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Photo By Alan Rockefeller (Alan Rockefeller)

Scarlet hood

Hygrocybe coccinea

A species of Waxcaps, Also known as Scarlet waxy cap

Scarlet hood(Hygrocybe coccinea) is named for its bright scarlet color, which renders it easy to spot among the grasses and woodlands among which it prefers to grow. Distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, it tends to be small and uncommon, making it of particular interest to photographers.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 6 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Scarlet hood

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Attributes of Scarlet hood

Cap Diameter

2 - 6 cm

Height

3 - 6 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 6 cm; convex, bell-shaped; red; sticky when fresh, bald

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped, Flat, Depressed, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Broadly adnate; distant; orange or dull red

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 2 - 6 cm long, up to 1 cm thick; equal, with a slightly tapered base; colored like the cap

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; reddish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Yellow

Red

Orange

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 Scarlet hood by these plants:

Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland, Meadows

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Scarlet hood

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Scarlet hood

The scarlet hood is a woodland mushroom, but it can be also found near forest edges, in forest clearings, in grassland areas, or in old lawns, fields, and parks, but never in areas where chemical weedkillers or fertilizers have been applied. It is believed that the scarlet hood builds some kind of mutual relationship with mosses.

Uses of Scarlet hood

Scarlet hood is an edible mushroom species appreciated for its gastronomic value. While not the most popular, it's a seasonal delight for foragers and chefs during its growth period. As with all wild mushrooms, caution is advised to ensure correct identification before consumption, due to the risks associated with misidentifying edible varieties. It holds no significant medicinal properties but adds diversity to culinary practices among mushroom enthusiasts.

Scientific Classification of Scarlet hood

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Waxgills

Genus

Waxcaps

Toxicity and Edibility of Scarlet hood

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Edibility of Scarlet hood

The scarlet hood is reportedly edible, but because of its rarity, as well as its small stature and unremarkable taste, it is not commonly eaten. There are also a few potentially toxic lookalikes to the scarlet hood, most of which are also in the Hygrocybe (waxcap) genus (among these are the Crimson Waxcap and the Splendid Waxcap).

Similar Species to Scarlet hood

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Splendid waxcap

Similar Species

Scarlet hood

How to Differentiate Between Splendid waxcap and Scarlet hood?

Scarlet hood: Stem is uniformly red, matching the color of the cap.

Splendid waxcap: Stem can be paler than the cap, with a yellowish base.

Tips for Finding Scarlet hood

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When is the Best Time to Find Scarlet hood

Search for scarlet hood during late summer to mid-autumn. Optimal conditions occur after rainfall when the ground is moist, and the weather is mild without extremes of heat or cold.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Scarlet hood

Prefers nutrient-poor and unfertilized soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Scarlet hood

Explore open woodland areas and the fringes of forests, keeping an eye out for the distinctive red caps of scarlet hood.
Check grasslands and heaths, especially those that are well-managed and free from artificial chemicals and treatments.
Visit places with moist, unfertilized soil where the growth of artificial grass is not prevalent.
Inspect areas around woodland clearings and closely cropped or mown grasslands for small groups or solitary instances of scarlet hood.
Observe the ground near mosses, as scarlet hood tend to be found in locations with a healthier relationship with moss species.

How to Clean and Preserve Scarlet hood

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How to Clean Scarlet hood

To clean scarlet hood, lightly brush off any debris using a soft brush. If more thorough cleaning is needed, briefly swish in cold water and immediately dry gently to maintain integrity. Handle scarlet hood with care as they are delicate and brittle.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Scarlet hood

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in airtight containers, cool, dark place, low humidity, well-ventilated to maintain dryness.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, maintains texture, preserves color, suitable for high water content.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature with door slightly open, useful for achieving consistent dryness.

Air drying: Requires well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight, ideal for small-scale drying.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Scarlet hood

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief immersion in boiling water, then quick cooling before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Scarlet hood

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Breathable containment allowing moisture to escape, preventing sogginess.

Cardboard Box Storage: Absorbent structure maintaining dry conditions, aids in longevity.

Cloth Wrapping: Natural fabric absorbs excess moisture, keeps them dry.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is scarlet hood dangerous?

Can I eat scarlet hood?

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How big does scarlet hood get?

What color is scarlet hood?

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Scarlet hood

Crimson waxcap

Hygrocybe punicea