Michael Davis
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. They are widely featured in folklore, art, and video games. Some red mushrooms are edible, while others are poisonous. Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is a red mushroom species recognised worldwide for its distinctive red cap adorned with white spots. Fistulina hepatica, also known as ox tongue or beefsteak, is another example of an edible red mushroom species. On the other hand, Russula emetica, commonly known as The Sickener, is a toxic red mushroom species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Fly agaric |
| Scientific name | Amanita muscaria |
| Colour | Bright red cap with white spots |
| Size | 8 inches wide |
| Shape | Rounded to hemispherical to flat |
| Texture | Mildly earthy |
| Taste | Sour and acidic |
| Season | Late summer to autumn |
| Edibility | Poisonous, but fatal poisonings are extremely rare |
| Health benefits | Hallucinogenic |
| History | Used in religious ceremonies for over 4,000 years in India, Iran, and Siberia |
| Other names | Fly amanita, miskwedo, blusher |
| Similar species | Armillaria cf. mellea, A. basii, A. caesarea, vermilion grisette |
| Other types of red mushrooms | Fistulina hepatica (edible), Reishi (edible), Clathrus rubra (unknown), Russula emetica (toxic) |
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What You'll Learn
Red mushrooms: Edible vs. poisonous
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. They can sprout in lawns or forests, seemingly out of nowhere, and create beautiful clusters of red and orange hues. However, only some varieties of red mushrooms are edible, while others are among the most poisonous mushrooms and should be avoided.
Fistulina hepatica, commonly known as "ox tongue" or "beefsteak", is an edible red mushroom that serves as an excellent meat substitute. It is common in Europe, particularly in forested areas, and also grows in North America, Africa, and Australia. Fistulina hepatica has a sour and acidic taste and is one of the few mushroom species that can be consumed raw or cooked in cream-based recipes. It grows on decaying stumps or tree trunks and changes colour from red to brown as it matures, becoming softer and more gelatinous.
Another edible red mushroom is the Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi. Indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America, Reishi mushrooms favour tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions with many deciduous hardwoods like oak and maple. They are hard and have tiny pores on their undersides instead of gills. Red Reishi mushrooms are particularly revered in classical Chinese Medicine for their abundant health benefits.
On the other hand, some red mushrooms are highly poisonous and should be avoided. Amanita muscaria, commonly known as Fly Agaric, is a distinctive red-capped mushroom with a long history of use in religious ceremonies, especially in Asia. While it has been ingested for its hallucinogenic effects, it can also be poisonous to humans when consumed in large quantities, causing symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, convulsions, and abdominal discomfort. Another highly poisonous red mushroom is the Podostroma cornu-damae, or poison fire coral mushroom, which contains potent toxins that can cause multiple organ failure and even death.
It is important to note that the line between poisonous and edible mushrooms can be thin, and they may look similar to the untrained eye. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify wild mushrooms before consuming them and to avoid any mushrooms with red on the cap or stem, as well as those with white gills or a bulbous base.
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Fly Agaric: History and uses
The distinctive red mushroom with white spots, often associated with fairy tales and fantasy stories, is known as the fly agaric or Amanita muscaria. This mushroom has a long and intriguing history of use by humans, dating back centuries. Here is an overview of the fly agaric's history and some of its traditional and modern-day uses.
History:
The fly agaric mushroom is native to temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. It has a long history of use by various cultures, especially in Siberia and northern Europe. For example, the Sami people of northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula have traditionally used fly agaric for its psychoactive properties, often in shamanic rituals. In Siberia, the mushroom was used by shamans for divination, and it was also consumed during sacred ceremonies and festivals. The use of fly agaric by Siberian shamans may even date back to the Stone Age, according to some researchers.
In medieval Europe, the mushroom was also known and used, although its use was more associated with folklore and magic. For example, it was believed that placing a piece of fly agaric under a milk pail would attract flies, hence the name "fly agaric." During the Victorian era, there was a resurgence of interest in the mushroom, and it became a popular subject in artwork and literature, often symbolizing fantasy and otherworldliness.
Uses:
Traditional Uses:
In traditional Siberian and Scandinavian cultures, fly agaric was used for its psychoactive effects, which include hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. Shamans consumed the mushroom to enter a trance state, which they believed allowed them to communicate with spirits and predict the future. In some cases, the mushroom was also used to induce a deep sleep or even a death-like state, from which the shaman would return with knowledge of the afterlife.
In addition to its psychoactive uses, fly agaric has also been used medicinally. In traditional Russian medicine, for example, it was used to treat pain and inflammation, and it was also believed to have antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. The mushroom was also used to treat various ailments, including gout, rheumatism, and respiratory infections.
Contemporary Uses:
Today, fly agaric is still used by some indigenous peoples for traditional rituals and medicinal purposes. In Western cultures, it has gained attention in the fields of ethnobotany and psychedelic research, with some studies exploring its potential therapeutic benefits. For example, there has been interest in using fly agaric for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction, although more research is needed in these areas.
The mushroom has also found a place in modern culture and art. It is often featured in fantasy and surrealist artwork, and its distinctive appearance has made it an iconic symbol of the natural world's magic and mystery. In literature and film, fly agaric has been used to represent everything from poison and danger to spiritual transformation and enlightenment.
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Reishi mushrooms: Ancient medicine
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, are a type of fungus that has been used in ancient medicine for centuries. The name "reishi" comes from the Japanese word "reishi" (霊芝), which is a Sino-Japanese loanword derived from the Chinese "lingzhi" (灵芝). In English, it is also sometimes referred to as "lingzhi", "mannentake", or the "mushroom of immortality".
Reishi mushrooms are indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America and thrive in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions with many deciduous hardwoods like oak and maple. They typically grow on two to three out of every mature hardwood tree and are in season from late summer through autumn when they reach full maturity. The mushrooms are hard, with tiny pores on their undersides instead of gills, and have a bitter taste.
In traditional Chinese medicine, reishi mushrooms are regarded as the "herb of spiritual potency" or the "mushroom of immortality", symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. They have been used for promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries for centuries. According to the philosophical work Huainanzi, the lingzhi mushroom is personification of nobility; shamans would brew a psychedelic drink from the mushrooms, which they believed gave them the opportunity to see spirits or become spirits themselves.
Today, reishi mushrooms are still revered for their potential health benefits, including their possible effects on the immune system, control of blood glucose levels, hepatoprotection, and bacteriostasis. They are available in various forms, such as powders, dietary supplements, and tea, but it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in treating various conditions. Additionally, consuming reishi mushroom products for extended periods may be unsafe, and they can cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash.
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Fistulina hepatica: A meat substitute
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. While some red mushrooms are edible, others are among the most poisonous mushrooms. One such edible red mushroom is Fistulina hepatica, commonly known as the beefsteak fungus. This mushroom is an excellent meat substitute due to its texture and appearance, which resembles raw meat, including its red colour and the blood-like liquid it exudes when cut.
Fistulina hepatica is found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia, typically growing on tree species such as chestnut and oak. It is usually in season from late summer to fall, although it can be found as early as August in some regions. This mushroom is easily identifiable by its distinctive shape, which has been likened to a tongue or liver, and its crimson colour. As the mushroom ages, it turns from red to brown and becomes softer and more gelatinous.
The beefsteak fungus has a slightly sour and acidic taste that becomes stronger as the mushroom grows. This makes it well-suited for preparation in cream-based recipes or mixed with other mushrooms to balance its flavour. It can also be consumed raw, making it a versatile ingredient. When cooked, it is best prepared in creamy sauces or gravies, enhancing the dish with its meat-like texture and appearance.
As a meat substitute, Fistulina hepatica offers a unique option for those seeking alternatives to animal-based proteins. Its ability to mimic the look and feel of meat, especially when prepared in savoury dishes, makes it a desirable ingredient for those looking to reduce their meat consumption or explore new culinary experiences. However, it is important to note that this mushroom is not commercially cultivated and is primarily sourced through foraging, making it a relatively rare find.
In addition to its culinary uses, Fistulina hepatica also provides nutritional benefits. It contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and is rich in fibre, folate, and potassium. This makes it a healthy addition to one's diet, contributing to overall wellness while also providing a satisfying culinary experience for those seeking meat alternatives.
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Red mushroom shapes and sizes
Red mushrooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be found in many regions around the world. Here is a description of some of the most common red mushroom varieties:
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
This distinctive red mushroom is native to the UK and other parts of the world. It has a large, glossy, vivid red cap with white flecks, and it is held up by a long, white, cylinder-shaped stalk. The cap can reach a diameter of up to eight inches, and it is often wider than it is tall. Fly agaric has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, particularly in Asia, and it was also a symbol of good luck in Victorian and Edwardian times. However, it is considered toxic due to its hallucinogenic properties.
Fistulina hepatica ("Ox Tongue" or "Beefsteak")
Fistulina hepatica is an edible mushroom found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. It gets its name "ox tongue" from its large size and shape, which resembles a tongue. It is also called "beefsteak" because of its meat-like texture and red fluid, resembling blood. This mushroom grows on decaying stumps or tree trunks of species such as chestnut and oak. It has a sour and acidic taste and is often prepared in cream-based recipes or consumed raw.
Scarlet Elf Cup
The scarlet elf cup is identified by its vibrant red, cup-shaped cap. The cap reveals whitish flesh when cut, and the flesh is extremely thin. The stems are very short or nonexistent. This mushroom is often found near hazelnut, maple, alder, willow, and aspen trees, feeding on decaying organic matter. It is edible but not widely foraged due to its small size and chewy texture.
Cinnabar Red Chanterelle
The cinnabar red chanterelle is an edible mushroom found in broadleaf forests or mixed broadleaf-conifer forests during late summer and early fall. It has a small size, with a cap diameter rarely exceeding two inches. The cap has a smooth surface with a trumpet or funnel shape and curled edges. Underneath the cap are forked false gills that are lighter in color. The stem is thin and matches the color of the cap, becoming lighter at the base. This mushroom is prized for its unique flavor and aroma.
Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi, are indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America. They typically grow on mature hardwood trees such as oak and maple and are in season from late summer through autumn. These mushrooms are hard, and their undersides have tiny pores instead of gills. They have been widely studied for their multiple health benefits and are often consumed in the form of capsules or extract powders.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of red mushrooms, including:
- Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
- Fistulina hepatica (also known as "ox tongue" or "beefsteak")
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Clathrus rubra
Some red mushrooms are poisonous, such as the Fly Agaric, while others are edible, like the Fistulina hepatica and Reishi mushrooms. However, it's important to properly identify a mushroom before consuming it, as the line between poisonous and edible mushrooms can be thin and they can look similar to the untrained eye.
Red mushrooms can be found in various locations around the world, depending on the specific type. For example, Fistulina hepatica is common in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia, while Fly Agaric is native to the UK and can be found in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Reishi mushrooms are indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America, favoring tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
