Botanical Name
Macrolepiota procera
Family
Agaricaceae
Common Name
Parasol Mushroom
Parts Used
Entire mushroom is edible, but the cap is tastier and less fibrous than the stipe.
Type of Mushroom
saprobic/saprotrophic. They get their nutrients from dead organic matter in the soil.
Botanical Description
Cap - average width between 15-30cm. Tan in colour, the cap is round when the mushroom is young but opens to a large flat parasol shape when the mushroom matures. The cap has scales that form as the skin stretches and cracks through rapid growth.
Gills - white to cream in colour the gills are free and crowded.
Stipe - white/off white/cream in colour with a tan snakeskin pattern that, like the cap, is a sign of rapid growth. The stipe comes from a bulb at the base and can grow tall, often 20cm plus, and is hollow and fibrous. The skirt sits 2/3 of the way up.
Skirt - the skirt is not very attached attached and can be moved up and down the stipe.
Flesh - white/cream with a spongey texture.
Where They Grow
Open woods and fields. I've actually found most in fields occupied by sheep or cows although im not sure this is strictly a rule.
Season To Harvest
June to October.
Harvesting Guidelines
Make sure the mushroom cap is fully open so that the spores have had a chance to drop and the mushroom is given the opportunity to reproduce. It also helps with identification.
Medicine
Parasol mushrooms contain vitamin D, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, fiber and protein, with small amounts of antioxidants and even some antimicrobial properties too.
Magic & folklore
The parasol mushroom has a habit of growing in large circles. These are known as 'fairy rings' in European folklore and they are said to symbolise a place where elves, fairires or pixies like to dance. There's also a belief that they can act as portals to the fairy realm if one only knows how to use them...
Love Em xx
