Content
The mushroom world is diverse. Types of edible mushrooms are represented not only by classic specimens of the family, but also by unusual varieties, the appearance of which may seem strange. Curly sparassis at first glance does not look like a mushroom, but upon close examination, it reveals all the characteristic features.
Where does curly sparassis grow
Curly sparassis was named mushroom cabbage for its external resemblance to a head of cauliflower. This fungus belongs to the class of parasites, that is, fungi that survive by attaching to trees. The mycelium of the culture is intertwined with the root system of the tree, gradually feeding on nutrients. After several settlements, the tree begins to collapse from the inside, it hurts with red rot.
Young Sparassis curly mushrooms can grow on fresh stumps. Usually they are attached to the bark of a tree due to the structural features. They grow on the territory of the middle European part of Russia, they are found on the territory of Siberia and warm regions of the Far East. Outside the country, places of growth of curly sparassis are found in Georgia, the Baltic States, and Belarus.
What does curly sparassis look like?
Mycologists describe in detail curly sparassis, mentioning secondary names: "hare cabbage", "mushroom cabbage", "ram", "curly angelica":
- Fruiting body... It is a cluster of curly blades that form a ball or ellipse. Mycologists compare the body shape of a fungus to an overgrown coral. The processes that cover the fruiting body may have a wavy or dissected edge. The mushroom grows to a maximum height of 20 cm, its diameter can vary from 6 to 30 cm. The maximum weight of the mushroom is 10 kg. The blades are white at the initial stages of growth, but over time they become yellowish-brown.
- Leg... The diameter of the leg does not exceed 5 cm, its length is 10 - 15 cm. The main part is in the ground, only a few centimeters remain above the surface, so it is not easy to immediately notice it. The leg can be white or yellow, but it darkens noticeably over time.
- Pulp... Young mushrooms have a fragile, loose flesh; in adult specimens, it is hard and tough.
- Controversy... They are an ellipse of white or yellow hue, they can be rough to the touch, they are narrowed at the base.
Is it possible to eat curly sparassis
Sparassis belongs to the group of edible mushrooms. It is harvested for cooking soups, for adding to main courses, drying or drying. Its texture resembles the flesh of edible morels.
Young mushrooms are especially tasty.Adult sparassis become tough, lose their special taste characteristics, and are not recommended for use.
Mushroom taste
Young curly sparassis have a characteristic nutty flavor. However, they almost do not smell. When cooking, spices are not used, as they are able to kill the piquant taste. The nutty shade allows you to combine the flavors of curly sparassis with meat, fish and other seafood.
Benefits and harm to the body
Curly sparassis belongs to the Sparassaceae family. Despite the fact that it is considered a parasite in relation to the trees to which it attaches, it has a list of properties beneficial to the human body:
- has an antibacterial effect, provided that young specimens are consumed and minimal heat treatment is used;
- due to the content of acids and glycosides, it affects blood parameters, reducing the level of harmful cholesterol;
- unique substances contained in the composition contribute to the overall strengthening of immunity, increase the body's ability to produce macrophages.
The vitamins and minerals contained in the pulp and fruit body have an effect on strengthening the body. Among the trace elements, the content of potassium is increased. The group of macronutrients is represented by copper, selenium, zinc.
For the digestion of mushrooms in the human body, there must be enough special enzymes. This property is related to the activity of the liver and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the peculiarities of the effect on the body, curly sparassis is not recommended for those who have been diagnosed with gastritis or ulcers. Its use is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 12 years of age.
False doubles
Mushroom cabbage is similar to lamellar sparassis. It is a rarer species that also attaches to the bark of trees. Both varieties have some external similarities, but they are easy to distinguish:
Curly | Lamellar |
Grows on conifers. | Prefers oak bark. |
The edges are wavy. | Solid edges. |
The shade of the fruiting body can be light or creamy yellow. | The color of the fruit body is straw yellow. |
Collection rules
Mycologists compare the collection of curly sparassis with cutting flowers. From the surface of the tree, the mushroom is cut with a knife at an acute angle, trying not to damage the blades. If several copies are collected, they are laid side by side so that the caps do not have any places of contact. Full maturation of the mushroom occurs in August-September.
Use
Curly sparassis, or mushroom cabbage, is a delicious, healthy mushroom. When cooked correctly, it has a delicate nutty flavor that can be easily spoiled by adding bright spices.
Before you start cooking, curly sparassis is thoroughly washed from earthen traces. This is a long and laborious process, since the sparassis blades are located over the entire surface of the fruiting body, in layers on top of each other. For a complete cleaning, you need to check each of them.
It is customary to cook the first and second courses from the mushroom; it is combined with cheese, nuts and seafood. In addition, there are recipes for making mushroom powder, according to which mushroom cabbage is dried for several months, and then ground with a mortar.
Curly sparassis is boiled for at least 20 minutes. This helps to get rid of toxins and substances that negatively affect the intestinal microflora. When boiling, sea salt is used, but bay leaves or pepper are not added, so as not to interrupt the main taste. For boiling, the mushroom is cut into small pieces or the slices of the blades are broken off by hand, like a lettuce leaf. Before frying, the mushroom does not need additional boiling. The main condition before frying is thorough cleaning from dirt, drying.
Application in traditional medicine
Traditional medicine uses the properties of sparassis, which are officially recognized. The pharmaceutical industry is working with extracts of herbal products, adding them to creams for facial rejuvenation. Traditional medicine has collected recipes for the preparation of masks for the treatment of skin diseases.
In addition, the effectiveness of the use of the fungal component of sparassis curly in the elimination of oncological tumors at the stage of early development has been proven. This effect is due to the high antioxidant properties of the product.
Sparassol, which is one of the main elements in the product, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This property is used in the preparation of anti-cold and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Decoctions with the addition of oil are prepared for the treatment of viral hepatitis. The mushroom contains substances that have a beneficial effect on the activity of the liver, the production of bile.
Conservation status
Curly sparassis, which is rarely found in the wild, is listed in the Red Book as a rare and valuable organism. Mycologists warn that the illegal collection of sparassis is under the control of state authorities.
For consumption, curly sparassis is grown on special mushroom farms. The cultivation process is complicated by the creation of special conditions close to the natural habitat.
Conclusion
Curly sparassis is an edible mushroom with an unusual taste. The beneficial properties of mushroom cabbage make it in demand in folk and official medicine. Sparassis is rarely found in the wild, so it is listed in the Red Book. For the preparation of gourmet dishes, sparassis is grown using a special technique.
