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Lactarius deterrimus, commonly known as the Ginger Milk Cap, is a species of fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is characterized by its orange latex, which stains the gills and flesh greenish. The cap is typically orange with concentric zones, and the stem is also orange. It is an edible mushroom, but not as highly regarded as other Lactarius species.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is orange, often with concentric zones of darker and lighter shades. It is convex when young, becoming flattened or slightly depressed with age.
- Gills
- The gills are crowded, decurrent, and orange, staining greenish where damaged by the orange latex.
- Stem
- The stem is orange, cylindrical, and smooth.
- Flesh
- The flesh is orange, staining greenish where damaged.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a mushroom with a cap and stem.
- Habitat
- It grows in coniferous forests, especially under pine trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky when moist
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Cream to pale orange
- Body color: Orange
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Flesh bruises: Greenish
- Height: 4-7 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-12 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeLactarius deterrimus is considered edible, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals if not cooked properly.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Coniferous forests, under pine trees
Where to Find
Europe
Common in many European countries.
North America
Found in some regions of North America.
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for it in coniferous forests, especially under pine trees.
Season
Fruiting occurs in late summer and autumn.
Similar Species
Saffron Milk Cap
Lactarius
Also known as: Red Pine Mushroom
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: -18°C
- Freezing duration: 6-12 months
- Min Temperature: 2-4°C
- Refrigeration: 1-2 days
How to Clean
Clean by brushing off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing unless necessary, and if so, dry gently.
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