From wild mushrooms in the woods to cultivated fungi on our dinner plates, mushrooms have always been a source of fascination and mystery.
But what if you find mushrooms growing in your own backyard?
It’s not uncommon for certain types of white mushrooms to appear in lawns and gardens, often after rain or other moist conditions. While some of these white-gilled fungi are edible, others may be poisonous, so it’s important to identify them before consuming.
What are White Mushrooms?
White mushrooms are a type of fungi that can be found in both outdoor and indoor environments. They generally have a white cap, which can range from convex to flat, and white gills on the underside of the cap. The stems tend to be pale and slender, with a fibrous texture. In many cases, they have a strong earthy smell. These mushrooms can vary widely in size, from a few centimeters to over a foot tall.
Studying white mushrooms in the yard is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to identify whether or not a particular mushroom species is edible or poisonous. This can be especially important for children and pets, who may be tempted to sample any food they find growing outdoors. Additionally, studying mushrooms in the yard can provide insight into the environmental health of an area. Certain types of fungi can act as indicators of soil health, while others may indicate the presence of pollutants or other contaminants.
Types of white mushrooms in yard
Button mushrooms
Button mushrooms, also known as Agaricus bisporus, are a type of white mushroom commonly found growing in yards and gardens. They have a distinctive dome-shaped cap that ranges from light brown to almost white in color, and their gills are pinkish-brown when young. Button mushrooms are fairly small, with caps typically measuring up to four inches across. They have a mild, earthy flavor and are widely used in a variety of dishes.
Cremini mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as Agaricus brunnescens, are a type of white mushroom commonly found in yards and gardens. They are closely related to the button mushroom but have a darker, more robust flavor. Their caps range from light brown to dark brown in color and measure up to four inches across.
The gills are pinkish-brown when young and darken as the mushroom matures. Cremini mushrooms can be used in many of the same dishes as button mushrooms, but their richer flavor makes them especially well-suited for sauces and soups.
Portobello mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms, also known as Agaricus bisporus, are a type of white mushroom commonly found in yards and gardens. They have a large, flat cap that ranges from light brown to almost black in color, and their gills are dark brown when young.
Portobello mushrooms are larger than button or cremini mushrooms, with cap sizes measuring up to eight inches across. They have a deep, earthy flavor that lends itself well to roasting or grilling.
White truffle mushrooms
White truffle mushrooms, also known as Tuber magnatum, are a type of white mushroom found in yards and gardens. They are highly sought after for their unique flavor and aroma, which is often described as earthy and nutty. The caps of white truffle mushrooms range from light brown to almost black in color, with a bumpy texture. They are typically much smaller than other white mushrooms, with caps measuring up to three inches across.
Benefits
Medically proven benefits
White mushrooms have many medically proven benefits. Studies have found that white mushrooms contain many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate. Additionally, they are a good source of dietary fiber. Regular consumption of white mushrooms is believed to help reduce the risk of certain diseases and improve overall health. They can also boost the immune system and help the body fight off infection.
Nutritional value
White mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrition. They are low in fat and calories, but high in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate. Additionally, they are a good source of dietary fiber. One cup of cooked white mushrooms contains just 18 calories and provides 3 grams of protein as well as numerous essential vitamins and minerals.
Economical benefits
In addition to their many health benefits, white mushrooms can also have a positive economic impact. They are relatively inexpensive to produce and require minimal care. This makes them an ideal crop for small-scale farmers who may not have access to large plots of land or expensive fertilizer and equipment. Furthermore, since white mushrooms can be harvested quickly and easily, they can provide a consistent source of income for growers.
Risks associated with white mushrooms in yard
Poisonous white mushrooms
Unfortunately, white mushrooms can also be a source of risk. While some types of white mushrooms are edible and highly nutritious, others are poisonous and can cause serious illness or even death if consumed. Poisonous white mushrooms include the aptly-named Death Cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which is easily mistaken for its edible counterparts. Other dangerous varieties include Destroying Angels (Amanita virosa) and Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa). Therefore, it is important to be able to identify these dangerous mushrooms and avoid consuming them.
Health risks
Consuming poisonous mushrooms can cause a range of severe health issues, ranging from stomach upset and vomiting to liver or kidney damage and even death. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can start within hours of consumption and can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, the toxins in the mushrooms can cause organ failure, coma, and death. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify poisonous mushrooms and avoid consuming them.
How to identify edible white mushrooms in the yard
Physical identification
Physical identification is the best way to identify edible white mushrooms in the yard. To do this, it is important to look for certain characteristics that can help distinguish edible white mushrooms from poisonous varieties. Edible white mushrooms typically have a smooth and unbroken cap with a light brown or cream color. The cap may also have small bumps or scales. Furthermore, edible varieties tend to have thick stems with a fibrous texture. It is also important to inspect the gills of the mushroom, which should be white or pale pink in color and curved or rounded.
Key identifiers of poisonous mushrooms
Identifying poisonous mushrooms is essential in order to avoid potential health risks. Some key identifiers of these dangerous fungi include: an umbrella-shaped cap, a ring around the stem, a volva or cup at the base of the stem, white gills that are free from the stem, a strong odor, and bright or fluorescent colors. Additionally, some species of poisonous mushrooms may have spots or warts on the cap.
Conclusion
In summary, white mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrition and can be economically beneficial to small-scale farmers. However, it is important to be able to identify poisonous varieties in order to avoid potential health risks. Edible white mushrooms typically have a smooth cap with a light brown or cream color and thick stems with a fibrous texture. Poisonous mushrooms can identified by their umbrella-shaped cap, ring around the stem, volva or cup at the base of the stem, white gills that are free from the stem, strong odor, and bright or fluorescent colors.
In order to enjoy edible white mushrooms from your yard safely, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines. Firstly, it is essential to learn how to identify poisonous mushrooms accurately and avoid consuming them. It may be beneficial to consult an experienced mushroom hunter or mycologist who can help you identify edible varieties. Additionally, it is important to cook the mushrooms thoroughly before eating them as this can help minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses. Finally, it is recommended to avoid consuming any mushrooms if you are unsure of their identity or unfamiliar with mushroom species in your area.
