Cracked Mushroom — a delicacy, used for preparing a very wide range of dishes. One of the tastiest mushrooms, young specimens have the best flavor. This variety of mushroom is an excellent source of easily digestible protein and contains all essential amino acids. Grows: mainly in open areas, gardens and parks, on pastures, on forest clearings, in grass, on roadside verges, in groups.
Cap: diameter 8-15(20) cm, thick, hemispherical, later convex-spread, the edge becomes curled and wavy when drying. Surface dry, cracked, initially white, turns yellowish with age. Gills: frequent, thin, initially white, then gray-brown. Stipe: 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter, central or eccentric, cylindrical, solid, widened at the base. Surface white, turns yellowish with age, dark yellow at the base. Flesh: thick, dense, fleshy, white, color does not change on cut, with a distinct almond-like aroma.
Straw is one of the main components for compost preparation. The quality of the straw used largely determines the quality of the compost produced from it. Straw affects the structure (length of straw in finished compost), its moisture content, and aeration. Using poor-quality straw can cause problems during composting. Considering this, other aspects related to straw collection and storage are also addressed in response to this question.
It is preferable to use straw that retains its structure well — winter wheat is preferred, followed by rye, and in the worst case, barley. The straw should have a hard, long, and thick stem; it must not be split or chopped into small pieces. Otherwise, air will not properly penetrate the composting mass and a very poor compost may result. Straw should be shiny, golden in color, free from weed contamination.
The moisture content of straw during collection should not exceed 12-15%. Locations for collecting or purchasing straw should be planned in advance, based on previous year's experience. Straw should be collected in sufficient quantity to last 1.5-2 years. It is very important not only to collect, but also to store straw without loss of quality. For this, straw is collected and stored only during dry weather.
