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The prince

Agaricus augustus

A species of Agaricus, Also known as Prince agaricus

This attractive mushroom grows around the world in open woodlands and parks, especially near conifers. The prince has a scent reminiscent of bitter almonds. Its firm, thick caps grow quite large, but often become quickly infested by maggots. Allergic reactions have been reported to this mushroom so it is best treated as a "look, but do not touch" species.

Cap Diameter:

9 - 36 cm

Odor:

Strong, bitter almond-like aroma.

General Info About The prince

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Attributes of The prince

Cap Diameter

9 - 36 cm

Height

12 - 22 cm

Cap

Cap 10 - 35 cm across; blocky, cylindric, convex, flat; brown; display yellow when bruised

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Free; pale pink, very dark purple-brown

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 10 - 20 cm long, 4 cm thick; white; smooth; brown scales

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

White; discolour yellow when bruised

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Dark chocolate brown to purple-brown

Odor

Strong, bitter almond-like aroma.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find The prince by these plants:

Spruces, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify The prince

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of The prince

Woods, parks, gardens, lawns, composted areas, forest clearings, flower beds, near roads and paths, decomposing plant matter

Uses of The prince

The prince is a sought-after edible mushroom, prized for its nutty flavor and firm texture, making it a gourmet choice in culinary circles. It's typically foraged in late summer to fall. Due to its popularity, the prince has a significant collection value among mushroom enthusiasts. While it's widely consumed, foragers must ensure proper identification as the prince can be confused with similar toxic species; thus, caution is paramount when collecting.

Scientific Classification of The prince

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Agaricus

Toxicity and Edibility of The prince

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Edibility of The prince

The prince is so-named for its royal stature amongst mushroom enthusiasts: this species is a highly sought-after, choice edible. Care should be taken to distinguish it from potentially toxic species in the same genus. Lucky, most other agarics have an unpleasant or downright foul odor, while the prince has a pleasant, almond-y smell. This mushroom can be sauteed or incorporated into all manner of soups, stews, or other savory dishes.

Similar Species to The prince

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California agaricus

Similar Species

The prince

How to Differentiate Between California agaricus and The prince?

The prince: Has a pleasant almond-like odor.

California agaricus: Smells mildly phenolic or like ink.

The prince: The base of the stem typically does not bruise or change color.

California agaricus: The base stains yellow when bruised.

The prince: Cap surface is fibrillose and typically remains so.

California agaricus: Cap surface can develop fine scales, especially in age.

Yellow stainer

Similar Species

The prince

How to Differentiate Between Yellow stainer and The prince?

The prince: Has a pleasant almond-like smell.

Yellow stainer: Emits a phenolic or chemical odor.

The prince: The flesh remains white when bruised.

Yellow stainer: Flesh turns yellow, especially at the base.

Tips for Finding The prince

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When is the Best Time to Find The prince

Seek out the prince during late summer to fall when the weather begins to cool. Optimal conditions include after rainfall and when the ground remains moist and temperatures range between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C).

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for The prince

Rich, well-drained, often near conifer litter.

What are Some Tips for Finding The prince

Look for the prince in areas with coniferous trees, as they frequently appear in these environments.
Focus your search along pathways, roadsides, and the edges of woodlands where the prince may grow gregariously.
Inspect lawns and gardens in residential or park areas, as the prince can often be found in these cultivated landscapes.
Pay attention to well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter, typically found near the litter of conifer trees.

How to Clean and Preserve The prince

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How to Clean The prince

To clean the prince, ensure they are completely dry to the touch. Use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or debris, taking care not to damage the flesh. Avoid soaking, as this can lead to water absorption and affect the mushroom's texture.

Tips on Dry Preservation of The prince

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Cool, dark, dry place with airtight containment to prevent moisture re-entry.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures even and consistent drying, ideal for high moisture content.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of The prince

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Briefly submerge in boiling water to inactivate enzymes, then chill and freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of The prince

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags for breathability, minimizing moisture accumulation.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to balance humidity and prevent condensation.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Place in a container with paper towels/absorbents to maintain a dry environment.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to The prince

California flat-top agaricus

Agaricus deardorffensis