Description of mouse mushrooms and what they look like (+33 photos)?

Mushrooms

The mouse mushrooms growing in Crimea are less popular than the well-known and widespread wild mushrooms. However, they are highly prized by experienced mushroom pickers for their unique flavor.

They are known by different names in different regions: ryadovka, serushka, podzelenka, and podsosnovnik. Currently, there are approximately two thousand representatives of this species. Mouse mushrooms growing in Crimea can vary in color. They can be white, gray, or purple, with darker or lighter shades.

Characteristic features of mice

The Ryadovka (Ryadovka) is a gill-shaped mushroom belonging to the family of the same name. Members of this group most often inhabit sandy soil within coniferous or mixed forests at the base of tree stumps. They can also be found in artificial plantings, gardens, and parks. Their fruiting period is from August to October. Early-ripening mushrooms have lighter-colored caps.

Appearance and photo

Adult mice are characterized by a dark gray cap 10-12 cm in diameter with a small tubercle in the center and a fibrous, light-colored stalk with a yellowish tint, 2 cm thick and 8 cm high. Long dark stripes extend from the center to the periphery of the cap. Its edges are slightly wavy and cracked. Under the cap are wide, thick plates that taper at the edges.

The photo shows the distinctive features of the variety.

Structure and species differences

The cap has two layers: an upper layer covered by an outer crust, and a lower layer formed by numerous, sparse, wide gills. As they age, these gills change color from white to gray with yellow spots. They accumulate white spore powder. The spores themselves are colorless and ovoid. The flesh takes on a yellow tint when broken.

Distribution areas: Crimea, Mariupol, Novorossiysk and others

Until recently, it was believed that mouse mushrooms grew exclusively in the south. They were most often found in Crimea, Mariupol, and Novorossiysk in coniferous and mixed forests and plantings among needles or leaves. This species grows in rows or groups near pine trees, forming mycorrhiza with them. It bears fruit from late summer until the first frost. Today, it is known that this mushroom grows throughout the temperate climate zone. It is even found in Western Siberia.

Consumption

There are edible, inedible, and poisonous mushrooms. The gray rowan mushroom has excellent flavor. It can be dried, salted, pickled, and even cooked (boiled or fried). Both young and mature mushrooms are suitable for eating, as long as they don't taste bitter.

Are there any differences between Crimean mice and other gray mice?

The humid, warm climate of Crimea and Novorossiysk provides the best habitat for these little mice. These mushrooms thrive in soil rich in moss and decaying fallen leaves.

Interesting!

Unlike other species, mouse mushrooms are considered the latest mushrooms to be harvested, even at the first frost.

Rules and meeting places

Mice tolerate low temperatures well. They can even be found under the snow. Crimean mushroom pickers recommend looking for them in the vicinity of Sevastopol, the village of Kolchugino, and among the mountain forests of Ai-Petri and Demerdzhi. The Bakhchisaray district is renowned for its abundance of mushroom species.

To avoid damaging the mycelium, carefully cut the mushrooms with a sharp knife. It's best to collect them in a wicker basket, as they spoil faster in plastic bags. Avoid rotten, wormy, or suspicious-looking rowan mushrooms to avoid food poisoning.

Types of mice in Crimea and their descriptions

Ryadovka is the name of a whole genus of mushrooms, most of which are edible. The following species can be distinguished:

earthy;
gray;
gigantic;
May;
shod;
crowded.

The earthy rowan is characterized by a smooth, cone-shaped, light-brown cap with a central tubercle, which sits on a light, curved stem. It bears fruit only in August among pine forests.

The gray rowan mushroom has a rounded cap, dark gray with a purple tint, which flattens as it matures, with a small bump in the center. As the mushroom matures, its surface becomes smoother and cracks appear. The flesh turns yellow where broken. This species grows inside pine forests. It can be found from early September until frost.

The giant rowan is characterized by its large size. The spherical, light-brown cap, which flattens as it grows, reaches 20 cm in diameter. The firm, light-colored stem with a yellow underside has a distinct mushroom aroma. It bears fruit from August to September in mixed and pine forests.

The May variety has a reddish, straight stem and a convex cap when mature. The fleshy, light-colored pulp is characterized by a distinct, floury aroma and flavor. Fruiting occurs from April to June.

The Matsutake mushroom is distinguished by its wide, silky, brownish cap. Mature mushrooms are characterized by cracks revealing light-colored flesh, which has a distinct mushroom flavor and spicy aroma. This variety grows in pine and mixed forests during the first two months of autumn.

The "cluchennaya" mushroom is distinguished by its growth as fused, grayish fruiting bodies with rounded caps and concave edges. The firm, brown flesh has a starchy aroma and a distinct mushroom flavor. It grows in early autumn in mixed forests, parks, and near roads.

The difference between mice and false, inedible mushrooms

Among the many species of Tricholoma, there are some dangerous and poisonous mushrooms. An inexperienced mushroom picker can easily confuse them with edible mice, so it's important to be attentive and vigilant, paying attention to external signs.

The most similar specimen is the pointed rowan, which is distinguished by a sharp, pronounced tubercle in the center of the cap.

The earthy-gray rowan is distinguished by a unique cover on young specimens, which disintegrates over time.

The Gulden rowan prefers to grow in loamy soils among spruce trees, so when visiting spruce forests, you need to be extremely careful not to confuse it with edible mushrooms.

The main external signs that all mushroom pickers should look for when identifying bad fruiting bodies are a foul odor, a bitter taste, and a uniform white cap. Some poisonous mushrooms have characteristic spots. Edible mushrooms have dark or light-colored fruiting bodies, and beneath the cap are deep yellow gills, similar to the mushroom flesh.

Useful properties of mice and restrictions on consumption

These mushrooms are a treasure trove of vitamins, protein, minerals, unique amino acids, and other beneficial substances. Furthermore, they have pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Thanks to their composition, they help strengthen the immune system, improve heart function, normalize blood pressure, and prevent the development of tuberculosis and cancer. They have a positive effect on digestion, strengthen blood vessels, cleanse the liver, activate the brain, and normalize blood sugar levels.

Remember!

Collecting mice in contaminated areas can lead to poisoning. Old mushrooms are especially dangerous, as they accumulate toxic substances from the soil and air.

Recipes and cooking features

Young mice have a more pronounced flavor. They can be boiled, fried, salted, marinated, and used in stuffing, sauces, and salads.

Before cooking, it's recommended to peel the caps and rinse them thoroughly several times. Boil them in lightly salted water for 20 minutes. Fried mice go well with meat, vegetables, eggs, and various side dishes. Some mushrooms can be used to make delicious caviar.

Marinating them is quite simple, following this recipe:

First, boil, skimming off the foam.
Place the mushrooms inside the jars, adding bay leaves, cloves, and allspice.
Prepare a marinade from water (0.5 l), sugar (1 tsp), salt (2 tbsp) and vinegar (5 tbsp).
Pour boiling marinade over the mushroom preparation and cover with a lid.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Why are mushrooms called mice?

They got their name from their velvety, grey, mouse-coloured cap.

What are the first signs of poisoning?

The first warning signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating and salivation, headache, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, pulmonary edema may occur.

What smell do baby mice have?

These mushrooms have virtually no smell or a subtle earthy odor that is pleasant to many mushroom pickers.

Despite their inconspicuous appearance, mice have become very popular among "silent hunters" due to their excellent taste and ease of preparation. Furthermore, their consumption is beneficial for the human body.