Top 20 Edible Mushrooms Popular in Santiago do Cacem

Dead man's foot (Pisolithus arhizus) actually bears a number of colorful names stemming from its unusual appearance, such as the horse dung fungus (Australia). It can be distilled into a viscous black gel, which is then used as a natural dye for clothing. It is considered to be inedible.

The meadow mushroom grows in meadows and pastures around the world—especially those rich in manure—when the weather is warm and wet. They are known to appear in “fairy ring” shapes. Originally identified in Europe, it is possible that North American specimens identified as meadow mushrooms may genetically belong to other species.

Found in clearings and grassy areas in late summer, the wild parasol mushroom has a snakeskin-patterned stem. The brown spots on its cap make it look a bit shaggy, but that name is reserved for its poisonous counterpart, the Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes). You can distinguish the two by the stems: the latter has a smooth stem and red flesh inside.

Golden chanterelle mushrooms are popular in gourmet cuisine across Europe, where they grow wild during the warm (but not too hot) months. Similar species grow in other countries. Extremely popular with foragers, the golden chanterelle emits an apricot-like scent and contains an array of nutrients that benefit the human body. Several studies suggest consuming extremely large amounts may have detrimental effects on the eyes and muscles.

Cap 2 to 7 cm, convex-rounded often with inflexed margins at first, then flattens when aging, covered in purple-brown to pinkish dense fibriles that fade in colours towards light grayish-pink from the centre towards margins. The gills are free from attachment to the stipe, dense, starting pale gray-brownish when young, then turning dark purple-brown with age, with a lighter crenulated edge. The stipe is cylindrical, 2–5 cm long and 0.4–0.8 cm broad, bulbous or clavated at the base, withish, slightly darkening toward the base in yellow-brownish tints. The ring, remnant of the veil present in young fructifications, is whitish, descendent, thin and fragile. The odor and taste resembles almonds. The spore print is dark brownish. The spores are 4.5–6.0 x 3.5–4.0 µm on average, nonamyloid, and elliptical. The flesh turns slightly in yellow when cut or bruised, sometime with orange tints in stipe. Macrochemical reactions: flesh turns orange and pileus turns yellow in contact with 10% KOH.

These large white mushrooms bloom all over cleared, harvested fields, as well as pastures and roadsides. The scientific species name comes from Greek words meaning “glue” (glioio) and “head” (cephalus), in reference to the sticky surface of this mushroom’s cap. The big sheath mushroom looks so similar to the poisonous Deathcap and Destroying Angel mushrooms that it should always be left alone.

The blewit mushroom grows in fallen leaves in autumn and winter, sometimes appearing in ‘fairy ring’ circles. It can be used to make a green dye when chopped and boiled in an iron pot. The scientific name, Lepista nuda, derives from Latin words meaning “bare goblet,” a reference to the shape and texture of the mushroom.

Caesar's mushroom (Amanita caesarea) is a brightly colored Amanita associated with ancient Roman nobility. Sporting a vivid orange cap and a yellow stalk and gills, this mushroom is an exciting find - however, because faded or young individuals may resemble the highly deadly Death Cap, it is recommended that this species be treated with a "look but do not touch" policy.

The horse mushroom is a large species of Agaricus whose fruitbodies feature bulbous white caps and pale or gray gills. They are a cosmopolitan species, boasting a global distribution and thriving in a variety of settings, including lawns, lots, and gardens.