Page 236 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Parasol Mushroom, Macrolepiota

procera (AGARICACEAE)

PARASOL MUSHROOMS are tall, slender, and um- SPORES: 12-18 x 8-12 µ, broadly elliptical, thick-walled,
brella-shaped. Widely distributed across eastern and with an apical pore; stain purplish-brown in Melzer’s
central North America, they grow alone or in groups solution; Spore print: white
during summer and fall. Parasol mushroom fruit in a EDIBLE PARTS: cap
range of environments including woodlands, lawns,
KEY MEDICINAL USES: In vitro studies have shown
and trail sides.
this species has anti-cancer potential.
CAP: Measuring 2.5-9.5 inches (6-24cm) across, the
HOW TO EAT: Parasol mushrooms have a big mushsh-
cap begins egg-shaped, expanding to broadly convex
roomy flavor. They are excellent sauteed, fried, or
or flat, with a central solid brown bump. Its dry exte-
stewed with chicken. The tough, fibrous stems can be
rior is smooth when young, soon developing brown
made into stock or flour.
scales. These scales, set upon a whitish to brownish
MUSHROOM FLOUR: Ingredients: 1-quart mushroom
subsurface, become shaggy in age. The cap’s soft,
stems. Peel stems apart along fibers. Space fibers out
white flesh does not bruise orange or red when cut.
on a flat surface in a dry, shaded area. Air out for 2-3
GILLS: The close gills are broad, free from the stem,
days until bone-dry. Grind up mushrooms to produce
and white with fringed edges. With age, they become
¼ cup strongly mushroom-flavored flour. Use it to
pinkish to brownish.
bread meats, or mix it with cereals for baking.
STEM: The stem is 4-16 inches (10-40cm) tall and 0.3- POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Chlorophyllum molyb-
0.6 inches (0.7-1.5cm) thick, with a bulbous base that
dites - greenish spore print; white gills mature to
is not sheathed by a volva. Its pale surface is covered
greenish; Amanita spp. - volva at stem base; associ-
in fine pinkish hairs above and brown scales below, ated with trees, rather than organic litter; M. racho-
which form snakeskin-like bands.
des - causes severe reactions in some people; stains
VEIL: The veil leaves a superior, thick, double-edged orange to reddish-brown when sliced.
ring, which easily slides up and down the stem.
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