A species of Woodwaxes, Also known as Flaky waxy-cap
This rare mushroom’s claim to fame comes from the remarkable yellow scales scattered over an otherwise ivory fruitbody. However, not every specimen of the gold-flecked woodwax (Hygrophorus chrysodon) species boasts these brightly-colored speckles. Examples of this species can usually be found under conifers.
Cap Diameter:
3 - 8 cm
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Gold-flecked woodwax
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Attributes of Gold-flecked woodwax
Cap Diameter
3 - 8 cm
Height
4 - 10 cm
Cap
Cap 1.5 - 6 cm; convex, becoming broadly bell-shaped; white, becoming yellow; slimy when fresh; the margin at first inrolled
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Bell-shaped
Cap Surfaces
Slimy or slightly sticky, Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
Broadly attached; close or nearly distant; white
Gill Attachment
Decurrent
Stem
Stem 3 - 10 cm long, 3 - 12 mm thick; equal above, but tapering to base; whitish overall; the apex dotted with granules like those on the cap margin
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Stem Cross Sections
Hollow or cottony hollow
Flesh
Soft; white; unchanging
Ring
Sometimes aggregated into an imperfect ring zone
Ring
With Ring Zone
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Yellow
Gold
White
Orange
Flesh Bruises
Discolor to yellowish
Growth Form
Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil
You can find Gold-flecked woodwax by these plants:
Spruces, Firs, European beech
Occurence Habitats
Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed in North America
Endangered Species
No
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Habitat of Gold-flecked woodwax
The gold-flecked woodwax is a woodland mushroom, often found in forest clearings or near woodland paths. This mushroom forms a symbiotic association with two- and three-needle pine trees, so it's commonly found in the vicinity of their roots.
Uses of Gold-flecked woodwax
Gold-flecked woodwax is a prized edible mushroom, sought after for its culinary applications. It is popular in gourmet cooking, often harvested seasonally and used to enhance the flavor of various dishes. While gold-flecked woodwax is considered safe for consumption, it's essential to ensure proper identification before use to avoid confusion with toxic species. Its collection value lies in its taste and limited seasonal availability, making it a cherished find among foragers.
How to Differentiate Between Yellow stainer and Gold-flecked woodwax?
Gold-flecked woodwax: Gills are white with yellowish edges.
Yellow stainer: Gills are initially pink, then chocolate brown in maturity.
Gold-flecked woodwax: Lacks a ring on the stem.
Yellow stainer: Typically has a ring on the stem.
Tips for Finding Gold-flecked woodwax
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When is the Best Time to Find Gold-flecked woodwax
Search for gold-flecked woodwax in late summer to autumn, ideally after periods of rain followed by warm, sunny days. This combination of moisture and warmth promotes fruiting in these mushrooms.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Gold-flecked woodwax
Prefers well-drained, moist soils under coniferous trees.
What are Some Tips for Finding Gold-flecked woodwax
Search around the base of coniferous trees, as gold-flecked woodwax tend to grow in these areas.
Look for gold-flecked woodwax in locations where the soil is moist and well-drained, which is their preferred soil condition.
Investigate along forest paths and clearings, since gold-flecked woodwax can often be spotted in these open tracks.
Since gold-flecked woodwax may grow alone or in groups, it's important to carefully examine each potential site.
Visually scan for the distinctive features of gold-flecked woodwax, like their golden spots, to better identify them in the wild.
How to Clean and Preserve Gold-flecked woodwax
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How to Clean Gold-flecked woodwax
Brush off any debris lightly. Rinse with low-flow cool to lukewarm water, brushing gently to remove dirt and minimize water absorption. Clean the brush under the water flow and repeat until gold-flecked woodwax is clean.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Gold-flecked woodwax
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying
Drying Duration
6 - 12 months
Store in cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Dehydrator drying: Optimal for controlling temperature and airflow, reducing spoilage risks, and maintaining quality.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Gold-flecked woodwax
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: This process deactivates enzymes, preserving texture and color.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Gold-flecked woodwax
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage
Temperature
0 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
5 - 10 days
Paper Bag Storage: Allows airflow to prevent moisture buildup; ideal for breathable containment.
Cloth Wrapping: Absorbs excess moisture; suitable for maintaining dryness around the mushroom.
Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Sufficient oxygen exchange; protects while preventing condensation.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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