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Agaricus campestris

(L.) Fries

Field mushroom

Agaricaceae Edible: Mushroom, Fungus, Vegetable 19,278 iNaturalist observations
Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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(c) Felipe Hidalgo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Felipe Hidalgo

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(c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

(c) Andreas Kunze, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Agaricus campestris is a widely eaten gilled mushroom closely related to the cultivated A. bisporus (button mushroom). A. campestris is commonly known as the field mushroom or, in North America, meadow mushroom. The cap is white and up to 12 centimetres (4+3⁄4 inches) across. The species is found in grassy areas around the world. It is considered a choice edible but resembles some poisonous species.

Description

A mushroom. The cap is 3-7 cm wide.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

Although edible and choice, this mushroom is not commercially cultivated on account of its fast maturing and short shelf life. Care is needed to distinguish it from poisonous species. There have been cases (notably in France) in which the deadly Amanita virosa was consumed by individuals who mistook it for this species. Additionally, specimens collected from lawns could be contaminated by pesticides or other chemicals. Culinary uses include eating it sauteed or fried, in sauces, or even sliced raw and included in salads. In flavor and texture, this mushroom is similar to the white button mushroom (A. bisporus) available in grocery stores in most Western countries.

Traditional Uses

The fruiting bodies are eaten cooked. The are used to flavour casseroles and rice dishes. They can be fried in butter and thickened with a little flour and milk.

Distribution

A temperate plant. It grows in most temperate regions. They need special compost and a farily dark humid location with temperatures between 10-13°C. It suits hardiness zones 5-11.

Where It Grows

Africa, Alaska, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central America, Central Asia, China, Congo DR, Czech Republic, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Himalayas, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indochina, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Sicily, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, St Helena, Sweden, Switzerland, Tasmania, Tanzania, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Production

They are usually harvested within 5 weeks of planting.

Other Information

It is sold in local markets.

Notes

There are about 300 Agaricus species.

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

DEADLY

Destroying Angel

Amanita virosa

en:User:Rafti Institute & en:User:Ms. havisham

Safe

Field mushroom

Agaricus campestris

(c) Felipe Hidalgo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Felipe Hidalgo

Destroying Angel: White gills that stay white, white spore print, bulbous base with volva (sack), faint sickly-sweet smell.

Field mushroom: Pink-to-chocolate-brown gills, brown spore print, no volva (cup) at base, pleasant mushroom smell.

Synonyms

Psalliota campestris (L.) Fries

Also Known As

Angschampinjon, Bangerchhatta, Gewone weidechampignon, Grass mushroom, Kharerhay, Khumb, Khumbi, Kukkago-dugu, Meadow mushroom, Mogu, Olatany, Olatra, Prataiolo, Pucerci, Sanjuanero, Shethi, Shong, Sumbal

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