Mushrooms; are a delicacy around the world that can have many benefits, but they can also be very deadly.
Around spring and fall in North Idaho, hundreds of people go mushroom gathering.
Most of these people know exactly what mushroom they are looking for, but some people do not. This causes them to eat a mushroom that could be harmful and potentially deadly.
Some mushroom harvesters carry a book with them that provides them with the information necessary to see how a mushroom should taste, if it is poisonous or if it can cause potentially harmful side effects such as diarrhea and stomach pain.
These books can be very beneficial, however, some mushrooms may look the same. One mushroom can be editable and the other one that looks exactly like it is deadly.
For some people, mushroom gathering is a hobby, but for other people, it is a job on the side.
With some costs of mushrooms pushing $20 per pound and up, it is no wonder why some people decide to sell any mushrooms that they collect.
There are loads of mushrooms in Idaho.
In the springtime, some of the most common mushrooms to look for are the burn morels and spring Boletes.
The burnt morels are most noticeable by their dark and spongy top. They can be found around newly turned-up dirt where it has rained a decent amount. They are mostly found in later spring after it has rained a good amount.
Spring or king boletes are part of a huge family, with over 20 different kinds. However, less than half of them are editable. The king boletes are found in moist areas, but not soaking wet ground.
Mushrooms are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be added to a variety of dishes.
However, they also offer a wide range of health benefits that make them an excellent addition to any diet.
According to UCLA Health, here are some of the top health benefits of mushrooms:
- Boost Immune System: Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that help to stimulate the immune system. This can help to protect against illness and disease.
- Provide Antioxidants: Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress. This can help to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Promote Heart Health: Mushrooms are low in fat and calories, making them an excellent food for maintaining a healthy weight. They are also a good source of potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Support Brain Health: Mushrooms contain a variety of nutrients that are essential for brain health, including B vitamins, copper, and selenium. These nutrients can help to protect against cognitive decline and improve memory function.
- Improve Digestion: Mushrooms are rich in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and promote bowel regularity. They also contain prebiotics, which can help to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Overall, mushrooms are a nutrient-rich food that can offer a wide range of health benefits. Whether added to salads, soups, or stir-fries, they are a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal.
Mushrooms are a very versatile ingredient in a huge variety of foods around the world.
Adding Mushrooms to any meal is very beneficial to physical and mental health because they are such a nutrition-rich food.
Mushrooms in the wild come in an enormous amount of textures and tastes.
The lobster mushroom, a parasitic mushroom, is an orangish red-colored mushroom that gets its name from the taste that it is supposed to have. The mushroom is, as one could have guessed, supposed to taste like a lobster or some kind of seafood. They can commonly be found in areas that have had some sun exposure and with damp ground.
The taste makes the lobster mushroom a highly desirable fungus, running anywhere from 15 to 35 dollars a pound after being dried. Making them highly desirable for any dish.
The burn morels have a black spongy top that starts at a point and goes down to a cone shape. It then connects to the stem at a 90-degree angle. Burn Morels can be added to numerous amount of dishes where a rich nutty taste will enhance the dish.
Morel mushrooms are about 20 to 50 dollars a pound. This is due to the short growing period that they have. They also need very specific conditions to attain the perfect taste.
Before going out and picking random mushrooms out of the wilderness make sure these are some questions to think about and answer:
- What type of mushroom it is?
- Is it edible?
- What are the possible side effects of eating it?
- Are there other mushrooms that look very similar to it?
If you eat a mushroom and you feel sick, contact your doctor and get help immediately. There is a load of very deadly mushrooms. However, you could also be allergic a or multiple mushrooms.