Oyster mushrooms got their name due to the fact that their growth occurs in a characteristic 'suspended' state on tree trunks. Therefore, looking at your step and looking for these mushrooms on the ground makes almost no sense. Many mushroom pickers do not like to collect oyster mushrooms, considering them to be tree destroyers. However, this is a wrong opinion, since oyster mushrooms in the forest begin to grow only on already diseased trees. We offer you to see a visual photo of oyster mushrooms in the forest.
Oyster mushrooms in the forest on birches, aspens, willows and pines
Mushroom pickers who know the taste of oyster mushrooms are sure that they are much tastier and more aromatic than those grown in special mushroom farms.
Experts say that oyster mushrooms are a real source of vitamins. The vitamin content of these mushrooms is comparable to that of vegetables and fruits. With their nutritional value, these fruit bodies can compete with legumes. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the information about oyster mushrooms: in which forests do they grow, when to collect them and can they be found on the ground?
Let's start with where do oyster mushrooms grow in the forest? Very often, these mushrooms are found on dead, fallen stumps, on dying coniferous or deciduous trees. A favorite place for oyster mushrooms in the forest is on birches. However, they are also often found on aspens, willows and pines.
Oyster mushrooms are unpretentious mushrooms, so they can be artificially grown even at home: on sawdust, small wood shavings, paper, straw or sunflower waste. I must say that in the modern world, many often do this, which brings a good harvest of mushrooms all year round.
Types of oyster mushrooms and what mushrooms grow in the forest on the ground
In the wild, there are five species of this mushroom, and all of them are considered conditionally edible. Therefore, advice for culinary experts: oyster mushrooms should be pre-boiled in salted water for 20 minutes. These mushrooms are found in all countries of the former Soviet Union.
The most common is the common oyster mushroom, or oyster.
There is abundant oyster mushroom, pulmonary, late and steppe. By the way, there is only one type of oyster mushroom that grows in the forest 'on the ground' – this is steppe. However, even here the surface of the land in the glades should be densely covered with bark and branches of broken trees. Therefore, it seems that the mushrooms grow right on the ground.
Although the types of oyster mushrooms differ in color, size and shape of their caps, they all grow in large colonies on the trunks of dead trees – standing or felled.
Look at the photo of how oyster mushrooms grow in the forest. They hang from the trunks in a large stepped garland, the weight of which can reach over 3 kg. If mushrooms grow on a fallen tree, their legs are long and close to the side of the cap. And if their colony was formed on a still standing tree, their legs are short, as if fused together.
The collection time for oyster mushrooms ranges from April to November frosts. However, even frost is not harmful to these mushrooms: they do not lose their taste and nutritional properties. In addition, this type of fruiting bodies is not damaged by worms while they are young. Only on very old copies can you notice the corruption.
Another type of oyster mushroom – abundant, grows in deciduous forests. Her collection begins in May and lasts until October. These mushrooms are afraid of frost, so you should not look for them in the cold. The most massive fruiting in abundant oyster mushrooms occurs in June, and then in October. They love humidity, and at this time of the year, especially during rainy weather, there are a lot of fruit bodies in the forest. They can often be found on old birches, elms, mountain ash and oak trees. Abundant oyster mushroom has a wavy edge of caps and a light cream shade. The stem of the mushroom is long and curved towards the cap.
Another type of oyster mushroom is pulmonary, which is distinguished by its white color. It has a convex cap with thin edges drooping downward. Its leg is covered with a delicate white fluff resembling velvet. Grows in colonies on oak, birch and beech trees. Although oyster mushroom looks very delicate and delicate, it is well transported and tolerates cold well for 4 days. This type of mushroom can easily take root at home: spread the oyster mushroom in the yard near the stumps, and after a while you will see the result – a good harvest of domestic mushrooms.
Autumn oyster mushrooms in October and winter mushrooms in December
As for late oyster mushroom, it fully justifies its name. Autumn oyster mushrooms grow in the forest in October. Sometimes it is found in November, if not very severe frosts. Mushrooms grow on conifers or rotten stumps, especially in old clearings. Autumn oyster mushroom is distinguished by its greenish color, reminiscent of green olives. These mushrooms taste a little bitter, so some mushroom pickers do not pick them, although they are edible.
For cooking, oyster mushrooms are selected in small sizes. Only young mushrooms have a delicate taste and a pronounced mushroom aroma. Older specimens are also edible and tasty, however, not with such a forest aroma.
Do oyster mushrooms grow in the forest in winter, for example, in December? We can confidently answer that they grow, especially if the winter is mild and warm. Hanging multi-tiered garlands of oyster mushrooms can be found on different trees. They are clearly visible in winter, since all the foliage has fallen. Often experienced mushroom pickers, when collecting oyster mushrooms, carefully look at the tops of trees. Colonies of fungi are found at a considerable height from the ground.
A positive point in the collection of oyster mushrooms is the fact that in our region this species does not have poisonous counterparts. The false twin grows in Australia and is fatal to humans. However, you can not worry, in Russia this species simply will not survive due to the cold weather. Therefore, even novice mushroom pickers may not be afraid to collect 'prey'.
Why oyster mushrooms have become such common mushrooms lately? It turns out that they are very resistant to bacterial and viral infections. Their bactericidal properties are capable of removing radioactive substances from the human body. And, in addition, oyster mushrooms have a more pronounced aroma than other mushrooms, and it is also more affordable.
