Although I am an adventurous eater, I think I'll pass on dishes containing this mushroom for now. I'm not an Underdark native so my system isn't used to consuming them. I might try easing into eating a little at a time during my next long stay there though! For now, I've talked with local chefs to curate a list of the best dishes for those who enjoy them.
Considered Omari's natural light bulb, these mushrooms shine through the many tunnels of the Underdark. Their primary use is for producing glow ink to assist residents in navigating their dark abode. Despite the effects on non natives, the fungus can be found in several dishes and forms of medicine.
Description and Structure
Glow shrooms come in both blue and green colors, producing light in the same hues. Cutting one open will reveal a pale white flesh. The caps emit a deep earthy scent. When eaten raw, they taste bitter and muddy. Cooking the mushroom properly will lighten the bitterness and produce a more pleasant savory flavor.
They have a simple form consisting of a short, thick stalk and a soft rounded cap. A single specimen can grow up to 3 inches in height. Their caps are around 7 inches wide. It is common to find them in patches of 4 to 10 mushrooms. Lone specimens are rare.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The mushroom itself is only part of the organism. Like many other fungi, they all connect to one large network hidden under the rocks and soil. Some specimens span several miles in coverage.
Mushrooms carry out the reproduction and spread of its species using spores. The hair-like mycelium expands as far as it can reach, sprouting mushroom clusters when conditions are right in the area. Once fully mature at the end of their cycle, they will emit a large spore cloud before eventually dying and returning to the earth. This cloud then travels through the air to then propagate more networks as long as it lands on a suitable growing surface.
Culinary Delight or an Upset Stomach
Ask almost any Underdark resident what their favorite dish is and many will respond with something that contains glow shrooms. Their pallets and digestive tracts grew accustomed to dealing with the mild toxicity. Anyone else will find the taste off putting.
It can also cause nausea and other digestive distress. Aside from an upset stomach and sweats, they usually don't cause any other issues. There have been instances of intentional poisoning, but no reports of lethality.
Food
Glow shrooms can be prepared several ways and are found in a variety of dishes. Here are some of them:
Lumi SoupMedicine
From past to present, these mushrooms are used in some traditional medicines and even potions. Here are some more of their uses:
(WIP list)
Aw, I wanted to know Essie Prixo's thoughts on the taste! Probably sensible not to eat them if you're not used to them though. :D Yay, glowshrooms! I bet caves lit up by these look beautiful.
Explore Etrea