There are many varieties of champignons, but the royal champignon is considered the most flavorful and appealing. Unlike the common white mushroom we are accustomed to, the royal champignon has a brownish cap and a larger size. Additionally, it boasts a longer shelf life and a rich aroma, with a taste reminiscent of porcini mushrooms.
Appearance
The cap of the royal champignon, also known as the brown or bisporus mushroom, has a hemispherical shape with a characteristic small depression in the center. The edges are rolled inward. These mushrooms differ from the common white variety by their light brown color and occasional brown spots. There are also artificially cultivated strains with smooth white or cream-colored caps.
The cap diameter ranges from 7-15 cm, occasionally reaching 25-30 cm. The flesh is white but turns pinkish when cut.
How the Royal Champignon Differs from the Common White Mushroom
There are distinct differences between royal champignons and common white mushrooms, making them easy to distinguish.
Key features of royal champignons:
- Larger fruiting body size;
- Brown-colored cap;
- Intense mushroom aroma.
Additionally, royal champignons are more expensive than common white mushrooms.
Health Benefits
Royal champignons are rich in beneficial elements that positively impact the body. Consuming these mushrooms:
- Speeds up digestive processes;
- Enhances appetite;
- Prevents blood clots;
- Slows the aging process;
- Improves heart and vascular health, reducing the risk of heart attacks;
- Alleviates various inflammations;
- Provides expectorant effects;
- Optimizes brain function;
- Removes toxins from the body.
Contraindications
This type of mushroom is considered a heavy food due to its high chitin content, which is not digested by the body, making the mushrooms difficult to process. Therefore, they are not recommended for children under 12 years old. It is advisable to consume royal champignons no more than three times a week.
Avoid these mushrooms if you have:
- Pancreatitis;
- Ulcers;
- Hepatitis;
- Flatulence;
- Stomach disorders;
- Cholecystitis;
- Enterocolitis.
Like other mushrooms, royal champignons absorb toxic substances from the soil. Thus, they should not be harvested near polluted areas, roads, or industrial zones. It is best to grow them yourself or buy only cultivated mushrooms from trusted sources