How to recognize the purple rowan mushroom and its description (+20 photos)

Mushrooms

The purple rowan is a gill-shaped mushroom from the genus Lepista in the family Riachoideae. It is also known as the naked Lepista. Because of its distinctive color, these mushrooms are often feared for picking, but in vain. Purple rowan mushrooms have a wonderful taste and an indescribable aroma, making dishes made with them an instant highlight.

Characteristic features of the species

The purple rowan mushroom is a conditionally edible mushroom. This species has its own unique characteristics, which can be learned by examining the photo and reading the detailed description. The rowan mushroom's distinctive features are quite striking and allow for almost unmistakable identification in the forest.

Appearance and photo

This species of rowan has a very striking appearance:

purple or lilac cap;
the same color of the plate;
light purple leg.

Lepista mushrooms grow to a medium size. The cap diameter ranges from 6 to 15 cm, and the stem diameter ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. The mushroom reaches a height of 8 cm.

Species differences and structure

Distinctive features of the mushroom:

The cap is flat, slightly convex, with uneven edges. The texture is dense and fleshy. Young fruits have a rich purple color. As they mature, the cap turns pale purple with a brown tint.
Mushroom cap
The stem is smooth, even, and fibrous. It is cylindrical in shape, thickening at the base. In young rowan mushrooms, the stem is solid, but as they mature, cavities appear. Under the cap, there is a light, flake-like coating. A purple pubescence is visible at the base of the stem.
Rowing stem
The gills are initially purple, but over time they acquire a lilac-gray hue. They are numerous, vary in size, and are loosely attached.
The flesh is fleshy, dense, and firm. It becomes softer as it ages. In young specimens, it is grayish-purple in color; in older specimens, it becomes creamy. When damaged, the flesh emits a persistent aniseed scent.

Place of distribution

Purple lepistas are very common in temperate climates. They grow in forests and stands of all types, but prefer the following trees:

fir trees;
hornbeams;
pine trees;
ate.

Lepistes grow well in coniferous and deciduous humus. They prefer open areas for colonization. The purple rowan grows in the European part of Russia, Siberia, and the Far East. It is widespread throughout Ukraine, North America, and China.

Edible or inedible

Officially, the rowan mushroom is classified as conditionally edible. This means it can only be eaten after proper preparation, following all cooking guidelines, namely, boiling it for 20 minutes in salted water. This will not only prevent gastrointestinal upset but also eliminate the mushroom's distinctive putrid smell and taste.

When and how to collect correctly?

Lepist mushrooms grow in large groups, creating densely populated clearings. Nearby, you'll always find smoky talkers. The first specimens appear in early September. Mushrooms can be picked right up until the first frost.

Collect mushrooms away from highways and industrial sites. In such areas, rowan mushrooms become toxic due to their ability to absorb industrial waste. It's best to pick them early in the morning, as this is when the mushrooms are most visible.

Separate the mushrooms from the mushroom patch using a sharp tool. Never break the mushrooms. Damaged myceliums can no longer bear fruit and die.

Useful properties and restrictions on use

This type of mushroom differs from its closest relatives by containing a large amount of the following beneficial substances:

vitamins B1 and B2;
manganese;
zinc;
copper.

Interesting!

Rows contain stearic acid and ergosterol, substances that are very beneficial for humans.

Components of the mushroom are used in traditional medicine. They are included in some antibiotics and antifungal agents. This species of mushroom is used to lower glucose levels in the body. Preparations based on the mushroom are used to control hypoglycemia. The mushroom is known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Tricholoma mushrooms have a positive effect on the human gastrointestinal tract. However, people with chronic gastrointestinal conditions should consume them with caution. Similarly, people with chronic liver and kidney disease should also exercise caution. Expectant and nursing mothers, as well as children under 3 years of age, are advised not to consume tricholoma mushrooms.

Differences from false, inedible mushrooms

Despite its distinctive appearance, the purple rowan mushroom is easily confused with other mushrooms. Lookalikes can be identified by the following criteria, described in the table.

Species name	Distinguishing features	Category
Lepista lilac-legged (Bluefoot)	White-lilac color of the cap. Distribution in subtropical climate conditions.	Conditionally edible
Lepista Violata	Pinkish-brown cap with a dark center. Convex cap. Violet scent of the pulp.
Lakovitsa Lilovaya	Small size. Convex cap. Pale lilac color. Rare records. Purple-lilac shade of the pulp.
Cortinaria Violet	Convex cap with curled edges. Dark purple color. Rare records. Nutty smell of the pulp.
Cortinaria purpurea	Bell-shaped cap. Lilac-silver or pale lilac color. Presence of remains of mushroom ring. The flesh turns brown at the break. The smell of mold.	Inedible
Goat's webcap	A hat with rolled-up edges. Tuberous thickenings on the stem. Presence of remains of mushroom ring. A pungent smell of acetylene.
Mycena Pure	Small size. Conical cap. Pale grey or pale brown colour. Translucent edges. The presence of an ornament on the cap. Pale gray flesh color. Juice flows out from the site of damage. A sharp unpleasant smell.

The purple edible fruit has a unique quality that aids in identification. When the flesh is cut, it takes on a purple hue at the site of injury.

Recipes and cooking features

Lepista mushrooms are prepared in a variety of ways. They can be fried, dried, boiled, pickled, and salted. They are also used to make various appetizers and side dishes. Before cooking, the mushrooms must be prepped.

Processing

The procedure for processing lepist includes the following steps:

Sorting. The fruits do not combine with other types, so they need to be prepared separately.
Cleaning by scraping. A lot of debris often accumulates on the surface and in the plates, which is easier to remove before the rinsing procedure.
Soaking. Compliance with this step is essential. The lepists are soaked in salt water for several hours. The water should be changed at least once.
Washing. At this stage, rinse the mushrooms thoroughly under running water. It's advisable to use a brush.
Boiling. Before use, lepista must be boiled for 20-45 minutes.

Failure to follow any instructions for handling mushrooms may result in stomach upset or food poisoning.

Recipe options

Battered lepista is a divine dish that everyone should try. To prepare it, you'll need the following ingredients:

mushrooms – 0.5 kg;
chicken eggs – 3 pcs.;
flour – 1.5 tbsp;
breadcrumbs – 1.5 tbsp;
salt and pepper – to taste;
sunflower oil for frying.

First, prepare the batter: beat 3 eggs with a whisk until smooth, then add flour, salt, and pepper. Dip the prepared lepistahs one at a time into the batter and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Place the mushrooms in a hot frying pan with oil and fry on both sides. Serve the dish either hot or cold. It can be eaten as an appetizer or a main course.

Another undoubtedly royal dish is stewed lepista. To prepare it, you'll need the following ingredients:

ordinary soldiers - 0.5 kg;
onions – 2-3 pcs.;
carrots – 2 pcs.;
sour cream – 200 g;
salt and pepper to taste;
sunflower oil for frying.

Sauté the onions and carrots until golden brown. Place the prepared ryadovka mushrooms in a saucepan and pour sour cream over everything, adding spices. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Serve the lepistas as a side dish. Eat hot.

Answers to frequently asked questions

The purple lepista is a very unusual species, which is why it raises many questions. Below is a selection of the most frequently asked questions about the purple lepista, along with answers.

Can you use the broth of rowan mushrooms to prepare first courses?

Do not use the decoction of rowan mushrooms as food. It may cause stomach upset or food poisoning.

How to boil mushrooms so that they don’t darken?

To prevent the mushrooms from darkening during cooking and to preserve their attractiveness, a pinch of citric acid is added to the water.

Is it possible to grow it at home?

The purple variety, like other rowan mushrooms, can be grown indoors. The cultivation technology is very similar to that of champignons.

Purple rowan mushrooms are a uniquely colored mushroom with a pleasant flavor and aroma. Despite being classified as conditionally edible, they are widely used in cooking. Furthermore, rowan mushrooms contain a wealth of beneficial substances essential for human health and vital functions.