The purple webcap is a very rare, but unusually beautiful species, which is listed in the Red Book. Belongs to the Lepista genus, a subspecies of the Buttercup family. Little known in our country.
This is a conditionally edible mushroom, although due to its unusual appearance, there are not so many daredevils who are ready to dare to try it. But those who know how to distinguish the cobweb from poisonous species and properly cook it, argue that its pulp is very tasty. Today we will look at the features of this mushroom, its beneficial properties and possible harm.
What is the purple spiderweb mushroom
To begin with, you should pay attention to the description of the appearance of this unusual representative of the mushroom kingdom (Figure 1).
In diameter, the cap of a purple spider web can grow up to 16 cm. In a young specimen, the shape of the cap is spherical. Then, over time, it straightens and becomes flat, with a tubercle in the center. The color of the cap of a young mushroom is deep purple, in rare cases it can be with a reddish tint. Its surface is fibrous like velvet. In the lower part it has wide plates of the same purple color.
Figure 1. The appearance of the spider web is very unusual due to the rich purple color
The leg has an elongated shape, widened from top to bottom, the same color as the cap. If you look closely, you can see a kind of painted spider web on the leg. Perhaps for this reason, the mushroom acquired such an original name for itself.
In fact, the mushroom is very fragile, so you need to carefully cut it off so as not to damage it. The pulp has a pale blue tint. The smell is barely perceptible. Does not have a particularly high taste.
Edible or not
Above, we have already mentioned that the purple spider web is a conditionally edible one. This means that it can only be eaten after thorough heat treatment. Even so, the taste will be quite mediocre.
Nevertheless, it is believed that the pulp contains many useful substances and vitamins. The majority of edible mushrooms, including the spiderweb, contain many vitamins, micro and macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, amino acids, essential oils, enzymes, stearic acid and ergosterol.
Note: Of the vitamins in the pulp of the spider web, A (retinol) is represented, all vitamins of group B, PP and D. There are also a lot of macro- and microelements: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, zinc, manganese and sulfur.
How does this affect the human body? Due to its composition, the spider web has:
- Anti-inflammatory effect and the ability to strengthen the human immune system.
- Reduces blood cholesterol levels.
- It has a positive effect on mental performance.
- Strengthens the nervous system, helping to fight stressful situations and depression.
- Promotes weight loss as it is low in calories.
In addition, dishes made from this mushroom have a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin, prevent overwork, reduce blood sugar levels, therefore it is recommended for people with diabetes.
Appearance
The mushroom got its name because of the white "skirt" that falls on the leg and resembles a spider web. The popular name "Pribolotnik" does not reflect the range of the species, although sometimes it is an absolutely swamp inhabitant. It grows in all types of forests on a variety of soils. This is an autumn genus, the peak of growth falls in late August-early September.
The types of Spiderwebs are similar to each other in a number of ways:
- Cylindrical stem with downward extension.
- Remains of a private spider webbing on the upper part of the leg.
- A cap, usually of a conical or flat shape, with plates.
- The pulp is dense, with a smell.
In the spider web, the species differ in the color of the leg and cap, the smell of pulp. Among them there are both edible and poisonous representatives.
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
The name of the Spiderweb family was given by the French mycologist and phytopathologist of tropical plants Jean Aime Roger (1900-1979), who proceeded from the specifics of the structure of a private bedspread, consisting of spiderweb fibers connecting the edge of the cap with the leg.
Most of the spider webs are mycorrhizal formers, the life processes of which are associated with certain tree species. Among the spiderwebs, there are deadly poisonous specimens. However, there are also useful, edible species. However, they are few in number and of little practical importance. A characteristic feature of the Spiderweb genus is the different color of young and mature specimens, the presence of a rapidly disappearing lilac pigment in many species.
By the way. The Spiderweb genus is subdivided into subgenera that have their own specific characteristics, for example:
- subgenus Mixcium (Myxsacium): there is a mucous general blanket, which determines the mucousness of the cap and legs.
- subgenus Phlegmacium: there is a slimy cap.
- subgenera Hydrocybe and Telamonia: the cap is hygrophilous.
- subgenera Dermocybe (Dermocybe) and Inoloma: the cap is dry, scaly, fibrous.
Description and photo
The cobweb is listed in the Red Book, so its mass collection is not practiced. In addition, due to its unusual appearance, not every person dares to try this mushroom, fearing to confuse it with a toadstool (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Learning to distinguish this mushroom is easiest from the photo
In fact, this mushroom is conditionally edible, but most mushroom pickers prefer to bypass it. The fact is that responsibility is provided for the destruction of plants and fungi included in the Red Book. In addition, there is a high risk of confusing the cobweb with a poisonous twin and getting poisoned.
Potential harm
These mushrooms are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, young children, as well as people with impaired gastrointestinal tract function. Since mushrooms are considered a heavy food, even perfectly healthy people, if consumed excessively, can get poisoning, pancreatitis, etc.
Also, fruiting bodies often accumulate toxins and radionuclides, so it is very important to take seriously the place of their collection. It is also known that purple spiderweb reduces blood glucose levels, so they should be used with extreme caution by people suffering from glycemia.
Application
In cooking
Eatable cobwebs are widely used in cooking. Mushrooms are subjected to various types of processing and are used boiled, salted, pickled, fried or canned. Cobwebs can be used to prepare incomparable first and second courses, and experts say that these mushrooms have a rich nutty flavor.
In medicine
Depending on the species, spider webs are widely used in medicine. These mushrooms have pronounced antiseptic properties. Substances in its composition prevent the development of tuberculous mycobacteria. Alkaloids have shown excellent results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and memory impairment.In the composition of some species, an antibiotic, inolomin, was identified.
Mushroom varieties
Although it is a rare mushroom, it still has several species. Some of them are edible, some are poisonous (Figure 3).
Figure 3. The main types of spider webs: 1 - scaly, 2 - yellow, 3 - white-violet, 4 - special
Here's a complete list:
- Scaly: has a shiny, slimy cap with a diameter of up to 10 cm. If you smell the mushroom, you can hear a distinct musty smell. The color of the cap is gray-purple. The surface is loose.
- Yellow: it is a venomous species. Its distinguishing feature is a yellow hat. The smell is almost inaudible.
- Webcap white-purple: at first glance, it seems that the fleshy cap seems to grow together with a thick leg. The cap can grow up to 12cm in diameter. Its flesh is brown in color and tastes good.
- The most special: poisonous species, equated to a pale toadstool. Even in small doses, it can lead to irreversible body processes. Be careful when you meet him. Cream-colored hat. The pulp smells like raw potatoes.
- The webcap is brilliant: has a beautiful brown shiny cap. Also poisonous. On the break, a lemon-yellow pulp with the aroma of fresh bread is visible. The shade of the leg is light, with a downy at the base.
- Noble: its toxicity just goes off scale! Affects the renal system. The fruit body is dark yellow, the flesh is also yellow. The cap is small in diameter, up to 6 cm.
- Blue-bore webcap: it can be eaten. The cap is ocher-brown, sometimes with an olive tint. The surface is covered with mucus. The leg can be white and purple, also slimy. The pulp is also white, tasteless. There is no smell.
Figure 4. Other varieties of spider web: 1 - shiny, 2 - noble, 3 - blue-bore
To learn how to distinguish poisonous mushrooms of this variety from edible ones, we recommend that you study their features from the photo (Figure 4).
Mycological characteristics
The purple spiderweb mushroom is an edible variety from the cortinaria family of the agaric order.
An external description is given in the table:
| Hat | The width is up to 15 cm. The shape is convex, as the fungus develops, it becomes like a pillow, in overgrown specimens it acquires a prostrate appearance, retaining a tubercle in the central part. The edges are uneven, wavy, the structure is felt, scaly. The color is initially contrasting purple, fading over time. |
| Hymenophore | Formed by wide, sparsely planted plates, which have grown with teeth to the pedicle. The color is dark purple. |
| Mushroom leg | Height up to 12 cm, thickness up to 2 cm. The upper part is scaly. The base is thickened and resembles a tuber, the surface is fibrous, covered with the remnants of a bedspread in the form of a cobweb. The structure is dense. The color is purple with a brown or dark shade. |
| Pulp | Thick and fleshy, fragile, breaks easily. The color is white-gray, white-blue or with a violet-gray tint. The taste is implicit, close to nutty. The smell is practically absent. |
| Reproduction | Propagated by spores of average size 16 * 9 microns, almond-shaped and warty surface. The spore powder is brown or rusty-ocher. |
Growth area and collection time
The cobweb is popularly called the swamp. Why such a name? Not hard to guess. He loves to grow in swampy places, lowlands, where there is a lot of moisture, near birches, pines and spruces (Figure 5).
Note: Despite its bright color, this mushroom is not easy to spot in the forest because it hides under leaves and moss.
Cobwebs are rarely found to grow one at a time, mostly they grow in families of up to 20 pieces. So, once you get to such a company, you can easily pick up a delicious lunch for yourself. You can collect the pribolotnik from the last summer month of August to October.
First aid for poisoning
Typical symptoms of spiderweb poisoning are: gagging, dry mouth, constant thirst, cramping abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur after eating the mushroom, you should immediately call a doctor. It is dangerous to transport a patient with suspected mushroom poisoning on your own, because some toxins affect the work of the heart. While waiting for the arrival of an ambulance, you must:
- Make a gastric lavage.
- Give a laxative.
- Give a cleansing enema.
Types of inedible mushrooms and the consequences of their use for humans
Then you should put the patient to bed and constantly water him with saline solutions and strong chilled tea. Even if the patient feels better, do not give up on the recommended hospitalization.
To summarize, we can say that collecting cobwebs is not a good idea for inexperienced mushroom pickers... Of course, their edible species have a very piquant taste, but a violation of the cooking technology of this product can turn into a hospital bed for a person.
How to distinguish false doubles
Firstly, not many mushrooms of bright purple color can be found in our forests, so it is difficult to confuse the cobweb with some other. Secondly, if they do occur, it is important to pay attention to the bottom of the cap, namely to its plates. They should be the same color as the hat.
Figure 5. The fungus prefers to grow in swampy lowlands
Thirdly, the leg of the cobweb should also be purple, but of a more saturated color, with a barely noticeable cobweb in young specimens. Fourthly, at the break, the pulp acquires a pale blue tint.
Interesting Facts
Poisonous species of cobwebs show their dangerous qualities for humans only after a week, and often after 14 days. In this regard, people do not always associate health problems and previously eaten fruits.
Spiderwebs are the largest fungal genus and at the same time the least researched. In addition, the genus Cortinarius is divided into subgenera, which contain specimens similar to each other.
If you come across edible cobwebs in the forest, you should definitely try to cook them. They will make a special impression even on the sophisticated lover of forest gifts. The main thing is to be attentive to the collection and not to take unknown and dubious specimens into the common basket.
Processing and preparation rules
Like all mushrooms, the white-purple spider web can be subjected to various types of heat treatment: boil, fry, salt, pickle, and also dry. But, culinary experts do not advise using podolotnik in hot dishes because of the lack of a pronounced aroma. It is much better to salt or pickle them (Figure 6).
Figure 6. The purple variety is considered edible, although the taste is mediocre
Before cooking, the mushroom must be cleaned of skin, earth, moss and other debris. Rinse well, and then you can boil in two approaches. After the first boil, leave to cook for 20 minutes over low heat. Then drain the water, rinse and cook after boiling for another 10 minutes. After that, the mushrooms can be cooked in your favorite way.
You need to add vinegar, peppercorns, allspice to the marinade; sugar, salt to taste; sunflower oil, bay leaf. Do not forget to sterilize the banks well, otherwise your workpiece will be spoiled and the work will be in vain. The shelf life of such a blank is up to a year.
For salting, mushrooms also need to be peeled, rinsed well and cooked in slightly salted water. Then drain the water and proceed to salting, adding your favorite spices. Bon Appetit!
You can find more information about this unusual mushroom in the video.
