Description of the antler mushroom
The antler mushroom stands out with its unusual shape and color among other mushrooms. It got its name because its shape resembles deer antlers or sea corals.
Description of the deer horns mushroom
Description of the appearance of the mushroom
Reindeer horns are an edible mushroom. Its aerial part has many ramifications and small formations resembling spines 10-20 mm long. The width of its body is 20-30 cm. There are thin, brittle "ears". Of the parasites, only the wireworm harms him.
The color of the mushroom depends on the phase of its growth. Young antlers are light yellow in color; with age, it darkens and becomes bright orange. It doesn't have the usual mushroom smell.
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
As a species, the mushroom was described in 1755 by the French botanist Joseph de Tournefort. However, its scientific name is yellow ramaria (Ramaria flava), this species received only 133 g later in 1888 thanks to Lucien Kele, the founder of the French Mycological Society.
Coral mushrooms, to which this species belongs, are considered basidiomycetes. Their spores are formed on the entire surface of the fruiting body, tk. the spore-bearing layer is located on the outside.
Ramaria, aka deer horns, is found on the surface of the soil and on rotten wood or stumps in all types of forests. You can find fruiting bodies in August-September, with good weather until October. Among the many species, poisonous are not found, but there is a division into conditionally edible and edible. It is best to eat only young organisms because older mushrooms taste bitter.
Reindeer horns are harvested from August to October. They grow in small colonies so they are easy to harvest. Also, delicious first courses are obtained from this type of mushroom.
Mushroom species
The antler mushroom has several similar species:
- Serpentine horned: It is a white fungus of color, which acquires a light pink hue with age. Its branches reach a height of 15-20 cm, and a diameter of 10-15 cm.
- Coral bunch: its body has thick, thin white branches. The flesh is tender, but becomes more rigid with age.
- Horned purple: the mushroom is small in size, its body length is 10 cm, the diameter is 4-5 cm. There is no pronounced taste and smell.
- Horny golden yellow: has thick "branches" of light yellow color. Its collection begins in late August and early September.
- Horned crested horn: reaches a height of 5 cm. "Branches" have comb-like, sharp tips.
Beneficial features
The composition contains amino acids (methionine and tryptophan), as well as lipids, phytoagglutinin and sterol. The mushroom is often used in Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders and improve lung function.
It also has anti-tumor effects and strengthens the immune system. Reindeer horns are used in cosmetology to slow down the aging process.
The calorie content of the deer horns mushroom, or yellow ramaria, is 55 kcal per 100 g of product. Such a high calorie content allows it to be used in the preparation of various dishes. The mushroom is also perfect for a vegetarian menu.
Contraindications
This mushroom, like other types, has certain contraindications.These include:
- children under 12 years of age;
- pregnancy and lactation period;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- individual intolerance (allergy).
You should be careful when collecting, because it has inedible counterparts.
Before cooking, they should be thoroughly rinsed under running water. You should not pick these mushrooms near highways and large industrial enterprises.
Application
The mushroom is used for medicinal purposes
This type is often used in traditional medicine. It is used to prepare medicines for joints and cleansing the body of worms (flat, round, tapeworms).
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
Ramaria yellow, or deer horns, has found its application in cosmetology. Here it is used for anti-aging procedures. Its use in this area has been substantiated by its ability to retain moisture in the skin epithelium, which is significantly greater than the same property of glycerol and hyaluronic acid. Its natural polysaccharides deliver beneficial substances to the deep layers of the skin, and the vitamin D included in the composition becomes an activator of the metabolic process in the skin.
Also used in cooking. The cones are especially suitable for pickling and drying. They make delicious soups and mushroom caviar.
In cooking
Despite the fact that ramaria belongs to the 4th taste category due to its characteristic bitterness, young mushrooms are still used in cooking. However, only young specimens and bases are best suited for these purposes, since the "twigs" are bitter.
Fresh reindeer horns are washed, cut into small pieces and boiled.
It also makes delicious sauces and fillings for savory pastries. Ready-made deer horns taste like seafood or boiled chicken. The mushrooms brought from the forest are sorted out, where it is required - the lower part of the leg with pieces of turf is cut off. Washed and then boiled for 15-30 minutes in salted water. After that, the broth is drained and not used for other dishes.
For mushroom salad take:
- boiled mushrooms - 150 g;
- carrots - 150 g;
- small onion - 1 pc.;
- vinegar - 2 tablespoons;
- sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon;
- garlic - 2 cloves;
- salt, pepper, herbs to taste.
Finely chopped mushrooms are combined with carrots and garlic. Then salt, add pepper and herbs, season with vegetable oil, let it brew for 30 minutes. At this time, the onion is cut into rings, pickled and mixed with salad.
Pickled antlers have a particularly delicate taste. To prepare them, you need to take: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, black pepper and vegetable oil. Pickled horns resemble corals in their appearance.
First course recipe:
- mushrooms - 400 g;
- carrots - 150 g;
- potatoes - 400 g;
- hard cheese - 150 g;
- butter - 50 g;
- salt, pepper, herbs to taste.
Boil mushrooms for 30 minutes, cut into small pieces. Vegetables are also chopped and thrown into a saucepan.
Mushrooms, salt, pepper and herbs are added to the boiled vegetables and left on low heat for 15 minutes. Then add grated cheese and butter, if desired, add cream or sour cream sauce before use.
In medicine
To combat stomach ulcers, you can prepare a medicinal tincture according to the following recipe:
- Rinse 150 g of fresh mushrooms thoroughly, dry and refrigerate for 2 days.
- Cut the prepared mushrooms into small pieces and pour 500 ml of alcohol or high-quality vodka;
- Leave to infuse in a dark place for 30 days, then strain. After that, treatment is started.
With an ulcer, drink 1 tbsp. l. medications three times a day before meals. The treatment period lasts a month, then take a break for 14 days and repeat the course.
This medicine also helps with cancer of the throat, larynx, stomach and esophagus. In this case, take 1 tbsp. tinctures once a day. The treatment period lasts 2 months.
For inflammatory processes of the liver and pancreas, prepare the same tincture on wine. 150 g of mushrooms are soaked in 1 liter of Cahors.Insist in a warm place for a month and take 2 tbsp. once a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment lasts 14 days.
Conclusion
Antler mushrooms are among the most unusual of their kind. They are appreciated for their exotic shape and pleasant taste. Most often found on stumps and dry trees in coniferous forests.
It is often used in the preparation of various dishes. Also, this type of mushroom helps in the treatment of certain diseases. But you should be careful when collecting them, they may be confused with false representatives of this group of "deer horns".
