Edible and Inedible Mushrooms

Cases of intoxication with inedible mushrooms have become more frequent in recent years, so we need to sound the alarm in this case.

Whether you buy them from the market from unauthorized sellers or pick them yourself, it is important to differentiate edible mushrooms from those that can harm you. It is not for nothing that some of them have been used successfully in assassinations.

Here's what you can enjoy quietly and what you should throw away right away!

How to differentiate edible mushrooms from inedible ones

Don't be fooled by the appearance of mushrooms. Sometimes the exact ones that look more interesting are a danger to your health and that of your loved ones. Therefore, do not be tempted by their special shapes and colors.

The stains on the hat are a sign that you should stay away from those species. Of course, the general appearance is not a valid feature for every species, but it is recommended to be guided by it.

Experts say that poisonous mushrooms do not change their appearance after cutting compared to edible ones that tend to oxidize.

Edible mushrooms

And the smell that these vegetables emit can be a good indication to show you if you have chosen edible mushrooms or if you have accidentally taken some that can hurt you.

Usually, those that you can eat quietly do not have an unpleasant odor. On the contrary, they resemble chestnuts, hazelnuts, or even flour.

Some people are guided by the fact that they see animals and insects around the mushrooms they pick, but not everything poisonous to us has the same effects on other living things.

For example, there are toxic fungi that do not have unpleasant effects on worms or snails. In addition, the guinea pig, a rodent known as the guinea pig, is immune to the effects of the Viper Sponge, one of the most dangerous species in our area.

If by chance, you know the names of certain mushrooms, you can be guided by this. For example, the Viper's Sponge, the Snake's Hat, the Devil's Boar, but also others with somewhat repulsive names, should not be found on your plate.

Discover below what the edible mushrooms look like, but also the inedible ones whose beauty you should only admire.

Among the best known edible mushrooms we list:

Champignon is one of the best-known species of mushrooms, is often used in the preparation of various recipes. These mushrooms are rich in selenium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc, so they should not be missing from your diet.

Mushrooms or manatees are edible wild mushrooms and are easily recognizable. They have thick white legs and a yellow-brown hat. You must not forget these characteristics if you go "mushroom hunting" when hiking through mountain forests.

Yellows are also known as yellow sponges or the crest of a rooster in certain areas. These mushrooms are among the most expensive in our country, given their aroma and taste that instantly turn them into a gastronomic delicacy.

The Pleurotus species is also known as the beech trout, although it grows on several types of wood trunks. The gastronomic qualities of these mushrooms are extremely appreciated, so they are often included in all kinds of dishes.

Among the most well-known toxic fungi we list:

The snake's hat (Amanita Muscaria) is also known as the Muscarita in certain areas of the country. It can be confused by name with an edible species, but the appearance is different, so red mushrooms are, in fact, the ones you should avoid. Experts say it can even attack the nervous system.

The viper sponge is known for its dangerous properties, as it is one of the most poisonous species of fungi, being considered deadly.

The panther sponge is also known as the mottled sponge. The effects of intoxication are downgraded to 1–4 hours after consumption, depending on the body of each person, but also on the amount ingested, and is manifested by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even delirium.

Cortinarius Arellanes is another species of fungus that you should avoid. It is not for nothing that some people call the "Madman's Hat". It has such strong effects that it can upset the kidneys.

The devil's mushroom or the gypsy's mushroom can produce strong digestive disorders shortly after eating, and the increasingly intense vomiting is one of the signs that indicate that you have consumed this poisonous mushroom.

Now that you understand the importance of distinguishing edible mushrooms from inedible ones, you will certainly be more careful when you buy them from the market or when you pick them yourself.