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Fairy ring mushroom

Marasmius oreades

A species of Marasmius, Also known as Scotch bonnet

Fairy ring mushrooms may dry out completely in the sun, but will “resurrect” during the next rain and regain their ability to make new spores. This is due to a sugar called trehalose which protects their cells. They appear in lawns and fields, sometimes in “fairy ring” configurations.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 5 cm

Odor:

Mild, subtly mushroomy, not distinctive.

General Info About Fairy ring mushroom

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Attributes of Fairy ring mushroom

Cap Diameter

2 - 5 cm

Height

4 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 1 - 5 cm across; convex to flat, umbonate; cream to pale yellow-brown or pinkish brown; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped, Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Visible lines or stripes

Gills

Attached, free; distant; white, pale tan

Gill Attachment

Free

Stem

Stem 2 - 8 cm long, 1.5 - 6 mm thick; whitish, brown; tough; surface smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Tough; whitish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mild, subtly mushroomy, not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find Fairy ring mushroom by these plants:

Pines

Occurence Habitats

Meadows

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Fairy ring mushroom

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Fairy ring mushroom

Appearing most commonly in lawns, meadows, and pastures, the fairy ring mushroom can also grow in coastal dunes. It feeds on detritus like decomposing plant matter and dung.

Distribution Area of Fairy ring mushroom

North America,Europe,North Africa,Central and South America,northern Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Uses of Fairy ring mushroom

Fairy ring mushroom is valued for its edibility, commonly enjoyed in culinary dishes when foraged during its growing season. As a popular wild mushroom, it adds flavor to various recipes. Its collection is worthwhile due to its taste and availability, though caution is advised in identification to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. Foragers treasure fairy ring mushroom as a seasonal delicacy, ensuring safe consumption by verifying its identity through expert guidance.

Scientific Classification of Fairy ring mushroom

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Marasmiaceae

Genus

Marasmius

Toxicity and Edibility of Fairy ring mushroom

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Edibility of Fairy ring mushroom

Fairy ring mushroom is an edible mushroom with caps that have a delightfully sweet flavor. The stems are very coarse and fibrous and are generally not consumed. Although incredibly flavorful, this mushroom should be eaten with extreme caution as identification can be quite tricky. Some poisonous mushrooms, such as Fool's funnel, grow in identical formations and have very similar appearances that are quite toxic.

Similar Species to Fairy ring mushroom

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Fool's funnel

Similar Species

Fairy ring mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Fool's funnel and Fairy ring mushroom?

Fairy ring mushroom: Gills are narrowly attached to the stem.

Fool's funnel: Features gills that are subdecurrent.

Fairy ring mushroom: Cap remains convex or flattens out with a broad umbo (central bump).

Fool's funnel: Older specimens' caps may become funnel-shaped.

Mower's mushroom

Similar Species

Fairy ring mushroom

How to Differentiate Between Mower's mushroom and Fairy ring mushroom?

Fairy ring mushroom: Gills are typically cream or white.

Mower's mushroom: Gills turn brownish with age.

Fairy ring mushroom: Produces a white spore print.

Mower's mushroom: Spore print is dark brown.

Fairy ring mushroom: Stem is tough and flexible.

Mower's mushroom: Stem is more brittle.

Tips for Finding Fairy ring mushroom

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When is the Best Time to Find Fairy ring mushroom

Seek fairy ring mushroom in late spring through to fall, after periods of rain followed by sunny days. Ideal conditions include warm, moist soil and mild to warm air temperatures.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Fairy ring mushroom

Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil; often in short grass.

What are Some Tips for Finding Fairy ring mushroom

Look for arcs or circular formations of mushrooms in grassy areas.
Inspect well-trodden public places like parks, lawns, and roadside verges, focusing on short grass.
Search after periods of rain followed by sunny days, as these conditions favor the growth of fairy ring mushroom.
Survey open grasslands, avoiding areas overcrowded with plants or shaded by trees.

How to Clean and Preserve Fairy ring mushroom

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How to Clean Fairy ring mushroom

Gently brush off any debris from fairy ring mushroom using a soft brush or a piece of cloth. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth to remove any persistent dirt, but avoid soaking the mushrooms as they can absorb water and become soggy.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Fairy ring mushroom

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in a cool, dry place with low humidity and away from direct light for best results.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient for low water-content varieties, ensures even and rapid drying.

Oven drying: Controlled low heat accelerates moisture removal, suitable for delicate textures.

Air drying: Utilizes natural airflow and ambient warmth, ideal for species with thinner flesh.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Fairy ring mushroom

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 3 minutes, cool rapidly, pat dry, and freeze in airtight containers.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Fairy ring mushroom

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Spread-Out Storage

Temperature

0 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow air circulation.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while allowing airflow.

Spread-Out Storage: Arrange on a tray in a single layer covered with a damp cloth to prevent dehydration.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is fairy ring mushroom edible?

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Where is fairy ring mushroom found?

How big does fairy ring mushroom get?

How do you cook fairy ring mushroom?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Fairy ring mushroom

Common fieldcap

Agrocybe pediades

Fool's funnel

Clitocybe rivulosa