Mushrooms are a unique type of fungus that come in an array of shapes and sizes. Long mushrooms are a unique and flavorful variety of fungi that you can find growing in wooded areas or in a grocery store.
From long white mushrooms to gray mushrooms, we’ll discuss these types of fungi in the article below. So if you are looking for a comprehensive list of stringy mushrooms, read on.
List of Long Mushrooms
Don’t eat mushrooms or fungi that have not been classified as edible. Also make sure to cook all edible fungi before consumption.
1. Gray Inkcap
Coprinopsis cinerea, also known as the gray ink cap, is a long edible mushroom that can be found in woods and grasslands. Its cap is about 0.5 inches, starts out egg-shaped, gradually it opens up into a convex shape then flattens out. Note the gray gills on the underside.
Gray inkcaps are often considered a nuisance because they often pop up in lawns. They get their name from the black ink-like liquid that is released when the mushroom is cut or broken.
Gray inkcaps are edible. And, we recommend you cook them immediately after picking them.
2. Harefoot Mushroom
Closely related to the gray inky cap above, the harefoot mushroom is also a member of the family psathyrellaceae family. It is found in Europe and North America, where it grows on woody debris, especially in damp habitats such as woods and hedgerows.
The cap is initially egg-shaped before expanding to a width of 2 inches then on its final days the margins turn upwards. Its gills are free and close together, and they turn black as the spores mature.
The spore print is black. Harefoot mushrooms have stalks that measure 2-7.5 inches tall. Note the white scales. Their edibility is unknown.
3. White Coral
White coral mushrooms, also known as Ramariopsis kunzei, are an edible species of fungus found in Europe, Australia and North America.
These white long mushrooms have a unique coral-like shape. In addition to having an interesting appearance, these long fungi have many uses in cooking.
Another recognizable feature of the white coral mushroom is its pure white coloration. This color stems from the fact that they contain no chlorophyll, which is responsible for producing green pigments in plants.
As a result, they must obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter rather than photosynthesis like other plant life. They can often be found growing on dead wood or leaf litter where other types of vegetation cannot survive.
Can you eat white coral mushrooms? Yes, Ramariopsis kunzei are edible. But, its white flesh is flavorless, so I recommend you go for other edible mushrooms like cremini mushrooms.
4. Enoki Mushrooms
Now to one of the most sought after long mushrooms; enoki mushrooms. Also known as enokitake or Flammulina filiformis this mushrooms with long stems are known for their long, thin stem and small caps.
Like the inky caps above, their caps start are convex in the early stages of their growth then eventually flatten.
Surface is smooth and turns brownish as the mushroom ages. Enokis are white in color and have a slightly sweet and earthy taste. They are often used in Asian cuisine, such as in soups and stir-fries.
In North America, these thin mushrooms can be found fresh or canned. When purchasing fresh enoki mushrooms, look for those that have firm stems and are free of bruising. The mushroom caps should be closed and not dried out. Canned enoki mushrooms can be found in most grocery stores.
To prepare fresh enoki mushrooms, simply trim off the root end and rinse the mushrooms under cool water. Canned enoki mushrooms can be used as is or rinsed before use.
5. Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitakes are large edible mushrooms that are native to East Asia. These mushrooms are commonly cultivated and used in many Asian cuisines.
Shiitake mushrooms have a distinct, slightly smoky flavor and are often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. They taste yummy fresh or dried.
To identify these long and large mushrooms, the fruiting body has a 2-5 inch brownish convex cap and cream gills on its underside. They have a white spore print and a 4 inch stalk when fully mature.
If you’re looking to add more mushrooms to your diet, shiitakes are a great option. They’re versatile, nutritious, and delicious! We recommend you cook the caps only.
6. Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms or penny bun or boletus edulis are one of the most popular and sought-after mushrooms in the world.
Native to North America and Europe, these hearty fungi have a robust, earthy flavor that has made them a favorite of home cooks and renowned alike.
While they can be found fresh in some markets, porcini are more often seen dried and sold in small packages or jars.
Porcini mushrooms are relatively easy to cook with and can be used in a variety of dishes.
They pair well with other strong flavors like garlic and sage, and their meaty texture makes them a good stand-in for meat in vegetarian recipes.
When shopping for porcini, look for mushrooms that are plump and have a deep brown color. Avoid any that are shriveled or have spots of mold.
Related Read: Mushrooms that grow on trees
7. Beech Mushroom
There are two types of beech mushrooms;
Bunapi shimeji : Also known as white clamshell mushroom or white beech mushroom
Buna-shimeji: Also called brown clamshell mushroom or brown beech mushrooms
And as you might have guessed, yes this is another variety of long mushrooms that occur in Asia. These mushrooms can be hunted in the wild or bought in North America and Europe.
Beech mushrooms have a white or light brown cap with a smooth surface. The stem of the mushroom is also white or light brown and is typically about four inches tall. Beech mushrooms can be found growing on trees, logs, or stumps in forested areas.
These mushrooms are edible and have a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They can be cooked in many different ways and are often used in soups or stir-fries.
8. Caesar’s Mushroom
We recently looked at different Amanita family members in our list of mushrooms that are orange and red. In this article, we’ll focus on one of their members with a long stem; Caesar’s Mushroom.
It is common in Southern Europe. The caesar mushroom has a reddish-orange cap and can grow to about 6 inches in diameter. Its yellowish stipe grows to about 6 inches when fully mature.
This tall mushroom is consumed in Mexico and Italy. What do Caesar’s mushrooms taste like? a combo of chestnut and hazelnuts. It is often used in Italian cuisine, and can be found in dishes such as pasta and pizza.
Also, if it’s your first time hunting for mushrooms, we recommend you opt for other easily identifiable mushrooms.
9. Common Ink Cap Mushroom
The inky cap mushroom is a small, black fungus that is found in woods and gardens all over the world. It’s also known as tippler’s bane. The inky cap mushroom is most commonly found in Europe and North America.
This mushroom gets its name from its appearance when it is young. The ink cap mushroom starts out as an egg-shaped mushroom that hatches into a small convex-shaped black fungus.
As the mushroom grows, it produces a black liquid that looks like ink. When the liquid dries, it leaves behind a white powdery substance on the surface of the mushroom.
The ink cap mushroom is edible when it is young and still has the black liquid on its surface. However, avoid older mushrooms. Or, if you can get better types of mushrooms like oyster mushrooms, go for the good stuff.
10. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mountain-priest mushroom, Lion mane’s mushroom, bearded tooth fungus or Hericium erinaceus! Yup, those are the names of this long fungus. I debated with myself whether to include it on this list but I think it is worth including it.
Lion’s mane does not grow like your typical mushrooms. Their fruiting body can grow up to 15 inches wide and has long white spines.
Lion’s Mane is an edible mushroom that is native to North America and grows on dead or dying trees. The mushroom has a mild taste and a firm texture. It can be cooked in many different ways, including sautéing, stewing, grilling, and baking.
What does the bearded tooth fungus taste like? It’s tender and tastes like seafood.
11. Fried Chicken Mushroom
Remember the beech mushrooms we looked at above, the fried chicken mushroom is closely related to those long stem mushrooms. Their scientific name is Lyophyllum decastes and they are also known as chicken of the gravel.
They grow in clusters and have gray to dark brown smooth caps. Note their clustered whitish gills. Stalks can grow up to 4.5 inches.
To clean them, cut off the stalk and use a mushroom brush to clean the underside. You can use them to make mushroom omelet or risotto.
12. Shrimp of the woods
Aborted Entoloma, also called the shrimp of the woods, is an edible mushroom with a unique taste that has become increasingly popular in the culinary world. How do these mushrooms grow? Aborted entoloma a cross of entolomas and honeys.
Instead of the typical convex caps, the shrimp of the woods have rough, rugged surfaces with no gills on their underside. Stalks are long but we recommend you pick caps only.
Aborted Entoloma has a mealy taste and an unpleasant smell. When cooked properly it is tender and juicy, adding texture and flavor to any dish that incorporates it.
13. Velvet Shank
Velvet shanks are a common mushroom in the UK but can also be found in parts of North America. Though are often found in clusters, each individual mushroom has a long, sometimes curved stalk.
Also, each mushroom has a bright yellow smooth cap with adnate gills on their underside. Gills are yellowish. Its stalk is dark brown with a velvety texture.
These long mushrooms are quite resilient and are still around during winter. Like other mushrooms, we recommend you cook them before eating. They are excellent additions to risotto dishes.
14. Matsutake mushrooms
Related to a Pacific Northwest mushroom, the pine mushroom, the matsutake is a very rare Asian mushroom that is valued for their spicy flavor and woodsy aroma.
The mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as being grilled, stir-fried, or even made into a soup.
In the US, you can find matsutake in grocery stores from September through November. And they cost more than other edibles such as morel mushrooms.
If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, then be sure to give matsutake mushrooms a try.
15. Sweet coral clubs mushrooms
Coral club mushrooms, also known as truncated clubs, are a type of edible fungi that have a sweet taste. The mushrooms get their name from their coral-like appearance and club-shaped fruit bodies. The fruit bodies can range in color from orange to pale yellow and have a diameter of 2-3 inches. The spores of the coral club mushroom are ochre in color.
The best time to harvest coral club mushrooms is summer to autumn and they are mostly found in coniferous forests. When picking the mushrooms, make sure to only take the ones that are firm and have a fresh appearance. Avoid any that are slimy or have worm holes.
Sources:
Hi There,
My name is Jenny. I’m the Chief Editor at Try Green Recipes and besides making yummy and healthy foods for my kids, grandkids, and friends. I’m new to the blogging world but I believe what I have to share is unique and will bring joy to your home. If you are adventurous and want try something tasty, let’s get started.
