Many mushroom hunters claim that the parasol mushroom does not have a poisonous double, but still people who pick it must be especially careful because it can be mistaken with a poisonous fly agaric. Young parasol mushrooms often resemble other mushrooms, so it is best to wait for them to grow and then pick them.
In North America, the parasol mushroom has a highly poisonous double, which is the cause of a number of poisonings. Fortunately, it is not found elsewhere. In some places there is a reddish parasol mushroom, which is smaller than ordinary. When cut, its flesh acquires a reddish color and has a strong aroma. It is very poisonous.
Another double of the parasol mushroom is the elegant parasol mushroom. It has fewer scales and does not reach large sizes. It is not edible.
Parasol mushrooms are very similar to ordinary parasol mushrooms, but are much smaller in size. Among them are dangerous poisonous doubles. To prevent confusion with another poisonous mushroom, it is best to collect larger parasol mushrooms that are over 5 cm in diameter.
However, there may be large doubles among them. You will recognize them by the fact that they grow on their own, their pattern is strange and is reversed.
See also how to cook parasol mushroom or try our recipes for parasol mushroom with butter or marinated parasol mushroom.
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