New Mushroom Wave Emerges in Chelyabinsk, Featuring Chicken of the Woods, Brollies, and Script-Like Fungi
The mushroom season has resumed in the Chelyabinsk region, bringing excitement to local mushroom enthusiasts. While the region is known for its old favorites like milk caps, boletes, chanterelles, and hedgehogs, some unusual mushrooms have also been spotted.
In the Taganay National Park, a new mushroom species was recently discovered. Professional mushroom hunters have reported finding webcaps, false chanterelles, and blue-chalk mushrooms. In the vicinity of Argazei, people are collecting mushrooms from the Agaricus family.
One such unusual mushroom is the scripit, which looks very similar to milk caps but has a bright white, suede-like, and matte cap. If you rub the cap of a scripit, you can hear a rubbery squeak. It's recommended to admire these mushrooms rather than consuming them, as their identification can be tricky.
You can pick and marinate scripits like milk caps. In marinated form, they are no worse than real milk caps and morels. Puffball mushrooms are also edible when young, with firm, white flesh, but spines should be removed before cooking.
However, it's crucial to approach mushroom picking with caution. The "First Regional" news agency warns against the pursuit of unusual forest trophies, as it could lead to hospitalization. There are prohibited mushrooms that could result in a fine due to the presence of endangered species in the South Ural forests. The main rule of mushroom picking remains: if you don't know, don't pick.
While general knowledge about the Ural region suggests that morels, chanterelles, lactarius (milk-caps), oyster mushrooms, and boletus (porcini or king bolete) are commonly found, specific details about unusual edible mushrooms found in Chelyabinsk and their identifying features are not readily available. Local mycological guides or expert resources on Ural fungi would be needed for comprehensive details.
Today, August 6, marks Mushroom Rain Day, a day that reminds us of the beauty and bounty of the mushroom season. Whether you're an experienced forager or a beginner, remember to always exercise caution and enjoy the thrill of discovering the edible treasures hidden in the Chelyabinsk forests.
I'm not sure if delving into the lifestyle of fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden would be as exciting as the unique mushroom discoveries in the Chelyabinsk region this season. The region has recently spotted scripits, mushrooms that look like milk caps but make a rubbery squeak when their cap is rubbed, adding an unexpected twist to the typical mushroom-picking experience.
