The amethyst deceiver (Laccaria amethystina) is a breathtaking mushroom that pops up from coniferous forest floors. The caps are a striking violet color in youth and are generally flat with a small indentation when the stem connects. As they mature, this violet color transforms to a less than breathtaking grey color, making it quite hard to identify after a certain age positively. Not edible.
Cap Diameter:
2 - 7 cm
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Amethyst deceiver
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Attributes of Amethyst deceiver
Cap Diameter
2 - 7 cm
Height
5 - 12 cm
Cap
Cap 5 - 35 mm across; convex; violet; surface smooth to scurfy
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly
Gills
Attached; distant; violet
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 1 - 7 cm long, 1 - 7 mm thick; violet; fibrous
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Fibrillose
Stem Cross Sections
Hollow or cottony hollow
Flesh
Thin; pale lilac
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Gray
White
Purple
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The amethyst deceiver is found in forests and forest edges. It occurs in both deciduous and coniferous forests, but its favorite host is beech. Mushrooms grow on the ground near the roots. This symbiote helps the tree absorb water and nutrients while the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids.
Distribution Area of Amethyst deceiver
Eastern Northern America,Europe,Africa,Central and South America,Asia,Australia,New Zealand
Uses of Amethyst deceiver
Amethyst deceiver is valued for its edibility, often harvested by mushroom enthusiasts. This species appears in the autumn season and is not among the most popular edible mushrooms but still holds culinary interest. While generally safe to consume, potential foragers should ensure correct identification to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. Amethyst deceiver may be used in various traditional dishes where its unique color can enhance the visual appeal of meals.
How to Differentiate Between Cortinarius bibulus and Amethyst deceiver?
Amethyst deceiver: Spore print is white to pale lilac.
Cortinarius bibulus: Spore print is rusty brown.
Tips for Finding Amethyst deceiver
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When is the Best Time to Find Amethyst deceiver
Search for amethyst deceiver during late summer to autumn. Ideal conditions occur after periods of rain when the ground is moist, especially in the cooler part of the day.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Amethyst deceiver
Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic material.
What are Some Tips for Finding Amethyst deceiver
Search in deciduous forests, focusing on areas under beech and oak trees.
Inspect the ground covered with leaf litter, as amethyst deceiver can often be hidden beneath.
Look for their distinctive amethyst color, which can help distinguish amethyst deceiver from other forest floor debris.
Gently move aside leaf litter in likely areas to reveal any concealed amethyst deceiver.
Visit different woodland locations to increase the chances of encountering amethyst deceiver.
How to Clean and Preserve Amethyst deceiver
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How to Clean Amethyst deceiver
Gently brush off any debris from amethyst deceiver using a soft brush, taking care not to damage their delicate structure. Due to their small size, avoid washing them under water, which can cause them to lose their unique characteristics.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Amethyst deceiver
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying
Drying Duration
6 - 12 months
Store in an airtight container, cool, dark, low humidity, good ventilation.
Dehydrator drying: Ensures consistent air flow and temperature, preventing mold, essential for high moisture content.
Oven drying: Set to the lowest temperature, door slightly open for airflow, under close supervision.
Air drying: Best in arid climates with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Amethyst deceiver
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: Heat in boiling water for a few minutes, then cool rapidly before freezing.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Amethyst deceiver
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Ventilated Container Storage, Cloth Wrapping
Temperature
2 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
5 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Store mushrooms in paper bags to allow air circulation, prevent moisture build-up, and reduce spoilage.
Cardboard Box Storage: Arrange mushrooms in a single layer in a cardboard box, separating layers with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Ventilated Container Storage: Use a perforated container to allow ethylene escape and air flow, reducing moisture and spoilage risk.
Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp cloth and place them in the fridge to maintain humidity without waterlogging.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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