Mushroom season is fast approaching and we can’t contain our excitement. It is the same excitement I think a lot of lovers of mushrooms go through on a regular basis. Since we started learning about mushrooms in Sikkim each time we go out into the forests, we get to interact with fungi and mushrooms that we have not met yet. We have a list, yes, we always have a list of mushrooms we would like to meet. We also have lists of fungi and mushrooms we have never met and hope to meet. The best part about going to the forests to meet mushrooms is the mystery and the excitement of meeting new mushrooms. We hope to not only meet new mushrooms but we also hope that in the coming year we are able to introduce more people to the world of fungi and mushrooms. That said, here are some mushrooms we have already met!
1. RussulaVirescens: Russulavirescens is commonly known as green cracking Russula or green brittlegill is one of many Russula species found in the hills. It gets its name from its distinctive green tint as opposed to most Russula which have a reddish tint to them. As its common name suggests, it can be identified from its distinctive green cap color, the size of the cap can grow up to six inches in diameter. The stipe of this mushroom grows to be around an inch and half thick and can be up to 3-4 inches in length. It has a white to cream spore print and has white gills which turn darker as the mushroom ages.
Russulavirescens is a choice edible mushroom, it has a distinctive nutty, sweet flavour which is said to be enhanced when the mushroom is dried. It can be cooked in a variety of ways and although not so common, it is known to be found easily in Europe and Asia from August to October. This mushroom grows in association with broadleaf, oak, and chestnut trees. While this is an easily identifiable mushroom, it is not something beginners should indulge with especially if the mushroom is a younger specimen which will not have developed its distinctive green cracking color.
Interestingly enough many species of the family of Russule are eaten in Sikkim and it also has among the highest recorded number of species of russulae in India with new records being added every few years.
2. Panaeolusantillarum: Panaeolusantillarum is a dung loving mushroom that grows in small groups in cow dung and horse dung the most commonly. It is an easily recognisable mushroom however there are some lookalikes that you need to be careful about. The shape of the cap of this mushroom is parabolic almost shaped like a bell and the color ranges from a whitish to a greyish with brown discoloration at the centre of the cap. It has a long stipe that can grow up to 20cm or more and has no veil on it. These black spored mushrooms are often found in plenty in pastures and cannot really be called a forest mushroom. It is recorded as edible but is not a mushroom that is preferred by foragers as there are instances of people suffering from nausea vomiting post ingesting this mushroom.
3. Auriculariaauricula-judae: Auriculariaauricula-judae is commonly known as the wood ear mushroom. In Sikkim it is a commonly eaten mushroom also known widely by its common name, KaneyChyau, which indicates that it looks like an ear. It is a gelatinous fungus that resembles a small crinkled ear. They can be found on old or dead trees and shrubs. They are edible and have an earthy flavour. They also have many health benefits as they are rich in fibre and antioxidants.
KaneyChyau is a part of the diet for many people in the hills, it's commonly used in salads or soups but can be cooked in a variety of ways. Dried wood ears are available in Sikkim in various markets throughout the year suggesting that they are abundant in number. They are an excellent common edible mushroom that we should all eat more of.
