The scaly mushroom (nameko) is an edible member of the Stropharia family of the order Agaricaceae from the Foliot genus. In appearance, they are similar to ordinary mushrooms, differing from the latter in smaller sizes. They are widely used in Japanese cuisine.
Edible scaly mushroom
Botanical characteristics of the genus
Scales include several representatives:
- ordinary (fleecy);
- edible (hint);
- fiery;
- destructive;
- alder;
- yellowing;
- golden yellow;
- red;
- gummy, etc.
Most of them belong to the group of conditionally edible mushrooms. Many have false counterparts similar in description, often having a rich yellow color. Common, destructive, and fiery can be used as food after preliminary heat treatment. Nameko is an edible species known in China and Japan.
Description
According to the description of the species, edible scaly or a hint of a mushroom, the cap on average reaches a little more than 1 cm in diameter.Hats of young mushrooms in appearance resemble buttons of brown or orange color.
The cap surface is covered with a jelly-like substance similar to mucus, which sharply distinguishes the hint from ordinary European honey agarics, in which the cap surface is fleecy.
From Japanese the word "nameko" is translated as "slippery mushroom". In the Russian language there are synonyms - mushroom and foliota nameko.
The mushroom pulp is dense, white. The leg reaches a height of 5 cm.
This species belongs to basidiomycetes, multiplying by means of spore powder formed in clavate structures (basidia). According to the botanical description, it is a heterotrophic organism that feeds on ready-made organic substances that are formed as a result of destructive processes of decay or saprophyte.
Distribution and cultivation
Under natural conditions, allusions are found in mixed forest areas, where increased moisture levels are noted, reaching 90-95%. Referring to saprophytes, they prefer stumps and places near the roots of fallen trees. They grow in large colonies of several mushroom legs, growing from a single base.
For culinary purposes, edible flakes are grown artificially. When breeding under artificial conditions on sawdust and substrates obtained from broad-leaved species, mainly beech, special shelters and the mandatory use of air humidifiers are required.
Composition and benefits of a hint
Mushrooms contain many beneficial trace elements
The calorie content of a hint per 100 g is only 22 kcal, and the mushroom also has the following characteristics:
- up to 3.1 g of proteins;
- up to 0.34 g of fat;
- up to 3.26 g of carbohydrates;
- up to 1.0 g of dietary fiber;
- up to 0.85 g of ash substances;
- up to 91.5 g of water.
The vitamin and mineral composition includes (in mg) the following:
- potassium - 318;
- phosphorus - 85;
- magnesium - 9.0;
- sodium - 5;
- nicotinic acid - 3.6;
- calcium - 3.0;
- ascorbic acid - 2.1;
- pantothenic acid - 1.5;
- iron - 0.5;
- zinc - 0.5;
- riboflavin - 0.4;
- copper - 0.32;
- vitamin b6– 0,1;
- vitamin E - 0.1;
- thiamine - 0.08;
- manganese - 0.05;
- as well as in small amounts (less than 1 mg) selenium, vitamins K1, D, B12.
The benefits of a hint for human health are the following elements contained in the composition:
- campesterol (a compound found in phytosterols);
- polyunsaturated acids;
- saturated acids;
- amino acids:
- glutamic acid;
- valine;
- alanine;
- aspartic acid;
- threonine;
- leucine;
- lysine;
- glycine;
- serine;
- isoleucine;
- phenylalanine;
- arginine;
- proline;
- histidine;
- tryptophan;
- tyrosine;
- methionine;
- cystine.
dzs_videogallery]
Practical use
The edible flake has found wide application in Chinese and Japanese cuisine many years ago as an ingredient used fresh and pickled in salads. Often included in the traditional miso soup.
The mushroom has a sweetish taste and a jelly-like structure. During the heat treatment, the oily jelly dissolves on the mushroom surface.
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
On the territory of Russia to buy a fresh hint, something from a number of fiction. And all because they are stored for a very short time. If you are still lucky and you "got" to fresh mushrooms in the supermarket, then when choosing them do not forget:
- the caps should not have the slightest damage;
- the surface should have a uniform orange-brown color.
Consider. You can store fresh hints only in the refrigerator, it is desirable to eat them in 1-2 days.
In Russian stores, hints are usually received in pickled form (tin or glass jars) and are sold under the name "Japanese honey mushrooms". Store pickled hints at a temperature not exceeding + 15 ℃ away from a source of moisture and heat.
Mushrooms are used in Chinese traditional medicine to stop the growth of cancer cells, including against sarcoma. Tinctures made on their basis are a blood thinner, therefore they are recommended in the treatment of thrombophlebitis. Indicated for diabetics, because lower the percentage of blood sugar.
Conclusion
A type of flake or a hint of mushroom is edible. Grows in well-hydrated mixed forests. Artificially grown for culinary purposes. It has a number of useful properties and is used in traditional medicine. There are species related to it that are conditionally edible: common scaly (fleecy), fire, herbal, etc.