Despite being a fairly common mushroom, the heath waxcap populations are in decline due to habitat loss (grazed grasslands). This waxcap can sometimes have an unpleasant, fishy odour.
Cap Diameter:
1 - 4 cm
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Heath waxcap
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Attributes of Heath waxcap
Cap Diameter
1 - 4 cm
Height
2 - 7 cm
Cap
Cap 1.5 - 3.5 cm across; convex, expanding to nearly flat; medium brownish orange over the center, paler pinkish orange elsewhere; bald, slimy; margin becoming translucently lined with age
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky, Visible lines or stripes
Gills
Decurrent; distant; creamy
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 3 - 4 cm long, 2 - 3 mm thick; equal, hollow; pale orange; bald
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Stem Cross Sections
Hollow or cottony hollow
Flesh
Insubstantial; whitish
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Brown
Orange
Pink
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Scattered, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil, Mosses
You can find Heath waxcap by these plants:
Junipers, Spruces, Oaks
Occurence Habitats
Coniferous Woodland, Meadows, Scrublands
Species Status
Common in Europe, widely distributed in North America
Endangered Species
No
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Habitat of Heath waxcap
Heath waxcap flourish in damp, boggy woods, conifer forests—especially redwoods—and in undisturbed grasslands or heaths.
Hunting Values of Heath waxcap
Some guides list it as edible, while others do not. Overall, this mushroom has small bodies and a sticky surface, making it not worth collecting.
Uses of Heath waxcap
Heath waxcap is a mushroom with questionable edibility, meaning its consumption could pose health risks. While not popular in culinary practices due to potential toxicity, it may be encountered by foragers during its growing season. Collectors should exercise caution and avoid ingestion unless identified and deemed safe by mycological experts. Its use is not widespread, and it lacks significant practical applications due to the associated safety concerns.
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Tips for Finding Heath waxcap
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When is the Best Time to Find Heath waxcap
Search for heath waxcap during wet, mild weather conditions. Autumn rainfall followed by gentle warmth is an ideal combination for spotting these mushrooms. Aim for periods after sustained rain when the ground remains moist.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Heath waxcap
Prefers acidic, nutrient-poor, undisturbed soils.
What are Some Tips for Finding Heath waxcap
Search in areas with high moisture levels such as damp woods or bogs.
Look around coniferous trees, particularly those in the redwood family.
Inspect undisturbed grasslands where artificial fertilisers are not used.
Focus on heathlands and similar terrain with dispersed mosses.
How to Clean and Preserve Heath waxcap
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How to Clean Heath waxcap
To clean heath waxcap, lightly brush off any dirt or debris with a soft brush. If necessary, quickly rinse under running water but do not soak. Pat dry immediately to maintain heath waxcap's structural integrity. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface if less soiled. Do this gently before storage or further handling.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Heath waxcap
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying
Drying Duration
12 - 24 months
Optimal storage: Cool, dark, dry place with airtight containers to prevent moisture re-entry.
Dehydrator drying: Guarantees even and fast drying, preserving color and form, ideal for high moisture content.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Heath waxcap
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes preserving texture and color.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Heath waxcap
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Paper Towel Wrapping
Temperature
2 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
3 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow for some air circulation.
Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to reduce moisture buildup while retaining some humidity.
Paper Towel Wrapping: Arrange mushrooms in a single layer in a container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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