Home > Indigo milk cap

Photo By Amanda Schabdach

Indigo milk cap

Lactarius indigo

A species of Milk-caps, Also known as Indigo mushroom, Blue lactarius

This gorgeous species is unlike any other. The indigo milk cap, a member of the often-drab russula family, is deep blue in color. Like other milk caps, it bleeds a latex-like substance when cut or damaged, but instead of the usual white this species bleeds deep blue.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 16 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Indigo milk cap

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Indigo milk cap

Cap Diameter

4 - 16 cm

Height

3 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 15 cm; convex becoming flat or vase-shaped; blue when fresh, grayish or silvery blue when faded; sticky or slimy when fresh; the margin at first inrolled; bruising and discoloring deep green with age

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Attached or decurrent; close; cap-colored or paler, becoming nearly yellowish at maturity; staining green

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 2 - 8 cm long, 1 - 2.5 cm thick; equal or tapering to base; cap-colored; slimy to dry, hard, hollowing

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Whitish; turning indigo blue when cut, staining slowly greenish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Silver

Gray

Blue

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to blue

Flesh exude liquid when injured

Yes

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Indigo milk cap by these plants:

Oaks, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Fairly widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Indigo milk cap

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Indigo milk cap

The indigo milk cap is a woodland mushroom that is commonly associated with pines and oaks. The species is always found near the roots of trees, where it exists in a symbiotic relationship in which the two species feed each other essential nutrients.

Distribution Area of Indigo milk cap

North America,Central America,South America (Colombia)

Uses of Indigo milk cap

Indigo milk cap is a unique edible mushroom, prized for its vibrant color and nutty flavor. It's popular in culinary circles, especially when fresh during its growing season. Chefs and foragers alike value indigo milk cap for its versatility in dishes. While it's safe to eat, consumers should ensure proper identification before consumption to avoid confusion with toxic species. Its collection is sought after by mushroom enthusiasts, adding a distinctive touch to various recipes.

Scientific Classification of Indigo milk cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Toxicity and Edibility of Indigo milk cap

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

Unlock the Secrets of Mushroom Varieties, Edibility, Toxicity, and Safety Tips!

Download the App for Free

Edibility of Indigo milk cap

Hard to mistake for any other mushroom, the deep blue indigo milk cap is reported to be edible, though opinions as to its palatability vary. These mushrooms are best when harvested young, before too many bugs get a chance to get to them.

Similar Species to Indigo milk cap

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Indigo milk cap

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Indigo milk cap

To find indigo milk cap, search during late summer to early fall after rainfall. Ideal temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C). Look after wet weather patterns when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Indigo milk cap

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Indigo milk cap

Look around the bases of oak and pine trees, as indigo milk cap tends to grow in these areas.
Focus on forested areas with a mix of decaying leaves and pine needles on the ground.
Inspect open, grassy patches within or at the edges of woods; indigo milk cap may form fairy rings.
Check for the distinctive blue color of indigo milk cap as it stands out against the forest floor.
Ensure to cover areas where there is ample sunlight penetrating the forest canopy, as this can be indicative of suitable growth spots for indigo milk cap.

How to Clean and Preserve Indigo milk cap

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Indigo milk cap

To clean indigo milk cap, gently brush off any dirt with a soft brush or cloth, taking care not to bruise the flesh. If needed, lightly rinse with water and pat dry immediately to maintain structural integrity. Avoid soaking as this may cause the mushroom to absorb water and become slimy.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Indigo milk cap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, in a cool, dark, dry place with low humidity to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, preserves color and texture, set at 45-55°C for 4-8 hours.

Oven drying: Good for quick drying, set to the lowest temperature with door slightly open for airflow, check hourly.

Air drying: Natural method, requires warm, dry, well-ventilated area, may take several days.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Indigo milk cap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief immersion in boiling water, followed by ice bath, then freeze to retain texture.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Indigo milk cap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Plastic Wrap Storage, Loose Wrap Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Stores mushrooms by allowing moisture to escape, preventing sogginess.

Cloth Wrapping: Encases mushrooms in a breathable fabric, keeping them dry but aerated.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Covers mushrooms with perforated plastic, balancing humidity and ventilation.

Loose Wrap Storage: Separates mushrooms into compartments, reducing contact and spoilage.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free

Can you eat indigo milk cap?

Is the indigo milk cap poisonous?

What does indigo milk cap taste like?

Where does indigo milk cap found?

What color is indigo milk cap?

How big does indigo milk cap get?

When does indigo milk cap appear?

Can you dry indigo milk cap?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Indigo milk cap

Carrot milkcap

Lactarius quieticolor