Medicinal properties of the ram mushroom and its description (+21 photos)

Mushrooms

Russia's forests are rich in various mushroom species. Besides the popular tubular mushrooms, you can find mushrooms here that are unusual in appearance but just as tasty as the familiar ones. The ram's-head mushroom, dancing mushroom, maitake, dense-leaved polypore, crispa grifola, and leafy polypore are all names for the same mushroom. It has a rather unusual appearance, but is also quite edible and very beneficial.

Characteristic features of the variety

The ram mushroom is unlike other mushrooms. It has numerous fan-shaped caps on short stalks that form a bush. It will delight mushroom pickers with its weight, which can reach up to ten kilograms, and its diameter can reach 80 cm.

Appearance of the ram mushroom

The photo and description of this mushroom provide a complete picture of its unusual structure. The body resembles a multitude of fused mushrooms, the caps of which resemble leaves with jagged edges. The stalks, however, are clearly visible, fused into a dense, gray-green bush.

Morphology

Maitake is sometimes confused with other similar species, so it is important to pay attention to its external and internal characteristics:

the body of the mushroom consists of a large number of small thin caps, which are attached to small legs and connected into one whole, smoothly branching;
The cap is fleshy and leathery to the touch, the edges are uneven and wavy. It is grayish-green on top and white underneath;
Mushroom in cross section
The mushroom has light-colored flesh; it breaks easily, has a pronounced mushroom aroma and a nutty flavor;
The spores appear as a white powder.

Distribution in Russia and other countries

Where this unusual and rare species grows, deciduous trees are most common. It is commonly found in China, Japan, Korea, and the northeastern United States. In Russia, it is found exclusively in the Far East and the Volga region; mushroom pickers sometimes find it in the Urals.

Consumption

This variety is most often consumed young, before the flesh has darkened. Mature fruits no longer have such a pleasant flavor, although they pose no harm in themselves. It belongs to the fourth category of edible mushrooms, so it is not recommended to add it to food raw, but should be boiled first.

Experienced mushroom pickers dry the ram's-head mushroom, then grind it into powder and use it as a flavorful seasoning that pairs perfectly with fish dishes, meat, salads, and broths. It's generally not used as a stand-alone dish, but added to soups or used to make delicious sauces.

Rules and meeting places

The ram's tongue mushroom grows in broadleaf forests, found on stumps or near the base of trees. These are most commonly found on oak, maple, and linden trees. They are rarely found near chestnut and hornbeam trees. The best time to collect dancing mushrooms is August and September. They should be collected carefully, trimming the bottom with a sharp knife.

Attention!

It is worth remembering that this mushroom is very fragile.

Types and their descriptions with photos

The ram mushroom has several varieties:

A relative of the maitake is the Sparassis crispa, also known as the cabbage mushroom. Young mushrooms are whitish, while very mature specimens turn yellow. They weigh several kilograms. They grow primarily at the roots of pine trees, with dense, curly branches and a stem that extends deep into the soil. They have white flesh with a distinctive aroma.

Useful properties and restrictions on use

Even cooked ram's mango mushroom offers significant health benefits. Its positive effects on the heart, blood vessels, and immune system are due to its ability to improve circulation and metabolism.

Today, many traditional healers use it to treat migraines and other headaches, as well as fatigue. Powders and ointments made from the ram's tongue mushroom are used in cosmetology to address dermatological issues, rejuvenate, and improve skin tone.

Important to know!

It is not advisable to include this mushroom in the diet of small children and adults with gastrointestinal diseases due to the excessive chitin content in the product.

Nutritional value

The mushroom contains:

riboflavin;
pantothenic acid;
thiamine;
pyridoxine;
folic acid;
calciferol;
alpha-tocopherol.

This combination of vitamins makes the mushroom beneficial even during pregnancy. The presence of minerals—calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium—confirms its benefits in cardiology and cosmetology.

The high antioxidant and saturated fatty acid content has a beneficial effect on the health of the human blood vessels. Energy value:

Proteins 3.7 g.
Fat 1.7 g.
Carbohydrates 1.1 g.

Recipes and cooking features

Young mushrooms are considered the most delicious. Before preparing a mushroom dish, sort through them and clean them of sand and dirt. If there is any discoloration on the cap, discard it. Boil the mushrooms in salted water for about eight minutes.

The fruiting bodies can be stewed with onions, like meat, for only fifteen minutes. This dish is considered a delicacy and is very aromatic and delicious. You can also make a delicious soup with ram's tongue mushrooms.

For the soup you will need:

three hundred grams of curly grifola;
seven potatoes;
one head of onion;
one carrot;
one glass of flour;
two fresh chicken eggs;
two tablespoons of sunflower oil;
dill, parsley;
salt and pepper to taste.

First, prepare the pasta. Place half a cup of flour, half a teaspoon of salt, and two eggs on a cutting board. Knead the dough, divide it into small pieces, and let it dry slightly. Clean, rinse, and chop the mushrooms. Cook them in salted water for about an hour.

Medicinal properties

The mushroom's regenerative and immune-boosting properties are beneficial for wounds, burns, and ulcers that can persist for a long time. To prepare the medicine, the fruiting body must be dried and then ground into a powder. The mixture is applied to the damaged skin area.

It is known that the medicinal properties of the mushroom contribute to:

fight against excess weight;
increasing immunity;
suppression of tumor processes.

To prepare a medicinal tincture from the ram's tongue mushroom, take three cups of powdered mushrooms and add vodka. Pour the liquid into an airtight glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks. This remedy is taken one to three teaspoons two or three times a day, half an hour before meals. The course can last up to four months, once a year.

Grifola crispa oil promotes the breakdown of fats and their elimination from the body. To prepare the remedy, take three tablespoons of crushed mushroom and pour in two and a half cups of olive oil. Pack the mixture tightly and airtight and store in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. After 14 days, the remedy is ready. You can take up to three teaspoons three times a day, half an hour before meals, for three months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1kkNvVZ8AY

Powdered ram's tongue mushroom can be used as a preventative measure against various illnesses. Two grams of crushed dried mushroom are steeped in 200 milliliters of boiled water. The resulting liquid is left to steep for eight hours. The mixture is divided into three doses and consumed in small sips before meals. The course of treatment lasts no more than three months.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it true that the ram mushroom is listed in the Red Book?

Yes, this mushroom is endangered. It's a rare species with a very limited range, so collecting it is prohibited.

Is this mushroom eaten raw?

No, this mushroom cannot be eaten raw, as it is classified in the fourth edibility group of mushrooms, meaning it can only be eaten after heat treatment.

What happens if you eat an old ram's mushroom?

Consuming old ram mushrooms can exacerbate gastrointestinal problems. Excessive quinine accumulation can cause bowel problems.

The ram's tongue mushroom is unusual, delicious, and incredibly healthy, but quite rare. Finding one in the forest is incredibly lucky. However, it's worth remembering that it's listed in the Red Book, so resist the temptation to put one in your basket.