Finnish: Keltahaarakas
Swedish: Gul fingersvamp
Norwegion: Gul korallsopp
German: Gelbe Koralle
Other English Names: Changle
Other Scientific Names: CLAVARIA BOTRYS, CORALLIUM FLAVUM, CORALLOIDES FLAVUS
Description: Ramaria flava has a densely branched growth habit and can be 10-15 centimeters high and about the same width. The branches are ascending and almost white or very light yellow at the bottom and then get an increasingly clear yellow color towards the tips. The foot can be up to 4 centimeters wide.
Notes: Goat’s beard is an excellent edible mushroom but needs some skills in identification. There are various species in the genus Ramaria (e.g. Ramaria flavescens, Ramaria mairei) and other lookalikes that are poisonous. Coral mushrooms are not recommended for novice mushroom pickers and if you plan foraging goat’s beard you should defenitely know what you are doing.
Notes for cooking: Contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can cause nausea when raw. Make sure to cook well.
Recipe after McIlvaine
“Fry in hot butter, oil or fat until well done; or stew, covered with a little water, over a slow fire for half an hour. When done add cream or milk, a little flour, plenty of butter and season with pepper and salt. Salt last, always, or it will harden the plants [sic!].” Mcllvaine, 1901, S. 642.
We have compiled this overview with the best of knowledge and belief, but do not claim to be complete and reserve the right to make errors.
Learn more about poisonous mushrooms and mushroom poisons here
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