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Russula xerampelina var. olivescens

(Secr.) Br., (Schaeff.) Fr.

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(c) Uwe Winkler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Uwe Winkler

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(c) Christian Schwarz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Christian Schwarz

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no rights reserved, uploaded by Piermario Maculan

Russula xerampelina, also commonly known as the shrimp russula, crab brittlegill, or shrimp mushroom, is a basidiomycete mushroom of the brittlegill genus Russula. Two subspecies are recognised. The fruiting bodies appear in coniferous woodlands in autumn in northern Europe and North America. Their caps are coloured various shades of wine-red, purple to green. Mild tasting and edible, it is one of the most highly regarded brittlegills for the table. It is also notable for smelling of shellfish or crab when fresh.

Description

A mushroom.

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Edible Uses

The flavor is mild. This russula is considered one of the best edible species of its genus, although the shellfish smell will persist even when cooking. This is less pleasant in older specimens. The young caps are said to be superb stuffed with any suitable ingredients, and are rarely maggoty.

References (1)

  • www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au

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