Chinese mushroom, Paddy-straw mushroom
Volvariella volvacea

Family: Pluteaceae

What it is like

A mushroom. It is small and round.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is grown on straw.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Benin, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, China, Congo DR, East Africa, Europe, Gabon,Ghana, Himalayas, Hong Kong, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, North America, Pacific, Philippines, Reunion, Sicily, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruiting bodies are cooked and eaten. They are often canned. They are also dried for later use. They are used in soups, sauces, stews, casseroles, omelettes and steamed and stir-fried dishes.

It is cultivated. Dried and canned products are available in markets.

Edible parts

Mushroom, fungus

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cao gu, Ero mkpu, Fukuro take, Het feuong, Mkongyo, Okotoroko, Paaou kekpeka, Paddy mushroom, Paraley, Straw mushroom

Synonyms

Agaricus volvaceus Bull.; Volvaria volvacea (Bull.) P. Kumm.; Volvariopsis volvacea (Bull.) Murrill;