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Spring fieldcap

Agrocybe praecox

A species of Agrocybe

The spring fieldcap (Agrocybe praecox) appears in spring and early summer, in scattered groups or in tufts across the edges of woodland paths. They may be a common sight in urban areas with wood chip mulch or compost piles. The species' scientific name comes from the same Latin root as the word "precocious," giving another clue regarding the early appearance one can expect from these little mushrooms.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 9 cm

Odor:

Slightly mealy scent.

General Info About Spring fieldcap

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Attributes of Spring fieldcap

Cap Diameter

3 - 9 cm

Height

4 - 12 cm

Cap

2 - 9 cm; bell-shaped, flat; yellow-brown, white; dry, bald

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Close or crowded; whitish, grayish, brownish

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

3 - 12 cm long, 5 - 15 mm thick; equal, a slightly swollen base; whitish to pale brownish

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

White, unchanging when sliced

Ring

Thin, skirtlike; white

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

Medium to dark brown

Odor

Slightly mealy scent.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Bronze

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Wood Chips or Mulch, On soil

You can find Spring fieldcap by these plants:

Oaks, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widespread in Europe, widely distributed in North America.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Spring fieldcap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Spring fieldcap

Spring fieldcap mushrooms can grow in woodchip mulch, grassy areas, or occasionally on forest floors. They feed on decomposing plant matter.

Hunting Values of Spring fieldcap

Must be cooked before eating and has a bitter taste.

Uses of Spring fieldcap

Spring fieldcap is recognized for its practical uses, especially in culinary contexts. It's seasonally available and valued by foragers when properly identified. As an edible species, spring fieldcap requires caution due to potential confusion with toxic lookalikes. Consumers should always consult experts before consumption to ensure safety. Its collection and consumption are not as widespread due to these necessary precautions.

Scientific Classification of Spring fieldcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Strophariaceae

Genus

Agrocybe

Toxicity and Edibility of Spring fieldcap

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Edibility of Spring fieldcap

Though reportedly edible, spring fieldcaps have bitter tastes and may be easily confused with other Agrocybe species which are known to be toxic. For these reasons, you won't find these mushrooms in a grocery store, and this species is almost never actually eaten.

Similar Species to Spring fieldcap

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Magic mushroom

Similar Species

Spring fieldcap

How to Differentiate Between Magic mushroom and Spring fieldcap?

Spring fieldcap: Has pale then dark brown gills upon maturation.

Magic mushroom: Displays grey then nearly purple-black gills when mature.

Tips for Finding Spring fieldcap

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When is the Best Time to Find Spring fieldcap

Search for spring fieldcap in late spring or early summer when the weather starts getting warmer. Ideal conditions include moist soil and mild temperatures after a period of rain.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Spring fieldcap

Prefers rich, woody, and compost-like soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Spring fieldcap

Seek out areas with woodchip coverings, such as landscaping mulch near buildings or in parks.
Inspect compost heaps or piles of decaying organic matter in gardens.
Check around the edges of forests or paths where fresh woodchips might be present.
Expand searches to grassy areas or regions that have been recently mulched or disturbed.

How to Clean and Preserve Spring fieldcap

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How to Clean Spring fieldcap

To clean spring fieldcap, brush off any debris gently with a soft brush. Avoid soaking as it may affect their texture. Trim the ends if they appear tough. It's important to handle spring fieldcap delicately to maintain their integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Spring fieldcap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to prevent spoilage.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures controlled temperature and airflow for uniform water removal.

Oven drying: Useful for quick drying with consistent heat; requires frequent checking.

Air drying: Eco-friendly, uses natural air flow; best in warm, dry climates.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Spring fieldcap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Preserves texture and reduces enzymatic activity that can degrade quality.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Spring fieldcap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture, allowing for air circulation and reduced spoilage.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp cloth that maintains humidity yet reduces direct contact with water, preventing mushiness.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use of perforated bags helps balance moisture retention and air flow, averting decay and dehydration.

Original Packaging Storage: If sold in breathable containers, keep them inside, as they are designed for optimum airflow and humidity control.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Spring fieldcap

Mulch fieldcap

Agrocybe putaminum

Leratiomyces percevalii