Where winter talkers grow
The fruits can be found in coniferous forests, on a damp litter near trees. They grow in Europe, northern Africa, and southern America. In Russia, winter talkers are found in the Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East.
What winter talkers look like
Young fruits have a convex cap, over time it turns into a flat one, and then takes on a funnel shape. Its diameter does not exceed 5 cm. It is distinguished by a light color with pale tones. The shade can be uniform or with brown spots.
The stem of the fruit practically does not differ in color from the cap. Its height is up to 4 cm, and its diameter is up to 0.5 cm. The leg has an elongated shape. Spores are white and oval in shape.
Is it possible to eat winter talkers
Mushrooms are allowed to be eaten, but they do not taste good. Therefore, not everyone loves them. Usually used for preparing first and second courses.
Taste qualities of the winter govorushka mushroom
The pulp of this species is elastic, the aroma resembles a strong smell of raw flour or dust. The product is optionally dried, boiled and fried. Another winter talker can be salted, pickled and dried. These mushrooms have a bitter taste.
Benefits and harm to the body
Fruits are used as low-calorie foods, therefore they are found in many professional diets. The winter talker has the following valuable properties:
- Young caps contain a lot of B vitamins, macro- and microelements. They are rich in copper, zinc, manganese.
- The pulp removes toxins from the body.
- Since the product contains plant proteins, vitamins, fiber, amino acids and minerals, it reduces the risk of various ailments. Mushrooms help lower cholesterol. Taking them has a positive effect on the digestive system.
- In medicine, the antibacterial effect of the fruit is appreciated. Decoctions from them help to eliminate tuberculous manifestations. And the clithocybin present is used in drugs that treat epilepsy.
This is the property of all mushrooms. Therefore, you should not eat fruits harvested near industrial enterprises and roads. This can cause food poisoning.
False doubles
The winter talker has many similarities with related representatives:
Smoky (gray) differs in color
The hat is grayish in color. The height of the leg is 6-10 cm, the diameter of the cap is 5-15 cm. The smoky species contains a dangerous substance - nebularine, therefore the talkers are classified as poisonous.
Fragrant, odorous or aniseed
It has a bluish-green color, which differs from winter. Refers to edible specimens, but not everyone likes the strong smell.
Giant
Differs in large size. The diameter of the cap reaches 30 cm. This species is edible.
Collection rules
The winter talker is considered an autumn mushroom; it is harvested in September - October and lasts until the first frost. Usually there are many fruits in coniferous forests where spruce grows. This is a rare mushroom, so sometimes even a careful search does not lead to a rich harvest.
It is advisable to engage in quiet hunting in clean areas. During the collection of the winter talker, you need to study the find and check whether it definitely belongs to this species. If in doubt, the fruiting body is left in the forest.
Use
The winter talker is an edible mushroom. Before preparing dishes from them, the fruits should be carefully processed. This procedure does not take much time and consists in clearing of soil and debris. Then the fruit bodies are washed and boiled for 10 minutes in salt water. The liquid is drained and the mushrooms are placed in a colander. Allow the water to drain to remove excess moisture.
Boiled specimens can be eaten with cereals, salads, potatoes, meat dishes. Mushrooms are marinated in vinegar sauce. Some housewives prefer to fry and salt the fruits, but not everyone likes such dishes.
Conclusion
The winter talker rarely grows in the forests, so it will not be possible to collect a large harvest. It belongs to the edible species, but not everyone likes its rich aroma. The crop can be used for pickling, pickling. In order not to be mistaken when collecting, one should thoroughly examine the fruiting bodies on the spot. In case of any doubt, a suspicious copy is not taken to the basket.
