With a yellow base and pinkish-orange ca, the blushing waxycap is known for its particular color. It fruits from early to mid-winter and is unique to its conifer habitat. It often has either a soapy or a slightly unpleasant scent.
Cap Diameter:
5 - 15 cm
Odor:
Soapy, fragrant, or nondescript.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Blushing waxycap
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Attributes of Blushing waxycap
Cap Diameter
5 - 15 cm
Height
12 - 15 cm
Cap
Cap 3 - 10 cm; convex, broadly bell-shaped; pale pinkish orange or pinkish tan; with fine scales and cracks in age; the margin at first inrolled and cottony
Cap Shape
Convex, Bell-shaped
Cap Surfaces
Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky, Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
Broadly adnate, decurrent; close or nearly distant; white, yellowish to pinkish with age or not changing
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 3 - 8 cm long, up to 3 cm thick; equal above a tapered base; reddish brown, whitish, yellowish
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth to slightly fibrous
Flesh
Firm; white, slightly pinkish to yellowish or orangish
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Soapy, fragrant, or nondescript.
Body Color
Brown
Yellow
Red
Bronze
White
Orange
Pink
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Scattered
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal
Substrate
On soil, Leaf or Needle Litter
You can find Blushing waxycap by these plants:
Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce
Occurence Habitats
Coniferous Woodland
Species Status
Fairly widely distributed in western North America from Colorado to the West Coast
Blushing waxycap typically thrives in coniferous forest environments, particularly in areas with an abundance of spruce trees.
Uses of Blushing waxycap
Blushing waxycap is a valued edible mushroom, sought after for its culinary applications. It is popular in certain regions and harvested seasonally. While blushing waxycap is considered safe to eat, it's crucial for foragers to accurately identify this species due to the risk of confusion with toxic look-alikes. Its collection value lies in its edibility, making it a prized find for mushroom enthusiasts.
How to Differentiate Between Poison pie and Blushing waxycap?
Blushing waxycap: It has thick, distant gills that are attached to the stem.
Poison pie: It features crowded, notched to sinuate gills.
Blushing waxycap: Spore print is white.
Poison pie: Spore print is reddish-brown.
Tips for Finding Blushing waxycap
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When is the Best Time to Find Blushing waxycap
Seek blushing waxycap in late summer to autumn, post rainfall, when the soil is moist. Ideal temperatures range between 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15°C) during day and night.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Blushing waxycap
Prefers moist, well-drained soils.
What are Some Tips for Finding Blushing waxycap
Explore areas beneath coniferous trees such as spruces, focusing on places where these trees are abundant.
Look for blushing waxycap in spots that are well-shaded and have damp, well-drained soil.
Check areas that appear to be undisturbed, as these habitats tend to host a range of mushrooms including blushing waxycap.
Keep an eye out for scattered or small groupings of mushrooms, which could indicate the presence of blushing waxycap.
Gently move aside fallen needles and debris under conifer trees as blushing waxycap could be hidden beneath.
How to Clean and Preserve Blushing waxycap
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How to Clean Blushing waxycap
To clean blushing waxycap, gently brush off any debris from the cap and stem. If necessary, lightly rinse under cold water and pat dry immediately to maintain their integrity.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Blushing waxycap
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying
Drying Duration
12 - 24 months
Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and airtight containers to prevent reabsorption of moisture.
Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, consistent temperature control, ideal for high water content.
Oven drying: Good for quick drying at low temperatures, keeps humidity low, suitable for thicker flesh.
Air drying: Natural process, best in warm, dry, well-ventilated areas, slower but energy-efficient.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Blushing waxycap
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, maintains texture better post-thaw.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Blushing waxycap
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage
Temperature
1 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
5 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow for air circulation.
Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Place in perforated bags for controlled humidity while preventing dehydration.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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