Скачать или смотреть The Blusher (Amanita Rubescens)

Known because it changes from white to pinkish red when cut or damaged and exposed to the air. Other features include a bulbous base, cap edge (margin) finely grooved, striations (vertical grooves) on the skirt, white gills. Like many wild mushrooms this one in particular must be thoroughly cooked to remove the hemolytic toxin which causes anaemia if eaten raw.

Because the amanita family has a many poisonous and deadly mushrooms it’s good practice to take caution and just get comfortable identifying first rather than thinking about edibility at all. Going out with an expert when foraging is an absolute must please see the captions for a breakdown of Amanita Identification.

AMANITA IDENTIFICATION
The Amanita species is arguably one of the most well known species given the deadliest ones are in this family (Death Cap, Destroying Angel are responsible for 75% of deaths) and also the most photographed one being the Fly Agaric (Red with white spots). Getting to know this family is a good place to start for obvious reasons. To recognise the Amanita you are looking for mycorrhizal Funghi. There will be relationship with trees/woods so expect there to be a tree nearby even alone in a field/hedgerows. The mushroom (fruiting body) starts its growth cycle with a universal veil - like an egg in the ground where within the membrane the fruiting body is soon to erupt. This means most have a visible remains of the universal veil at the base with a sack-like structure and many bulbous looking like a cracked egg (to me). Once the fruiting body is out white gills (free from the stipe) will be revealed and the main reason people often are warned about mushrooms with white gills. A spore print will show white with an easily detached cap that generally feel dry more than slimy (unless raining). Now we start to get to areas that may be more obvious on some types than others with variations that help identify down to the type. Many have the remnants of the universal veil on the cap. Rain can easily wash off the “warts” quite easily. You’ll also be looking out for the “skirt” which is a membrane that covers the gills until ready to spore. This skirt is not present on all but where present the imprints of the gills (striations) on some as well as the structure of the ring itself are all important to check. Beyond these markings on the stipe (stem), variance in colours, discolouration when bruised, shapes, mycelium cords, structures and smells are all required to identify. Spore prints and microscopic analysis also has to be applied in many cases for certainly. As well as the maturity of the mushroom itself. Big job. Important work.

The main concern when looking at the blusher is the panther cap which has a brown cap, white veil fragments, does not have a grooved ring (no striations) is smoother for that reason as it is above the skirt, and does not blush when damaged. The bulbous base has a gutter and clear margin/border. This mushroom has the same compounds as the Fly Agaric - Amanita muscaria (ibotenic acid, muscimol, muscazone and muscarine) but in much larger quantities. Some field guides list as deadly

There are several other identifying features to consider, hence the cautionary statement earlier. Colour varies considerably too in this family at different ages and weather conditions.

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