If you don't know this name it is for a reason: you are not a fan of mushrooms. Because mycologists deeply admire the silversmith or the infundibulicybe geotropa, One edible mushrooms most popular and best valued in mycology. The first thing that catches your attention is its appearance and size, attractive both to those looking for mushrooms and to those who are simply walking through the countryside and come across this specimen.
The Platera grows in many areas and in different parts of the world, making it an authentic gift that Mother Earth gives to those of us who appreciate the work of art of nature and the flavor, nutrients and charms that the mushroom provides us with. the kitchen.
If you want to learn about mushrooms and know the characteristics of Infundibulicybe geotropa, keep reading, because in this article we are going to explain everything about it, so that you know how to recognize it when you see it and know how much this mushroom has to offer you.
What is Infundibulicybe geotropa or Platera
The Platera has a curious shape between a plate and a funnel with the edges rolled down that makes it very characteristic and striking. It belongs to the Tricholomataceae family and measures 5 to 15 centimeters, although it is not unusual to find larger specimens. Its color between white and creamy is also another note that allows us to identify it with the naked eye.
Characteristics of the Platera
Among the latests Moravia's compositions characteristics of the Platera There is the one we have already mentioned: the shape of its saucer hat that becomes funnel-shaped with some edge rolled downwards that curls as it matures, creamy in color and a large size that can exceed 15 centimeters.
The peduncle of the fungus is also robust, very fibrous and cylindrical in shape.
You will know that the mushroom is ready to harvest because it will have a darker tone and the edges will be more wavy downwards. This color characteristic tells us that it is at its exact point of maturity.
What are the forests where Infundibulicybe geotropa mushrooms grow?
El Infundibulicybe geotropa It is easy to develop and that is why it is a very popular and abundant species in practically any terrain, from mixed forests to deciduous forests and also in those forested areas in which there are conifers.
It does not matter whether it is flat or mountainous terrain, if the soil is rich in organic matter, the fungus can grow without problems.
You will not have any difficulties finding it if you travel around the world, because you can see it in Spain, the USA, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, South Korea and other countries, no matter which continent you are on, because in both areas of Asia, as well as Europe and North America, are filled with Plateras forests.
In the Andalusia area, if you make a visit to the natural environment of Alcornocales Park, you will find many varieties of mushrooms, including the Platera.
What Infundibulicybe geotropa needs to develop
What this mushroom specimen needs is humidity, like any other mushroom, and heat. It is important that the soil is well drained, yes. And although it is more common to find it in autumn, if the weather favors, you can also collect it in spring and summer.
What benefits does the growth of the fungus Infundibulicybe geotropa provide?
Walk through the forest and come across specimens of the Infundibulicybe geotropa It is joy, because, apart from the beauty of its physiognomy, only admirable among those who know how to appreciate the world of mushrooms, and the culinary pleasure that it brings us in gastronomy, the presence of La Platera has benefits in the ecosystem.
This fungus helps decompose organic matter and, with this, contributes to the cycle of providing nutrients to plants, enriching the soil with nutrients that will be more easily absorbed by the different species in the area.
Besides, the Infundibulicybe geotropa It grows by forming mycorrhizae, that is, intertwining its roots with the roots of other plants for the exchange of water and nutrients. Therefore, it plays an essential role in the existence and good development of other plants that grow around it.
It also serves as a habitat for different insects and animals that live under the presence of the fungus, taking advantage of the climatic conditions and nutrients that it generates.
How to grow Platera at home
If you want to enjoy the flavor of Platera you can grow the mushrooms yourself at home. You just have to acquire the mycelia and prepare a cultivation container with a substrate rich in organic matter, ensuring that it has good drainage. Provide a humid and cool environment, with a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees.
Main uses of Infundibulicybe geotropa
They say that the smell of this mushroom is reminiscent of the smell of almonds. And, its flavor is not much different from that of others. edible mushrooms, slightly sweet. The only thing is that it is a fibrous mushroom and you should not consume it when it is overripe because its flavor may not be as pleasant and, furthermore, it will have become hard.
You can eat it sautéed or cooked with other vegetables or with a sauce to accompany dishes, scrambled eggs, etc. However, take care when you try it for the first time, not to abuse it, because there are people for whom Platera is indigestible.
With the dried and crushed mushroom you can obtain a tasty condiment to season other dishes.
It should also be noted that Infundibulicybe geotropa contains clitocybin, which is an antibiotic. Its action can be seen in the grass around the mushroom, which appears as if it were burned, darkened. Precisely because it contains this substance, it is advisable not to abuse its consumption either, because in high doses it could be toxic.
This is what we can tell you about the Infundibulicybe geotropa or Platera, a mushroom highly appreciated in mycology and you will surely like to identify it when you go out to the forest, if you enjoy collecting mushrooms and, if not, you will also be able to find it because of its curious appearance. The mushroom with a cap or a saucer and a funnel shape that becomes more pronounced as it ages.