Appetizer and soup made from reindeer horns mushrooms. Deer horns mushrooms Inedible deer horns mushrooms

Taxonomy:

• Division: Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)
• Subdivision: Agaricomycotina (Agaricomycetes)
• Class: Agaricomycetes (Agaricomycetes)
• Subclass: Phallomycetidae (Veselkov)
• Order: Gomphales
• Family: Gomphaceae
• Genus: Ramaria (Ramaria)
• View: Ramaria flava (Deer horns)

Other names for the mushroom:

Other names:

• Rogatik yellow

• bear paw

• Deer horns

• Coral yellow

Description

The fruiting body of Ramaria yellow reaches a height of 15-20 cm, a diameter of 10-15 cm. Numerous branched dense bush-like branches with a cylindrical shape grow from the thick white “stem”. They often have two blunt tops and irregularly truncated ends. The fruit body has all shades of yellow. Under the branches and near the stalk the color is sulfur-yellow. When pressed, the color changes to wine-brown. The pulp is moist, off-white, marbled in the core, and does not change color. Outside, the base is white, with a yellowish tint and reddish spots of varying sizes, most often found on fruiting bodies growing under coniferous trees. The smell is pleasant, a little grassy, ​​the taste is weak. The tops of old mushrooms are bitter.

Spore powder is ocher-yellow.

Habitat and growth time

Deer horns grow on the ground in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests in August - September, in groups and singly. It is especially abundant in the forests of Karelia. It is found in the Caucasus mountains, as well as in Central European countries.

Doubles

The Staghorn mushroom is very similar to the golden yellow coral, the differences are only noticeable under a microscope, and also to Ramaria aurea, which is also edible and has the same properties. At an early age it is similar in appearance and color to Ramaria obtusissima, Ramaria flavobrunnescens is smaller in size.

Note

The word flava in the name of the mushroom means “yellow.” Coral fungi are considered basidiomycetes. They form spores on the fruit layer, on the outside of the “knots,” everywhere. Most corals are good, but among them there are also poisonous ones.

This ramaria is considered an edible mushroom, but certain precautions must be taken when consuming it. First of all, only young specimens should be collected and the base should be used, as the twigs are bitter. Ripe mushrooms are not edible at all due to their bitterness.

Mushrooms “deer horns”, or coral-shaped hedgehogs, are also known to many mushroom pickers under the names coral mushrooms, coral-shaped hericia or lattice-shaped hedgehogs. The Latin name of this edible mushroom from the genus Hericium or Hericium is Hericium coralloides.

Botanical description

A full description of Hericium coralloides can be found in the Red Book of Russia, where the coral hedgehog is listed as a rare species. “Deer horns” have a very beautiful exotic appearance. In the coral-shaped hedgehog it is difficult to distinguish the cap and stem, therefore, when characterizing and describing this species, we can only talk about the fruiting body as a whole. The fruiting bodies of Hericium coralloides look a bit like coral branches.

The above-ground part of hericia is very decorative, multi-branched, snow-white in color. Relatively long spines 10-20 mm high, thin and quite brittle, cover the branches of the fungus almost to the very base, most often located on the lateral side. The average diameter of the fruiting body does not exceed 25-30 cm.

The pulp is initially white, but as the mushroom grows and develops it acquires a characteristic yellowish color. Elastic in its raw form, after cooking it becomes harsh. There is no pronounced mushroom aroma. Fruiting occurs from June to October.

Deer horn mushrooms: description (video)

Where does it grow

Most often, the fungus grows on trunks, branches and hollows of deciduous trees, as well as on stumps. Most often it can be found on aspen, oak or birch. In the southern regions, the hedgehog prefers to colonize the wood of elm, oak and linden. In temperate latitudes it is most often found on birch and aspen. In our country, “deer horns” can be found in almost any forest zone, except for the forests of the most northern regions.

Poisonous or edible

The mushroom of the species Hericium coralloides belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. The fruiting bodies have such an unusual appearance that hericia has no inedible or poisonous counterparts. In terms of nutritional and chemical composition, as well as pharmacological value, Hericium coralloides is highly similar to the relatively common combed hedgehog.

100 g of raw pulp contains:

• potassium – 254 mg;
• phosphates – 109 mg;
• sodium – 8 mg;
• calcium – 6.7 mg.

In addition, the composition of mushroom pulp is enriched with all free amino acids, except methionine and tryptophan, and also includes a significant amount of ketones, lipid substances, phytoagglutinin and sterols.

Hericium coralloides is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to treat stomach and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as to improve the function of the respiratory system. Pronounced antitumor and immunostimulating effects are noted, as well as antigeriatric effects and hypoglycemic activity of mushroom pulp.

Cooking methods

The vast forests of our country abound with all kinds of mushrooms. However, not every lover of quiet hunting is lucky enough to encounter a coral-shaped hedgehog. From “Deer Antlers” you can prepare a very large number of very tasty and incredibly healthy dishes.

You can cook in completely different ways. Dried coral hedgehog can be soaked and then boiled or fried in batter. A very tasty and aromatic mushroom dish is obtained if the fruiting bodies of “deer horns” are marinated in a sauce made from oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, as well as salt and lemon juice.

Mushrooms: varieties (video)

According to experienced mushroom growers and amateur mushroom pickers, the coral hedgehog does not have a pronounced taste, therefore, regardless of the cooking method, the culinary impression of it is quite mediocre. The main advantage of “deer horns” is their extraordinary beauty.

The staghorn mushroom (coral, hornet) is scientifically called golden ramaria or yellow ramaria. The fact is that these are two different species, but so similar that only experienced biologists in laboratory conditions can distinguish them. The morphological data and taste qualities of these varieties are almost identical. The reindeer horn mushroom can often be found in pine forests on white moss. Very large specimens are often found - weighing about 1 kg. Sometimes, just a few hornets are enough to prepare dinner for the whole family. This macromycete is not affected by worms, with the exception of wireworms. An interesting fact is that many “silent hunters” pass by these amazing mushrooms without even suspecting that they are edible.

Edibility

Deer horn mushrooms, despite their exotic appearance, are edible. They belong to the fourth mushroom category. It is best to eat young specimens. Old mushrooms have an unpleasant aftertaste, and they also develop bitterness. The deer horn mushroom is used in cooking to prepare various dishes. You can salt it, fry it, or make soup from it, but the hornet is best suited for preparing main courses. Deer horns taste like chicken or shrimp (depending on the cooking method). They have unusually tender flesh.

Description

Deerhorns are mushrooms whose body grows vertically and resembles branching sea coral, or for which they received their popular names. The average specimen reaches 7-16 cm in width, but there are mushrooms exceeding 20 cm in width. An interesting fact is that their height, as a rule, coincides with the width. The color of the cattail is yellow, golden yellow or light brown. In older specimens it is bright orange.

The pulp is golden-white, watery, very fragile and tender, with a pleasant aroma. In air, when broken or cut, it quickly changes color to brown (c In overripe mushrooms, when pressure is applied to the stem, the flesh acquires a red or blood-red hue. The fruiting body consists of many branches with blunt tips. Externally, the macromycete resembles coral. Its surface is dry, smooth and matte.

Spreading

The deer horn mushroom is common in the temperate and northern zones of Eurasia and North America. It grows in groups, prefers mossy and moist areas of soil in coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests. Sometimes it forms large communities and can grow in rows or arcs, forming “witch rings.” The hornet especially loves pine forests, but does not disdain beech and hornbeam tracts. Found in the lower and middle mountain zones. The optimal time for collection is August-October. In the southern regions, deer antlers are collected even in winter.

Peculiarities

Deer horns, or golden ramaria (yellow), have quite a lot of doubles - coral-shaped mushrooms similar to them. However, all of them are inedible, and some are poisonous. For an experienced person, distinguishing a cattail from others will not be difficult. However, if the mushroom picker does not have much experience or is even a beginner, then it is better not to “hunt” deer horn mushrooms. Their photographs are available in this article.

This amazing specimen is found in forests from time to time. He is very unusual and even a little exotic due to his appearance. This name, of course, is associated with its unusual appearance and shape. After all, it is very similar to deer horns or corals. Because of such an unusual shape and color, many mushroom pickers pass by these amazing specimens.

Appearance

Deer antler mushrooms look very exotic and unusual. As mentioned above, they are similar to corals. The color of these mushrooms varies from light yellow to bright orange. Young specimens have light and delicate tones, but older specimens look a little brighter.

By weight, the deer antler mushroom can reach a size of about one kilogram. And in diameter and height up to 20 cm. It is interesting that at first they grow in width, and then begin to grow in height. That is, from one copy you can prepare dinner for a large company.

Taste qualities

The taste of this mushroom is legendary. They say that it tastes incredible, although it belongs to the fourth category. Deer horns are incredibly tender, pleasant and slightly similar in taste to chicken or shrimp. Of course, if they are well prepared for this.

Also, only young mushrooms are tasty. Old specimens are bitter and unpleasant. Alas, even soaking and heat treatment cannot remove their bitterness. Therefore, you should not collect them, but rather look for young mushrooms.

Deer antlers are used for cooking, soups, salads, pies, and they are also used as a filling for any dish. Also, deer horns are pickled, fried, stewed, and there are many more different ways to prepare them.

On the Internet you can find a bunch of different recipes for preparing these mushrooms. They are all very tasty and interesting.

Where does the mushroom live?

This mushroom is a rare specimen, so it is not found often. Although, if you find a place where they grow, you will probably meet not just one representative, but a whole bunch. Sometimes, in one place you can collect a whole bag of these mushrooms. They can grow in a bunch or in a circle.

Deer antlers live in central Eurasia and North America. In Russia, it can be found in Siberia, near the Caucasus Mountains. They prefer pine forests, but they are also found in deciduous forests. They grow on healthy or dead tree trunks.

Interestingly, its taste depends on what tree this mushroom grows on. They say that deer antlers that grow on linden and oak trees are considered the most delicious, but those on pine and cedar trees are less tender.

This mushroom has no poisonous counterparts, but there are conditionally edible ones.

Classification of mushrooms

Edible:

• Horny bunch (color from soft red to rich brown).
• Coral-shaped hedgehog (color white, cream).
• Rogatik is purple (color varies from dark purple to deep lilac).
• Amethyst horn (purple color).
• Rogatik is golden yellow (light yellow color).
• The mushroom is formidable (color cream, slightly brownish).
• Rogatik is yellowish (color is dirty pale gray-yellow).
• Rogatik comb (white color).
• Mushroom cabbage (color white with a yellowish tint).
• Mushroom noodles (color white - pink).
• Horny bulavastik truncated (brownish color).
• Sakhalin Horntail (ocher color).

Conditionally edible:

• Rogatik is dull (the color is dirty - cream, ocher).
• Spruce hornet (color yellowish-brownish, slightly ocher).
• The horn is beautiful (pink, ocher color).

These listed mushrooms are replicas of staghorn mushrooms. They are all very similar, both in taste and appearance. It is difficult to distinguish them from each other.

If you accidentally confuse edible with inedible, you will immediately feel it, because they will be too bitter and tasteless. This only threatens you with a spoiled mood.

Other names:

• Rogatik yellow

• bear paw

• Deer horns

• Coral yellow

Description

The fruiting body of Ramaria yellow reaches a height of 15-20 cm, a diameter of 10-15 cm. Numerous branched dense bush-like branches with a cylindrical shape grow from the thick white “stem”. They often have two blunt tops and irregularly truncated ends. The fruit body has all shades of yellow. Under the branches and near the stalk the color is sulfur-yellow. When pressed, the color changes to wine-brown. The pulp is moist, off-white, marbled in the core, and does not change color. Outside, the base is white, with a yellowish tint and reddish spots of varying sizes, most often found on fruiting bodies growing under coniferous trees. The smell is pleasant, a little grassy, ​​the taste is weak. The tops of old mushrooms are bitter.

Spore powder is ocher-yellow.

Habitat and growth time

Deer horns grow on the ground in deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests in August - September, in groups and singly. It is especially abundant in the forests of Karelia. It is found in the Caucasus mountains, as well as in Central European countries.

Doubles

The Staghorn mushroom is very similar to the golden yellow coral, the differences are only noticeable under a microscope, and also to Ramaria aurea, which is also edible and has the same properties. At an early age it is similar in appearance and color to Ramaria obtusissima, Ramaria flavobrunnescens is smaller in size.

Note

The word flava in the name of the mushroom means “yellow.” Coral fungi are considered basidiomycetes. They form spores on the fruit layer, on the outside of the “knots,” everywhere. For the most part, coral mushrooms are good, edible mushrooms, but among them there are also poisonous ones.

This ramaria is considered an edible mushroom, but certain precautions must be taken when consuming it. First of all, only young specimens should be collected and the base should be used, as the twigs are bitter. Ripe mushrooms are not edible at all due to their bitterness.

wikigrib.ru

Botanical description

A full description of Hericium coralloides can be found in the Red Book of Russia, where the coral hedgehog is listed as a rare species. “Deer horns” have a very beautiful exotic appearance. In the coral-shaped hedgehog it is difficult to distinguish the cap and stem, therefore, when characterizing and describing this species, we can only talk about the fruiting body as a whole. The fruiting bodies of Hericium coralloides look a bit like coral branches.

The above-ground part of hericia is very decorative, multi-branched, snow-white in color. Relatively long spines 10-20 mm high, thin and quite brittle, cover the branches of the fungus almost to the very base, most often located on the lateral side. The average diameter of the fruiting body does not exceed 25-30 cm.

The pulp is initially white, but as the mushroom grows and develops it acquires a characteristic yellowish color. Elastic in its raw form, after cooking it becomes harsh. There is no pronounced mushroom aroma. Fruiting occurs from June to October.

Deer horn mushrooms: description (video)

Where does it grow

Most often, the fungus grows on trunks, branches and hollows of deciduous trees, as well as on stumps. Most often it can be found on aspen, elm, oak or birch. In the southern regions, the hedgehog prefers to colonize the wood of elm, oak and linden. In temperate latitudes it is most often found on birch and aspen. In our country, “deer horns” can be found in almost any forest zone, except for the forests of the most northern regions.

Poisonous or edible

The mushroom of the species Hericium coralloides belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. The fruiting bodies have such an unusual appearance that hericia has no inedible or poisonous counterparts. In terms of nutritional and chemical composition, as well as pharmacological value, Hericium coralloides is highly similar to the relatively common combed hedgehog.

100 g of raw pulp contains:

• potassium – 254 mg;
• phosphates – 109 mg;
• sodium – 8 mg;
• calcium – 6.7 mg.

In addition, the composition of mushroom pulp is enriched with all free amino acids, except methionine and tryptophan, and also includes a significant amount of ketones, lipid substances, phytoagglutinin and sterols.

Hericium coralloides is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to treat stomach and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as to improve the function of the respiratory system. Pronounced antitumor and immunostimulating effects are noted, as well as antigeriatric effects and hypoglycemic activity of mushroom pulp.

Cooking methods

The vast forests of our country abound with all kinds of mushrooms. However, not every lover of quiet hunting is lucky enough to encounter a coral-shaped hedgehog. From “Deer Antlers” you can prepare a very large number of very tasty and incredibly healthy dishes.

You can cook in completely different ways. Dried coral hedgehog can be soaked and then boiled or fried in batter. A very tasty and aromatic mushroom dish is obtained if the fruiting bodies of “deer horns” are marinated in a sauce made from oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, as well as salt and lemon juice.

dachadecor.ru

Description of the appearance of deer horn mushrooms

One glance is enough to understand why “forest bread” has such a strange name. The mushroom grows vertically, It grows in width due to numerous branched processes. from the outside, they surprisingly resemble deer antlers or sea coral. Due to this, the mushroom also has other popular names: coral hedgehog, horned mushroom or coral. The color also adds similarity: light yellow, light brown, beige, deep orange or even purple. Pigmentation depends on the place of growth, environmental characteristics and age.

It only takes a little effort to separate the tender pulp into several pieces. A fresh cut quickly begins to acquire a burgundy hue, so the horns should be collected as quickly as possible.

Places of growth, timing and characteristics of collection

It is listed in the Red Book, so you can only find deer horns in some regions. These are the Far East, Western and Eastern Siberia, and also Karelia and the Caucasus. Due to the characteristics of its growth, hedgehog is unpopular in the central part of Russia; most people do not even know about this type of “forest bread”.

But, despite its rarity, mushroom pickers often find places where the coral hedgehog forms large rows or voluminous rings. Prefers damp and dark places in deciduous or pine forests, This is where the most delicious specimens grow. It can also be seen on the stumps or roots of any trees, regardless of their species.

Corals are collected in summer and autumn, and in the Caucasus even in the winter months. You should choose small mushrooms of light colors. The older the cattail, the more inedible it is, as it acquires characteristic bitterness and hardness. You can judge the age by the shade of the mushroom: they show more orange pigment. It is rarely affected by worms, but the horns should be carefully inspected when harvesting to detect their presence.

What does a deer horn mushroom look like (video)

About the edibility of deer horns

Interestingly, due to these taste differences in adults, some consider the mushroom to be poisonous, but this is not so. Properly prepared deer horns are quite unusual, but harmless and tasty. They belong to the fourth category of mushrooms (and inedible ones are not included in the classification at all).

The fourth category is assigned to rarer mushrooms, which are inferior in taste to varieties from higher levels. They are preferred by gourmets or experienced mushroom pickers. But this does not mean that you should avoid the horns; you just need to better study the features of this mushroom.

Taste qualities of deer horns

There are only two very opposing opinions about the taste of the mushroom - either very bad or great. As already noted, this depends on the location and age of the coral. Due to the heat treatment, the texture of the staghorn becomes denser, tougher and less stretchy, and at the same time a little loose. Adult specimens are unpleasant to chew, and their taste is incomprehensible: sour-bitter and spicy.

But connoisseurs know that young deer antlers are unique. Depending on the cooking method, they can resemble tender chicken breast or shrimp meat. Of course, this adds a special exoticism to the dish. The pleasant aroma can stimulate the appetite, so the mushroom is recommended for those who suffer from its absence.

How to cook delicious reindeer horns

Rules for successful dishes:

1. Rogatik is not used in pickling and canning. Its positive qualities quickly deteriorate; it is advisable to consume them in the first 3-5 days after collection.
2. The only storage method that is acceptable is in the form of pickles.
3. The most delicious mushrooms are only collected. Simply fry or boil them, and then add them to the main dish as a side dish.
4. Don't add a lot of seasonings. They will overpower the wonderful natural flavor of the mushrooms.
5. Due to their structure, deer horns are considered one of the dirtiest mushrooms. They should be washed at least 3 times in running water, carefully monitoring their appearance. But even this is often not enough, so you should boil the mushrooms for 5 to 30 minutes, and then drain the broth. This way you can be sure of the purity of the product.

How to collect reindeer horn mushrooms (video)

Soup

Any housewife can prepare it, even one who has never encountered these mushrooms before.

• Water – 3-4 l;
• deer horns - 300-350 g;
• potatoes – 200 g;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• butter – 30 g;
• bay leaf – 1 pc.;
• greens, onions, salt, sour cream, garlic - to taste.

1. Prepare your slingshots. After pre-cooking, be sure to rinse them again.
2. Cut the potatoes into strips and the carrots into thin circles.
3. Place the vegetables to cook over medium heat along with the bay leaf.
4. When the ingredients are half soft, add the reindeer horns and butter.
5. After 15 minutes, add herbs, onions and garlic if desired.
6. Wait until the water boils again, add salt to the soup and turn off the gas.

The dish is especially tasty with sour cream. This is a light and nutritious soup that is often eaten cold in the summer.

Cream soup

Delicate texture and rich taste are what distinguishes this dish.

• Chicken broth – 1 l;
• chicken meat - optional;
• potatoes – 0.5 kg;
• boiled mushrooms – 300 g;
• butter – 40-50 g;
• vegetable oil – 1 tbsp;
• cream 10% fat – 0.5 cups;
• starch – 1 tsp;
• seasonings, salt - to taste.

1. Let's prepare the fry. Heat half the butter and a whole spoonful of vegetable oil in a frying pan with a thick bottom.
2. Add onion, cut into thin rings. Sprinkle starch on top.
3. The cooked onions should be golden brown. Take it out onto a plate.
4. Place the chopped cattails in a frying pan with the remaining oil. After 5-10 minutes, turn off the heat and add the onion.
5. Boiled potatoes in chicken broth should be chopped in a blender along with meat and butter.
6. Pour broth and slightly warmed cream into the finished puree.
7. Heat the cream soup, but do not bring it to a boil!
8. Add spices.
9. Pour the dish into a plate, put onions and mushrooms in the middle, sprinkle with herbs on top.

Potatoes with mushrooms

Mushrooms go well with any potato, especially horns. You will need any number of ingredients at your discretion.

1. Washed blackberries are boiled in low boiling water for no more than 5 minutes.
2. Afterwards the product is strained and placed to dry.
3. Afterwards, fry the chopped deer horns in butter along with onions and black pepper (or garlic).

We add the finished side dish to potatoes - in their jackets, boiled in tubers, mashed or fried.

Gravy

Improves the taste of salads, eggs and cereals.

• Boiled corals – 300 g;
• butter – 3 tbsp;
• flour – 3 tbsp;
• milk – 1.5 tbsp.
• broth (any, preferably mushroom) – 1 tbsp.;
• yolks – 2 pcs.;
• spices, salt - to taste.

1. Fry the flour in oil until golden brown.
2. Add milk (stirring constantly!).
3. When the mass becomes homogeneous, pour in the broth mixed with the yolk. Salt and pepper the mixture.
4. After boiling, the heat should be reduced to low.
5. Add mushrooms and simmer for another 15 minutes.

sadovodu.com

Description

Deer horns (Ramaria flava), a branched yellowish conditionally edible mushroom, is also called bear's paw and yellow coral.

It is characterized by the following distinctive features:

• the total height of the fruiting body reaches 20 cm, the maximum diameter is also 20 cm. The color, initially cream, yellowish, lemon or sulfur-yellow, eventually becomes ocher to orange. The flattened “branches” are repeatedly split in a U- or V-shape, have equal lengths, and somewhat blunt ends;
• the leg grows up to 8 cm in length and 5 cm in thickness. It is colored in shades of yellow characteristic of the entire mushroom, becoming lighter towards the base. In places of pressure it becomes reddish-brown;
• pale ocher spores are formed on the outer surface of the fruiting body;
• fragile pulp of watery consistency, light, yellowish, with a faint pleasant odor. As it ripens, it becomes bitter, especially in the “branches”.

Distribution and fruiting period

Deer horn mushrooms grow in temperate climates. They settle on the soil in coniferous forests, deciduous groves and mixed forests. Branching fruiting bodies grow singly and in small groups in August-September.

Similar species

Other yellowish horns have significant similarities with the deer horns mushroom:

• inedible blunt (Ramaria obtusissima), having rounded ends of the “twigs” and a bitter taste. It is found in Siberian mixed forests with the presence of fir and Far Eastern oak forests;
• conditionally edible yellow-brown (Ramaria flavobrunnescens), the height of which does not exceed 10 cm. With age, brown spots appear on mushrooms of this species;
• conditionally edible golden (Ramaria aurea), painted in a brighter ocher-yellow color, lighter towards the base;
• conditionally edible golden yellow (Ramaria lutea), smaller (up to 15 cm in height), found in the Primorsky Territory.

In addition, the inedible Calocera viscosa, which grows on stumps and dead wood, is often confused with deer horns. This mushroom has a bright egg-yellow color and dense gelatinous flesh.

Primary processing and preparation

Yellow hornet belongs to the conditionally edible mushrooms and has the 4th taste category. Since the yellow hornet develops a bitter taste with age, only young fruiting bodies should be collected.

To ensure the absence of bitterness, deer horns are first boiled for 15-20 minutes, draining the broth, or the ends of the branches are removed. Forest “corals” processed in this way can be cooked like other edible mushrooms - boiled until fully cooked, fried and stewed. Some lovers of exotic mushrooms pickle and salt them.

Abundantly branching “bushes” of conditionally edible deer antlers attract attention with their extraordinary appearance. Properly collected and cooked young mushrooms have a taste reminiscent of lean meat.

mirgribnika.ru

Biological description

Deer horns (golden ramaria, yellow ramaria), belonging to the gomphaceae family, have a rather specific and beautiful tree-like shape, truly reminiscent of the branched antlers of a deer or a fancy sea coral. Apparently for this They are also popularly called horn mushrooms or coral mushrooms. Their body consists of dense, thickened matte twigs with forked tips and small, brittle thorns. They are attached to the substrate with a dense and short white stem, tapered towards the bottom. Its height ranges from 2 to 10 cm, and its diameter ranges from 5 to 10 cm.

The outer surface of young specimens may have a beige, milky or yellow color of various shades, while in older specimens it changes to bright orange. Initially, mushrooms usually grow vertically, but over time they begin to bush, their branches fall apart and droop somewhat. Their the size can reach twenty centimeters in diameter and the same in height, and the weight is three kilograms.

But at the same time It is recommended to collect small, young mushrooms that have a pleasant taste and sweetish aroma, as well as tender, dense, fragile white pulp, which turns brown when cut or scrapped. Old and large specimens become bitter, tough and completely unsuitable for consumption. The bitterness does not disappear from them either during soaking or during cooking and further processing.

Location

On the territory of our country, deer antlers are most often found in the Far East, Western and Eastern Siberia, the foothills of the Caucasus, and also in Karelia. They can be found in both deciduous and coniferous forests, especially pine. They grow on rotten stumps, trees, and less often on soil covered with various types of moss. But it is believed that the most delicious are the specimens found in damp, shaded places in oak, aspen and birch groves.

Although deer horns are considered rare mushrooms, and are even listed in the Red Book, sometimes you can find places where they grow in large groups in a row or in a ring. They are usually collected from mid-summer to early winter, depending on the region of growth. In places with very warm climates they are found even in winter. It is interesting that this type of mushroom is not damaged by worms.

Deer antlers: collecting (video)

Cooking methods

Despite the fact that deer horns are classified as a fourth category mushroom due to the characteristic bitterness that appears during growth, when young they are quite tasty and can be prepared in the same way as most other edible mushrooms.

Immediately after collection, they are divided into small parts, washed, boiled and prepared for a wide variety of dishes: fried, stewed, added to soups and salads. They are also used to make sauces, fillings for pies, dumplings, and various preparations for the winter (salting, pickling, freezing). Cooked deer horns resemble the taste of chicken or shrimp. For example, for starters, you can prepare those completely simple dishes, the recipes for which are given below.

Mushroom salad

Ingredients:

• reindeer horns (boiled) - 200 grams;
• carrots - 200 grams;
• medium sized onion;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons;
• vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon;
• salt, black pepper, herbs.

Cooking method:

1. Combine chopped mushrooms with carrots, cut into thin strips, chopped garlic, add salt, pepper, half the amount of vinegar, vegetable oil and let stand for about half an hour.
2. Cut the onion into half rings and marinate in the remaining vinegar.
3. Mix mushrooms with onions and chopped herbs.

Soup with deer horns

Ingredients:

• deer horns - 500 grams;
• water - 3 liters;
• carrots - 200 grams;
• potatoes - 500 grams;
• onion - 100 grams;
• green peas (canned) - 200 grams;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• butter - 100 grams;
• cheese - 100 grams;
• salt, black pepper, herbs.

Cooking method:

1. Boil the mushrooms for half an hour, cool and divide into small strips.
2. Cut potatoes, carrots and onions into small cubes, place in boiling water and cook until tender.
3. Add mushrooms, green peas, salt and pepper to the boiled vegetables and leave the soup to simmer over low heat for another fifteen minutes.
4. Place finely grated cheese, butter and herbs into the finished dish. Before serving, you can add sour cream or cream to the soup.

Precautionary measures

You should know that there are quite a large number of mushrooms that resemble deer horns in appearance. Many of them are inedible or even poisonous. Therefore, beginners need to start collecting them under the guidance of experienced mushroom pickers.

Also they should be washed and processed well, especially those that are prepared for future use, because even edible mushrooms can pose a serious danger if improperly prepared and stored. In addition, you should not collect them along roads and in other polluted places where they accumulate large amounts of toxic substances.

How to cook reindeer horns (video)

As you can see, deer horns are not only an exotic decoration for the forest, but also an excellent product that will allow you to prepare many interesting and tasty dishes, both for the everyday menu and for the holiday table. And for those for whom “mushroom hunting” is a hobby or active recreation, searching and collecting them will bring real pleasure.

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