Sarah Brown
In the fourth season of the popular reality singing competition The Masked Singer, one of the contestants was a mysterious character called Mushroom. The celebrity behind the mask was revealed to be singer Aloe Blacc, who finished as the runner-up. Before the reveal, there were many speculations about the identity of Mushroom, with guesses ranging from Todrick Hall to Taye Diggs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The term "mushroom" typically refers to the fruit bodies of members of the order Agaricales, with a stem, a cap, and gills. |
| Species | Agaricus campestris, Agaricus bisporus, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe mexicana, Psilocybe mushrooms |
| Uses | Edible, poisonous, psychedelic, spiritual, medicinal, recreational |
| Identification | There is no single trait to identify edible or poisonous mushrooms. |
| Cultural Significance | Used in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious and spiritual purposes; mentioned in European medicinal literature in 1799; depicted in rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria |
| Related Terms | Toadstool (often referring to poisonous mushrooms), mycophagists (people who collect mushrooms for consumption), mycology (study of mushrooms) |
| Popular Culture | Character in A Wiki of Ice and Fire; mask on The Masked Singer; character in USS Discovery |
| Notable Figures | Maria Sabina (important figure in Mexican mushroom usage), Paul Stamets (American mycologist and entrepreneur) |
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What You'll Learn
The Masked Singer contestant
The Mushroom was a contestant on the fourth season of the US version of The Masked Singer. The celebrity under the mask was revealed to be Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, who came in second place.
Blacc chose the Mushroom mask because he felt it shared the message of his album, *All Love Everything*. He said:
> It's all about togetherness and connection. And I feel like in this time, where we're all challenged by the pandemic, where our country is divided politically, we need these messages, these moments that remind us how connected we are and how together we are. And that's why I chose the Mushroom. I feel like it's sharing that message, because mushrooms underneath the ground connect all of the plant life and are a huge part of communicating through the root system.
Before his unmasking, there was much speculation about the identity of the Mushroom. Jenny McCarthy, one of the panelists, guessed Mushroom to be Ne-Yo, who was the Badger in the second UK season of the show.
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Varieties of mushrooms
There are many varieties of mushrooms, each with its own unique characteristics and culinary uses. Here is an overview of some of the most common and interesting types:
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are the most common variety found in grocery stores. They are the earliest growing stage of the Agaricus bisporus species, which later develops into cremini and then portobello mushrooms. Their soft texture and mild flavour make them versatile and popular. They are often used in salads, pizzas, omelettes, and bruschetta.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also spelled "crimini," are the middle growth stage of the Agaricus bisporus species. They are darker and firmer than button mushrooms, with a more pronounced savoury, umami flavour. Creminis are very common in the US and can be used interchangeably with button mushrooms in various dishes, including salads, grilling, and stews.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobellos are the mature version of cremini mushrooms and have a tendency to become slimy when cooked in fat, so dry heat is recommended. They have a chewy, meaty texture and a smoky, earthy flavour. Portobellos are excellent on the grill and can be treated like chicken, perhaps finished with a glaze.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the earliest documented sources of umami flavour. They have umbrella-shaped brown caps and a rich, earthy taste. Their dense, chewy texture makes them ideal for long-simmering dishes like risotto, ragout, or soup. Shiitakes are affordable and require minimal preparation, making them a versatile and economical choice.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelles are prized for their rich, savoury taste. They range in colour from pale white to orange-yellow and have a subtle apricot aroma. Chanterelles can be sautéed, roasted, or used in dishes like pasta and toast.
Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are small, with long, thin stems and tiny caps. They have a crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavour. Enoki mushrooms are perfect for topping salads or adding to stir-fries, and can be served raw or lightly cooked.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are named for their oyster-shell-shaped caps. They have a tender, silky texture and a mild flavour, making them ideal for stir-fries, soups, and noodles. Oyster mushrooms grow in beautiful clusters and come in various colours, adding visual appeal to any dish.
Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms, also known as ceps or penny buns, are wild mushrooms with a rich, nutty flavour. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in risottos, pastas, and stews. Porcinis can be used fresh or dried, adding a delicious, earthy note to any dish.
These are just a few examples of the diverse varieties of mushrooms available, each with its own distinct characteristics and culinary applications. Mushrooms truly are nature's hidden treasure, offering a wide range of flavours, textures, and culinary possibilities.
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Mushroom cloud
A mushroom cloud is a mushroom-shaped cloud of debris, smoke, condensed water vapour, and other products of an explosion. The term "mushroom cloud" was coined in the 1950s, but mushroom-shaped clouds generated by explosions were described centuries earlier. For example, a 1782 aquatint by an unknown artist depicted the Franco-Spanish attack on Gibraltar, showing one of the attacking force's floating batteries exploding with a mushroom cloud. In 1798, Gerhard Vieth published a detailed and illustrated account of a cloud in the neighbourhood of Gotha that "was not unlike a mushroom in shape".
The height reached by the cloud depends on the heat energy of the weapon and the atmospheric conditions. If the cloud reaches the tropopause, about 6-8 miles above the Earth's surface, it will tend to spread out. However, if sufficient energy remains, a portion of the cloud will ascend into the more stable air of the stratosphere. The cloud attains its maximum height after about 10 minutes and is then said to be "stabilized". It continues to grow laterally, producing the characteristic mushroom shape. The cloud may remain visible for about an hour or more before being dispersed by the wind.
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Differentiating between edible and poisonous mushrooms
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. Toadstools generally refer to poisonous mushrooms. There are many different types of poisonous mushrooms, and they grow in various places. Between 50 and 100 species of mushrooms may be toxic to humans, and they can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild nausea and vomiting to life-threatening seizures or liver failure. Some poisonous mushrooms include the Death Cap, the Destroying Angel, the Jack O'Lantern, and False Chanterelles.
Edible mushrooms can be found in many environments, such as deep in the forest, on stream banks, or on trees. It is important to note that many mushrooms change appearance as they age, so it is not reliable to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms based on looks alone. Additionally, some poisonous mushrooms may have a similar appearance to edible mushrooms, such as the Yellow Morel and its poisonous look-alike, Gyromitra spp.
To differentiate between edible and poisonous mushrooms, it is essential to have a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure. Most mushrooms are basidiomycetes and gilled. Their spores, called basidiospores, are produced on the gills and fall in a fine rain of powder from under the caps. The color of the spore print, or spore color, is useful for classifying and identifying mushrooms. While modern identification methods are becoming increasingly molecular, standard identification methods, combined with microscopic examination, are still commonly used.
When identifying mushrooms, it is crucial to consider various factors, such as the presence of juices upon breaking, bruising reactions, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, and season. Additionally, seeking guidance from local field guides and consulting with experts in mycology or toxicology can help ensure accurate identification and reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
It is important to note that even touching or smelling some mushrooms can cause harm, as mentioned in one account where an individual experienced vomiting after handling certain mushrooms. Therefore, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as wearing gloves, when handling wild mushrooms. If you or someone you know accidentally ingests an unidentified mushroom, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, even if there are no apparent symptoms.
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Toadstool vs. mushroom
Toadstool and mushroom are two terms used to refer to different types of fungi. While there is no scientific distinction between the two, they are often used interchangeably with different connotations. The term 'toadstool' is generally used to refer to inedible or poisonous fungi, while 'mushroom' is used to describe edible fungi.
The etymology of the word 'toadstool' is unclear, but it may have originated from German or Old Norse, with 'toad' coming from 'tote', meaning death, and 'stool' from 'stole' or 'stol', meaning chair or seat. Another theory suggests that the term may be derived from the French word 'Mousseron', an old French delicacy. In common usage, 'toadstool' is often associated with colourful and toxic-looking mushrooms, while 'mushroom' evokes images of white, domed cap fungi commonly found in fields.
It is important to note that not all toadstools are poisonous, and not all mushrooms are edible. For example, the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), a lethal variety of fungus, resembles a traditional mushroom with its white colour. Conversely, some edible mushrooms may have a unique appearance, such as oyster mushrooms or puffballs, which deviate from the typical mushroom shape.
When foraging for wild mushrooms, it is crucial to accurately identify the species before consumption. Relying solely on common names like 'toadstool' and 'mushroom' can be misleading and dangerous. It is recommended to consult field guidebooks, apps, websites, or knowledgeable experts to determine whether a fungus is safe to eat.
To distinguish between edible and inedible fungi, one must closely observe various characteristics, including colour, size, shape, pores, gills, spines, spore colour, flesh colour, habitat, season, and smell. By comparing these features against reliable identification guides, one can make an informed decision about the edibility of a particular fungus.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mushroom on *The Masked Singer* is singer and rapper Aloe Blacc.
The clues included references to the musical *Hamilton*, such as "young scrappy and fungi", "the shroom where it happens", and turning a hobby into a career. Mushroom also mentioned wearing many hats, and Blacc is rarely seen without one of his signature hats.
Other guesses included Todrick Hall, Taye Diggs, Jordan Fisher, Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Ramos, and Jaden Smith.
Yes, Nicole Scherzinger and Robin Thicke correctly guessed that the Mushroom was Aloe Blacc.
