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Wood mushroom

Agaricus sylvicola

A species of Agaricus

Wood mushroom is aptly named since it is one of the commonest white-capped temperate woodland mushrooms. A good way to identify wood mushroom is by its distinctive aniseed odor. Beware though, for this mushroom looks like a young death cap, one of the most toxic of all mushrooms.

Cap Diameter:

6 - 14 cm

Odor:

Strong aniseed scent.

General Info About Wood mushroom

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Attributes of Wood mushroom

Cap Diameter

6 - 14 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

5 - 15 cm in diameter; light cream; bruises yellow ochre when damaged

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

Close; initially pinkish-gray becoming gray at maturity

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 5 - 15 cm; bulbous base; same colour as the cap

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; white

Ring

Drooping; fragile; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Brown to chocolate brown

Odor

Strong aniseed scent.

Body Color

Cream

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to yellowish

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find Wood mushroom by these plants:

Spruces, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Wood mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Wood mushroom

Wood mushroom typically thrives in mixed hardwood-conifer forests, often found alone or in small clusters.

Uses of Wood mushroom

Wood mushroom is an edible mushroom valued for its culinary uses. It is often foraged from forests and used in various dishes for its pleasant flavor, especially when fresh and young. Wood mushroom's popularity among mushroom enthusiasts peaks during its seasonal growth periods. While generally safe to consume, it's important to correctly identify wood mushroom to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. Foragers should be knowledgeable about this species before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Wood mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Agaricus

Similar Species to Wood mushroom

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Yellow stainer

Similar Species

Wood mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Yellow stainer and Wood mushroom?

Wood mushroom: Has a mild, anise-like odor.

Yellow stainer: Releases a phenolic, unpleasant odor.

Wood mushroom: Does not change color on rubbing the cap.

Yellow stainer: Cap often turns yellow when pressed or bruised.

Inky mushroom

Similar Species

Wood mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Inky mushroom and Wood mushroom?

Wood mushroom: Gills start out pink and become chocolate brown with age.

Inky mushroom: Gills are usually light gray, becoming darker with maturity.

Wood mushroom: Has a pleasant anise-like aroma.

Inky mushroom: Produces a phenolic or chemical-like smell.

Tips for Finding Wood mushroom

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When is the Best Time to Find Wood mushroom

Search for wood mushroom in late summer to early autumn, when the ground is wet from rainfall and temperatures are not too high, typically between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C).

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Wood mushroom

Rich, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Wood mushroom

Look for wood mushroom in areas where hardwood and conifer trees coexist.
Search around decomposing organic matter, such as fallen logs and decomposed leaves.
Inspect small clearings within the forest, as wood mushroom may prefer such spots for growth.
Gently move aside leaf litter to uncover any wood mushroom that may be hidden.
Check for wood mushroom in places with good sunlight penetration that can warm the forest floor.

How to Clean and Preserve Wood mushroom

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How to Clean Wood mushroom

Gently brush off any debris from wood mushroom using a soft brush. If necessary, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface to remove dirt. Handle delicately to maintain integrity and avoid soaking as it may absorb water, compromising texture.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Wood mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Cool, dark, low humidity, well-ventilated space is optimal for storage.

Dehydrator drying: Efficiently removes moisture, preserving qualities for longer periods.

Oven drying: Consistent low temperature removes water content effectively.

Air drying: Utilizes natural airflow, though slower and more weather dependent.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Wood mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Briefly steam or boil, then cool and freeze to maintain firmness.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Wood mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Original Packaging Storage, Loose Wrap Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow absorption of excess moisture and maintain proper airflow.

Cloth Wrapping: Enclose in a slightly damp cloth to keep moist but not wet, preventing shriveling and spoilage.

Original Packaging Storage: Keep in their original packaging if ventilated, or make small holes for airflow, ensuring freshness.

Loose Wrap Storage: Arrange loosely on refrigerator shelves to avoid trapping moisture and facilitate air circulation.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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