Slime molds are a fascinating group of organisms that have challenged how scientists classify living things. Though they have animal-like behaviors, they are protists, not animals. One slime mold in particular, the scrambled egg slime mold, has a texture and appearance that makes it seem like it could be food, though it is definitely not eggs. So is scrambled egg slime mold actually edible? Let’s take a closer look at what slime molds are, how to identify the scrambled egg slime mold, and whether or not it is safe to eat.
What are slime molds?
Slime molds, or myxomycetes, are organisms that have characteristics of fungi, protozoa, and animals (Tarafder et al., 2017). There are over 900 described species of slime molds. Slime molds spend most of their lives as single-celled amoebas. When conditions are right, they congregate together to form multicellular reproductive structures. There are several different types of slime molds based on their life cycles:
Plasmodial slime molds
Plasmodial slime molds, like the scrambled egg slime mold, have a plasmodium stage where individual amoeba aggregate into a single mass of protoplasm with many nuclei. The plasmodium can grow to be very large and move around like an amoeba. It feeds on bacteria, fungal spores, and other microorganisms by engulfing them. When conditions become unfavorable, the plasmodium forms into fruiting bodies.
Cellular slime molds
Cellular slime molds do not form a plasmodium. They transition from individual amoeba to an aggregated mass of individual cells called a pseudoplasmodium. The pseudoplasmodium forms a fruiting body made up of individual cells.
Acrasid slime molds
Acrasid slime molds have an amoeboflagellate stage where they are actively mobile. They form aggregations that develop into a reticulate network of cells that feed on bacteria.
Where are slime molds found?
Slime molds are found throughout the world in terrestrial ecosystems. They live in soils rich in organic matter and attach themselves to decaying logs, animal dung, compost piles, and leaf litter (Stephenson & Stempen, 1994). Slime molds play an important role in helping decompose and recycle nutrients in these environments.
Some slime molds can also be found in more unusual places. For example, “dog vomit” slime mold (Fuligo septica) can sometimes occur on mulch, houses, and gardens after heavy rain. The scrambled egg slime mold is most commonly found on decaying bark or rotting logs.
Identifying the scrambled egg slime mold
The scrambled egg slime mold gets its name from its unique yellow appearance that resembles scrambled eggs. Its scientific name is Fuligo septica var. flava. Here are some key identifying features:
Plasmodium stage
– Irregular yellow amoeboid plasmodium
– Can grow to a few feet across
– Slow, rolling movement across substrate
– Coalesces into yellow-gold blobs
Mature stage
– Rounded fruiting bodies 1-5 cm diameter
– Surface has convoluted or folded appearance
– Yellow to orange-yellow in color
– Soft, gelatinous texture
– Found on decaying wood
The plasmodium is the best way to identify the scrambled egg slime mold. Its striking yellow color and amoeboid movement distinguish it from other slime molds. Other Fuligo species have plasmodiums that are white, gray, or tan.
Is scrambled egg slime mold edible?
So can you actually eat the scrambled egg slime mold? The simple answer is no, scrambled egg slime mold is not edible and should not be consumed. Here’s why:
Toxicity
Some slime molds produce toxins or have naturally occurring heavy metals that make them poisonous to people if eaten (Pereira et al., 2009). The specific toxicity of the scrambled egg slime mold is not well studied. However, it is known to contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause mouth irritation if consumed (Stephenson & Stempen, 1994).
Poor nutrition
Slime molds have very little nutritional value to humans. Their protoplasm is made up of about 90% water. Dried slime mold contains small amounts of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates but is very low in vitamins and minerals (Latif et al., 2017). Eating slime mold provides little caloric or nutritional benefit.
Difficult to cultivate
Slime molds can be tricky to intentionally culture for eating. To grow, they require very specific conditions of light, moisture, and nutrients. Most edible fungi and mushrooms grown for food have been specially domesticated over many years. Slime molds have not undergone this process.
Unpleasant taste and texture
Those brave enough to sample slime mold describe the taste as bland, bitter, or foul (Self, 2013). The glutinous gelatinous texture is also decidedly unappealing. Not exactly a taste treat!
Ecological role
As decomposers, slime molds play an important role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystems where they are found. Mass harvesting slime molds for food could damage these environments.
Edibility of other slime molds
While the scrambled egg slime mold may look intriguing but is not meant to be eaten, a few other slime molds have been consumed or explored for culinary use. For example:
Enteridium lycoperdon
– Also known as the wolf’s milk or tree brain slime mold
– When young, has a firm, white gelatinous texture similar to tofu
– Reported to have a mild, slightly sweet flavor (Self, 2013)
– Used in small quantities in some traditional cuisines in Mexico, New Zealand, Japan and elsewhere
Lycogala epidendrum
– Known as the chocolate tube slime or witch’s butter
– Forms brownish log-shaped sporocarps
– Flavor described as similar to Swiss cheese (Bonner, 2009)
– Not commonly eaten due to small size
However, even these slime molds are not really cultivated as food sources. They are more of a novelty consumed in very small amounts if encountered in the wild. Most slime molds remain inedible and potentially hazardous if ingested.
Conclusion
In summary, the scrambled egg slime mold may look oddly appetizing, but should definitely be avoided as food. Like other slime molds, it has low nutritional content for people, questionable toxicity, and an unappealing taste and texture. Slime molds like the scrambled egg slime mold are better appreciated in their natural habitat enriching forest soils and decomposing wood, rather than on a dinner plate. Leave these fascinating organisms where they belong – in nature!