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Swollen-stalked cat

Catathelasma ventricosum

A species of Catathelasma

Swollen-stalked cat can be found growing during the fall under conifer trees, especially firs and spruce. It is large, tough, and has a stem that extends deep into the ground. This mushroom can appear similar to the prized edible American matsutake, but swollen-stalked cat lacks that species' strong scent.

Cap Diameter:

8 - 30 cm

Odor:

Mild, not distinctive or slightly unpleasant.

General Info About Swollen-stalked cat

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Attributes of Swollen-stalked cat

Cap Diameter

8 - 30 cm

Height

16 - 25 cm

Cap

Cap 8 - 30 cm; convex, nearly flat; whitish, with grayish areas; dry, smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Fibrillose-scaly

Gills

close; whitish

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide; often swollen in the middle; whitish, discoloring brownish or grayish

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Hard; white; not changing on exposure

Ring

Flaring, double ring

Ring

With Ring

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mild, not distinctive or slightly unpleasant.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Swollen-stalked cat by these plants:

Firs, Spruces, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Endangered Species

How to Identify Swollen-stalked cat

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Swollen-stalked cat

Swollen-stalked cat is a woodland mushroom that can be found in coniferous forests. It grows on the ground under conifers, near their roots.

Uses of Swollen-stalked cat

Swollen-stalked cat is an edible mushroom, valued for its culinary applications. It's not widely popular but appreciated by mycophiles when found, typically in late summer to fall. While safe for consumption, it's essential to properly identify swollen-stalked cat due to the risk of mistaking it for toxic look-alikes. As with all wild mushrooms, caution is advised during collection and preparation.

Scientific Classification of Swollen-stalked cat

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pale-spore mushrooms

Genus

Catathelasma

Similar Species to Swollen-stalked cat

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Death angel

Similar Species

Swollen-stalked cat

Confusing Aspects of Death angel and Swollen-stalked cat?

Swollen-stalked cat and Death angel are confused due to similar large size, robust stature, and white coloration.

How to Differentiate Between Death angel and Swollen-stalked cat?

Swollen-stalked cat: Does not have a volva at the base.

Death angel: Characterized by a large, sac-like volva at the stem base.

Tips for Finding Swollen-stalked cat

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When is the Best Time to Find Swollen-stalked cat

Search for swollen-stalked cat in late summer to early fall when the temperature is cool, especially after periods of rain that provide moist soil conditions.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Swollen-stalked cat

Well-drained, typically under conifers.

What are Some Tips for Finding Swollen-stalked cat

Search in coniferous forest areas where spruce trees are prevalent.
Look for singular or small groups of swollen-stalked cat on the ground rather than in dense clusters.
Inspect the well-drained soil underneath conifer trees, as swollen-stalked cat tends to grow there.
Gently move aside any forest floor debris such as pine needles and leaves that may conceal swollen-stalked cat.
Note the general appearance of the area where swollen-stalked cat are found to identify similar habitats for future foraging.

How to Clean and Preserve Swollen-stalked cat

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How to Clean Swollen-stalked cat

To clean swollen-stalked cat, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. For more persistent dirt, lightly rinse under running water without soaking. Pat dry immediately to prevent water absorption and maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Swollen-stalked cat

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Cool, dark, low humidity environment with airtight containers for optimal storage conditions.

Dehydrator drying: Rapid moisture removal, suitable for high water content, consistent drying.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Swollen-stalked cat

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch to inhibit enzyme action and preserve texture.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Swollen-stalked cat

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Crisper Drawer Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags allowing air circulation while absorbing excess moisture, preventing sliminess.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Perforations allow some airflow while retaining moisture, reducing dehydration and shriveling.

Cloth Wrapping: Enclose in a lightly dampened cloth that maintains humidity without wetting the surface excessively.

Crisper Drawer Storage: Keep in the original packaging with adequate air vents, placed in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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