John Myers
If you love mushroom dishes, you will be amazed by the taste of the parasol mushroom. The parasol is closely related to the mushroom. You can even collect it yourself and save money. You only have to pay attention to a few identifying signs, because it resembles poisonous mushrooms.
Synonyms and word origin
The parasol mushroom is also called drumstick, common giant parasol, schoolmaster mushroom, or schnitzel mushroom. The name of this tasty mushroom derives from its appearance. Parasol means sunshade and you will recognize it first by this characteristic feature.
Bite
But where can you find this delicious mushroom that you can also prepare like a schnitzel? You can find what you are looking for and fill your mushroom basket at the following locations:
- road and forest edges
- clearing
- grasslands
- Forests with enough sun exposure
In order to thrive and thrive, the fungus needs loamy, sandy, and calcareous soil. The right time to go and collect the Parasol is between July and October.
The appearance of the Parasol
The first thing you can recognize when you have tracked down a mushroom of this genus:
- brownish to beige color
- white to beige lamellae on the underside of the screen
- young parasol mushroom: spherical cap with continuous brown skin
- older parasol mushroom: open umbrella
- old parasol mushroom: Umbrella like a flat plate with a diameter of up to 40 centimeters
- large scales on the cap or screen
- Broadening of the stalk downwards like a tree trunk
- bright, sliding ring on the stem
In order not to confuse the parasol with toadstools and to be sure of recognizing it, you should take a closer look at it.
Stalk
- grey-brown appearance
- long growth up to 50 cm long
- downward thickening
- bulbous roots in the ground
- ring below the screen
Tip: One of the most recognizable features of the edible mushroom is the sliding ring that you can see on the stem. So gently wrap your fingers around this cuff and try to gently slide it. If you succeed, you have found a real parasol. But be careful: If you can’t move the ring, it’s better to keep your hands off the mushroom. You should only collect mushrooms that you can really clearly identify.
Smell and taste
In addition to your eyes, you can of course also rely on your taste as a distinguishing feature. Unlike its poisonous doppelganger, the pointed-scaled parasol, the parasol tastes slightly nutty and is reminiscent of peanuts. The flesh of the mushroom is particularly juicy and tender. The scent of the Parasol is mild and nutty, so the smell makes it easy to recognize the Parasol.
Now nothing stands in the way of enjoying mushrooms. The incomparable taste of the Parasol will lure you back into nature year after year. Because this exquisite delicacy is not sold in shops and markets.
Tip: The parasol mushroom is an ancient vegetarian meat alternative. To do this, after seasoning them well, coat the mushroom caps in eggs, flour and breadcrumbs and fry them in oil until golden brown. The taste is actually reminiscent of an expensive veal escalope. Even sworn meat lovers will lick their fingers afterward and ask you for the recipe. You can dry the stems and use them later in sauces because they are often a bit tough. However, if you want to process all parts of the young mushroom, you can use it to conjure up a delicious mushroom ragout. To do this, cut the mushroom into small pieces, fry it with onions in a pan, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Finally, sprinkle some parsley on top.
