Blusher
Amanita rubescens
mushroom
⚠️ Toxic look-alike
Never eat this mushroom unless you are certain it is not its toxic look-alike.
The panther cap, which is toxic (violent digestive upset, effects on the nervous system, convulsions in children), looks like it: it has pure white warts, a smooth, unstriated ring, a volva forming rolls above the bulb, and its flesh never turns red. The blusher has a striated ring and flesh that reddens where it is damaged or nibbled. When in doubt, it is not eaten. Have every harvest checked by a pharmacist or a mycologist.
If in the slightest doubt, leave it. If you feel unwell after eating it, even several hours later, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.
A very common amanita whose flesh turns red where it is damaged; a renowned edible, but only when well cooked.
- Origin
- Broadleaf and conifer forests of Europe
- Season (United States)
- June to October
- Preparation
- Never raw or undercooked: raw, it is toxic. If you pick it yourself, have the mushroom checked by a pharmacist or a mycological society before eating it.
- Molecules
- Mushroom beta-glucansIn small amounts, not counted Ergothioneine
- Did you know?
- Its toxin stops working after ten minutes at 50 °C: cooking is what makes it edible.