Lactarius deliciosus popping up in pine forest in Armidale, NSW
It’s nearly Autumn in Armidale, NSW, 2016 and after foraging in the local pine forest, I came upon these and then more and more. Matt, the Chef at the local Gold Fish Bowl Cafe, a renowned mushroom forager and food enthusiast, indicated they were Saffrom Milk Caps (Lactarius deliciosus). Previously I had found “slippery Jacks” (Suillus luteus) and innovated a delicious berry and mushroom jam. (see another post — coming soon).
Also found some very suspect mushrooms that the good people from the Mushroom Identification Forum helped me identify and suggested I exercise a generous degree of caution. The ones below I have eaten and have just eaten another meal while I write this.
Some highlights from Wikipedia
This mushroom stains a deep green color when handled.
When fresh, the mushroom exudes an orange-red latex or “milk” that does not change color.It is found in Europe and has been accidentally introduced to other countries under conifers and can be found growing in pine plantations.Lactarius deliciosus grows under conifers on acidic soils and forms a mycorrhizal relationship with its host tree.
It has been reportedly introduced to Chile, Australia and New Zealand, where it grows in Pinus radiata plantations.
High consumption of Lactarius deliciosus could cause urine discoloration, namely coloring it orange/red
The green colour comes through when they are bruised.
Not sure what that green colour indicates. Also don’t know much about the nutritional and medicinal properties. Any input is warmly welcome. When I got them, they were quite dirty, so I washed them, then dried them in the hot sun for about 5 hours.
They felt dry and smelt great. Have kept them now — about two weeks so far — in the fridge in a bowl with no lid — look dry but feel fine and still smell good. Made a meal tonight. Simple and tasty. Still alive.
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