Irina Stezhko, a biologist, noted that for mushroom hunting enthusiasts, these mushrooms are among the most beautiful and belong to the "winter" category.
“These are winter honey mushrooms, also known as Flammulina velutipes. They prefer to grow on weakened deciduous trees. Flammulina is an edible mushroom with many beneficial properties, including immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Preparations based on this mushroom may have antitumor and cardioprotective effects, as well as help normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, improve cognitive abilities, and regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels,” said I. Stezhko.
“Local residents eagerly await the appearance of these mushrooms, and as soon as they appear in late autumn, they set off for a 'quiet hunt.' Interestingly, frost does not scare Flammulina — they may freeze at night, but on warm days they thaw and continue to grow. These mushrooms, covered with frozen moisture from the forest, look as if they are cast from glass and are very attractive. Although the stems of the mushrooms can be a bit tough, gourmets prefer to take only the caps, which have a delicate taste and look great on the New Year's table in various dishes,” she added.
