Jan 16, 20221 min read

Macrolepiota procera

The Parasol Mushroom

Whether raw or cooked, the cap is delicious. You cannot miss this majestic mushroom which can grow up to 40cm!

Family : Agaricaceae

Shape

Large mushroom that measures at least 20 cm and can be up to 40 cm high! The cap (10 to 40 cm) is beige, it has brownish scales. Its blades are clear. It has a double, thick ring that can be easily slid over the foot.

Name

From scientific latin lepiota, “small scale, small crust”.

Habitat

May be found on lawns, trail or woods edges, and in the woods.

Geographical area

Australia, India, Siberia, Far East, Japan, America, Africa and Europ.

Flavor and odor

Non-distinctive odor, sweet taste.

Culinary notes

The parasol mushroom is a very good mushroom, especially when young. I recommend that you only consume the cap, it is soft whereas the foot is fibrous. Easy to cook, its large hats can even be cooked whole in a pan or in the oven!

Medical uses

Macrolepiota procera is known to contain glycerin, mannitol, glucose, trehalose, lepiotan and about twenty amino acids. Additionally, Macrolepiota procera demonstrates anti-tumor activity in the human body and exhibits antibiotic activity. The spores are widely used for making traditional foods and medicines.