Hypholoma lateritium, sometimes called brick cap, chestnut mushroom,[1]cinnamon cap, brick top, red woodlover or kuritake,[2] is a species of fungus in the genus Hypholoma, which also contains the slightly smaller poisonous species Hypholoma fasciculare.
Taxonomy
Hypholoma sublateritium is a synonym.
Description
The cap is 3.5–9 centimetres (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2in) in diameter,[3] usually with a brick-red coloration in the center and a paler margin. It is smooth, sometimes with red-brown flecks in the middle and sometimes with flaky veil remnants, which can easily be washed off in the rain, on the outside. The gills are crowded, starting yellowish and becoming grayish with age. They do not have the green color of Hypholoma fasciculare. The stipe is up to 12cm (4+3⁄4in) long,[3] light yellow and darker below.
In Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia they are found in dense clusters on stumps and roots from October until long after frosts.[5]
Edibility
Hypholoma lateritium is sometimes considered edible[6] but caution must be taken to avoid confusing it with similar-looking deadly species.[4] In Europe the species is often considered inedible or even poisonous.[citation needed] Specimens are best when collected young; older specimens tend to be bitter from being fouled by insects.[7]
The taste is mild to somewhat bitter, but when cooked the mushrooms have a nutty flavor. They are especially delicious when sauteed in olive oil.[8] Brick tops have been considered one of the better edibles of late fall in the Northeast United States.[9] It is considered a choice edible in Japan.[citation needed]
↑ Palmer, E. Laurence; Fowler, H. Seymour (1975). Fieldbook of Natural History: Second Edition. New York: McGraw Hill. xviii + 779 pp. ISBN0-07-048425-2 (Hypholoma sublateritium, p. 86.)
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