Macrolepiota+procera+-+Parasol

=Introduction= > **1. Common names** > **2. Taxonomy - Scientific name**

=**Description**= The **parasol mushroom** (//Macrolepiota procera//) is a [|basidiomycete] [|fungus] with a large, prominent [|fruiting body] resembling a lady's [|parasol]. > **1. Fruit / Cap** The height and cap diameter of a mature specimen may both reach 40 cm, a size truly impressive for the fruiting body of an [|agaric]. The [|stipe] is relatively thin and reaches full height before the cap has expanded. The stipe is very fibrous in texture which garners it inedible. The surface is characteristically wrapped in a [|snakeskin]-like pattern of [|scaly] growths. The immature cap is compact and [|egg-shaped], with the cap margin around the stipe, sealing a chamber inside the cap. As it matures, the margin breaks off, leaving a fleshy, movable ring around the stipe. At full [|maturity], the cap is more or less flat, with a chocolate-brown [|umbo] in the centre that is leathery to touch. Dark and cap-coloured flakes remain on the upper surface of the cap and can be removed easily. The [|gills] are crowded, free, and white with a pale pink tinge sometimes present. When sliced, the white flesh may turn a pale pink. > **2. Natural habitat** It is a fairly common [|species] on well-drained soils. It is found solitary or in groups and [|fairy rings] in [|pastures] and occasionally in woodland. Globally, it is widespread in [|temperate] [|regions]. media type="custom" key="13260054" align="right"

> **3. Fragrance Signature** It has a pleasant [|nutty] smell.

> **4. Identification** The parasol mushroom is difficult to mistake for any other, especially in regions like eastern Europe where the poisonous look-alike //[|Chlorophyllum molybdites]// does not occur. Nevertheless, as with picking any fungus for consumption, caution should be exercised at all times.

=Consumption= It is a very sought after and popular fungus in Europe, due in part to its large size, seasonal frequency and versatility in the kitchen. The parasol mushroom may be eaten raw. It is popular soaked in butter. Only the cap of fresh specimens is considered edible. In central and eastern Europe countries this species of fungi is usually prepared similarly to a [|cutlet]. It is usually run through egg and breadcrumbs and then fried on a pan with some oil or butter. Served with white bread, it makes a delicious meal of summer and early fall. [|[1]] A savory Slovakian recipe is to bake caps stuffed with ground pork, oregano, and garlic. =Preservation= =**Features**= > **1. Spores print** > **2. Mycelial characteristics** > **3. Microscopic feature** The [|spore print] is white. =Growth Characteristics= Similar to Shaggy Mane (Copernus Comatus) > 1**. Temperature** > **2. Humidity** > **3. O2/CO2** > **4. Light** > **5. Substrate composition** > **6. Summary [3]** >> **Spawn Run** >>> Incubation Temperature: 26-28°C ( 78-82°F). >>> Relative Humidity: n/a >>> Duration: 30 days. >>> CO2: n/a >>> Fresh Air Exchanges: n/a >>> Light Requirements: n/a >> **Primordia Formation** >>> Temperature: 19-21°C (66-69°F) >>> Relative Humidity: n/a >>> Duration: 18-20 days after casing >>> CO2: n/a >>> Fresh Air Exchanges: n/a >>> Light Requirements: n/a >> **Fruitbody Development** >>> Temperature: n/a >>> Relative Humidity: n/a >>> Duration: 2 - 3 days >>> CO2: n/a >>> FreshAir Exchanges: n/a >>> Light Requirements: n/a >> **Cropping Cycle** >>> n/a =Natural Cultivation= Similar to Shaggy Mane (Copernus Comatus) =Indoor Cultivation= Similar to Shaggy Mane (Copernus Comatus) > **1. Inoculation** >> Mycelium 5, 10 and 14 days after inoculation > **2. Spawn run** >> Fruit from bag, from column > **3. Primordia** > **4. Fruiting** =Cultivation Substrates= Similar to Horsetail or Shaggy Mane (Copernus Comatus), it can be grown on straw pellets. After the mycelium has grown throughout the culture, the entire culture is buried in the garden and covered with a thin layer of soil[1]. >> 1. Straw Pellets then outdoor beds : [] >> 2. Wheat Straw : [] >> 3. Cardboard : [] =Availability= =References=
 * 1) []
 * 2) [|Grow Mushroom Garden]
 * 3) [|Mushroom newsletter - January-June, NRC Mushroom]
 * 4) [|Mushrooms in the garden, by MykoWeb]