The honey mushroom (Armillaria sinapina) is an incredibly unique mushroom because the fleshy areas possess bioluminescent qualities at night! During the day, this mushroom is dull and tan in color with a broad, bulky cap that perches atop a short, stubby stem. There may be yellow warts or bumps on the tissue of the cap as well.
Cap Diameter:
2 - 6 cm
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Honey mushroom
Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap
Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.
Download the App for Free
Attributes of Honey mushroom
Cap Diameter
2 - 6 cm
Cap
Cap 2 - 6 cm across; bell-shaped, convex, mammillate; red, brown
Gills
Decurrent; close; cream, cinnamon
Stem
Stem 4 - 8 cm long, 5 - 10 mm thick; club-shaped, fibrous; brown, red, yellow
Flesh
Thin to thick; white to cream
Spore Print Color
White
Body Color
Brown
Yellow
Red
Gray
White
Orange
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The Armillaria sinapina can be found in wooded areas and forests. It is a fungal pathogen of plants that develops its fruitbody on a wide range of tree hosts, particularly birch (Betula spp.). It grows on the trunk of living trees.
Hunting Values of Honey mushroom
Should be cooked before eating.
Uses of Honey mushroom
Honey mushroom is recognized as an edible mushroom, but it comes with significant cautions. It's not widely popular due to potential confusion with toxic species and should only be consumed after expert identification. Its availability may vary seasonally, and while it has practical culinary uses, consumers must be aware of the risks. Always ensure proper preparation to mitigate safety concerns when considering honey mushroom for consumption.
How to Differentiate Between Tricholoma fracticum and Honey mushroom?
Honey mushroom: Gills are often attached and can descend the stem slightly.
Tricholoma fracticum: Gills are typically notched and hardly descend the stem.
Honey mushroom: Stem is often fibrous with a scaly pattern.
Tricholoma fracticum: Stem typically has a smoother texture and lacks scales.
Tips for Finding Honey mushroom
Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms
Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!
Download the App for Free
When is the Best Time to Find Honey mushroom
Search for honey mushroom in late summer through fall when the weather begins to cool. Ideal conditions are after periods of rain that soften the ground and encourage fungal growth.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Honey mushroom
Prefers moist, well-decomposed organic matter.
What are Some Tips for Finding Honey mushroom
Target decomposing wood, such as stumps and fallen trees, in forested areas when searching for honey mushroom.
Investigate the ground around older or unhealthy-looking trees, as honey mushroom may grow at their bases.
Check under layers of leaf debris near the bases of trees, as honey mushroom could be hidden there.
Search within shaded areas since honey mushroom prefers less light exposure for better growth.
Gently clear away leaf litter in suspected areas to reveal any concealed honey mushroom.
How to Clean and Preserve Honey mushroom
Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide
Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.
Download the App for Free
How to Clean Honey mushroom
To clean honey mushroom, gently brush off any dirt using a soft brush. Avoid soaking them in water as they can become slimy. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface if necessary. Handle them with care to maintain their integrity.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Honey mushroom
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying
Drying Duration
6 - 12 months
Store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, away from direct light.
Dehydrator drying: Provides consistent air circulation and temperature control, fitting high water content mushrooms.
Oven drying: Utilize low heat setting for gradual moisture removal; suitable for delicate flesh structures.
Air drying: Utilizes natural airflow and low humidity; best for fungi with less dense textures.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Honey mushroom
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: Enables enzyme deactivation, preserving texture and color.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Honey mushroom
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping
Temperature
2 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
85 - 90 %
Refrigerating Duration
5 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Improves air circulation, minimizing moisture and spoilage.
Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Prevents moisture build-up, while allowing some air exchange.
