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Lactarius volemus is a large, fleshy mushroom with a distinctive orange-red cap and a white, milky sap. It is a popular edible mushroom in many parts of the world, but it is important to be sure of its identification before consuming it, as there are some poisonous look-alikes.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap of Lactarius volemus is large and fleshy, with a distinctive orange-red color. The cap is often sticky or slimy when wet. The cap margin is usually inrolled when young, but it becomes flat or slightly depressed with age.
- Gills
- The gills of Lactarius volemus are close and crowded. They are white or cream-colored when young, but they become yellowish or brownish with age. The gills are often stained a reddish-brown color by the milky sap.
- Stem
- The stem of Lactarius volemus is thick and solid. It is usually the same color as the cap, but it may be paler. The stem is often covered in a fine, white powder.
- Flesh
- The flesh of Lactarius volemus is white and firm. It is often stained a reddish-brown color by the milky sap.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body of Lactarius volemus is large and fleshy, with a distinctive orange-red cap and a white, milky sap. It is often found growing in clusters near the base of trees.
- Habitat
- Lactarius volemus is found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, and coniferous forests. It is often found growing near oak, birch, and pine trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Sticky or slimy when wet
- Growth Form: Solitary or clustered
- Spore Print: Cream-colored
- Body color: Orange-red
- Odor: Mild or slightly fruity
- Flesh bruises: Reddish-brown
- Height: 2-6 inches
- Cap Diameter: 4-10 inches
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeLactarius volemus is a safe edible mushroom, but it is important to be sure of its identification before consuming it, as there are some poisonous look-alikes.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild or slightly fruity
- Fruiting: Summer and fall
- Substrate: Ground
Where to Find
Deciduous Forests
Lactarius volemus is found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, and coniferous forests. It is often found growing near oak, birch, and pine trees.
Mixed Forests
Lactarius volemus is found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, and coniferous forests. It is often found growing near oak, birch, and pine trees.
Coniferous Forests
Lactarius volemus is found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, and coniferous forests. It is often found growing near oak, birch, and pine trees.
Finding Tips
Look for Large, Fleshy Mushrooms
Lactarius volemus is a large, fleshy mushroom with a distinctive orange-red cap and a white, milky sap. It is often found growing in clusters near the base of trees.
Look for Orange-Red Caps
Lactarius volemus has a distinctive orange-red cap and a white, milky sap. The cap is often sticky or slimy when wet.
Look for White, Milky Sap
Lactarius volemus has a white, milky sap that is often acrid or bitter. The sap will stain the flesh of the mushroom a reddish-brown color.
Similar Species
Saffron Milk Cap
Lactarius
Also known as: Lactarius deliciosus
Peppery Milk Cap
Lactarius
Also known as: Lactarius piperatus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Russulales
- Family
- Russulaceae
- Genus
- Lactarius
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 40°F (4°C)
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 32°F (0°C)
- Refrigeration: 7 days
How to Clean
Lactarius volemus can be cleaned by brushing off any dirt or debris with a damp cloth. If the mushroom is very dirty, it can be rinsed with water, but it is important to dry it thoroughly before cooking.
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