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Photo By Jerzy Opioła

Velvet milkcap

Lactarius lignyotus

A species of Milk-caps

The velvet milkcap grows naturally across Europe and North America. However, the European species is quite stable in its appearance, while the North American specimens are highly variable. Numerous forms of the velvet milkcap are yet to be described, and until then, this chocolate-looking mushroom should not be considered safe to eat.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Velvet milkcap

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Attributes of Velvet milkcap

Cap Diameter

2 - 10 cm

Height

4 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 10 cm across; convex, weakly funnel-shaped; dark sepia; surface smooth, velvety; margin crinkled

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Velvety

Gills

Attached, decurrent; close, nearly distant; white to cream; bruising blackish

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 12 cm long, 1.5 cm thick; dark sepia; surface smooth to velvety

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Velvety

Flesh

White, pink

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Cream to orangish yellow

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

White

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to pink or red

Flesh exude liquid when injured

Yes

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods

You can find Velvet milkcap by these plants:

Pines, Spruces, Oaks, Willows, Norway spruce, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Velvet milkcap

The velvet milkcap is a woodland mushroom that is commonly found with conifers. It grows on the ground, in duff beneath conifers, and always near the roots of trees—it forms a symbiotic relationship in which the fungus and the tree feed each other essential nutrients.

Distribution Area of Velvet milkcap

Eastern North America,continental Europe,northern Asia

Uses of Velvet milkcap

Velvet milkcap is an edible mushroom species valued for its culinary applications. It is sought after by foragers and mushroom enthusiasts, especially during its seasonal growth period. While velvet milkcap is not among the most popular edible mushrooms, it holds a place in local cuisines where it's known. As with any wild mushroom, proper identification and preparation are crucial to ensure safety when consuming velvet milkcap, as misidentification can lead to health risks.

Scientific Classification of Velvet milkcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Similar Species to Velvet milkcap

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Lactarius romagnesii

Similar Species

Velvet milkcap

How to Differentiate Between Lactarius romagnesii and Velvet milkcap?

Velvet milkcap: Darker cap and stem with a black-brown hue.

Lactarius romagnesii: Lighter cap and stem, leaning towards orange-brown.

Club-foot

Similar Species

Velvet milkcap

Confusing Aspects of Club-foot and Velvet milkcap?

Velvet milkcap and Club-foot share similar habitats and have comparable brown colorations and decurrent gills, leading to confusion.

How to Differentiate Between Club-foot and Velvet milkcap?

Velvet milkcap: Produces white latex when gills are damaged.

Club-foot: Does not exude any latex.

Tips for Finding Velvet milkcap

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When is the Best Time to Find Velvet milkcap

Search for velvet milkcap in late summer to early fall, when the weather is moist and the daytime temperature is consistently between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). After periods of rain, these fungi are more likely to appear.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Velvet milkcap

Preferentially found near decomposing coniferous wood.

What are Some Tips for Finding Velvet milkcap

Explore areas with a high density of spruce and fir trees for potential velvet milkcap habitats.
Carefully inspect the ground around well-decayed wood, especially fallen logs near the soil.
Look for velvet milkcap near the base of conifers, where the mushroom may blend with the surrounding foliage.
Gently clear away leaves and debris from potential sites to uncover hidden velvet milkcap.
Be patient and thorough; velvet milkcap may not be immediately visible at a casual glance.

How to Clean and Preserve Velvet milkcap

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How to Clean Velvet milkcap

To clean velvet milkcap, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. If they exude latex after handling, pat the surface with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking to maintain texture integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Velvet milkcap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in airtight containers, in a cool, dark, dry place with stable temperature.

Dehydrator drying: Precise temperature control aids in effectively removing moisture without over-drying.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Velvet milkcap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, maintaining texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Velvet milkcap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Original Packaging Storage, Loose Wrap Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and maintain airflow. Practical for small batches.

Original Packaging Storage: If sold in breathable containers, keep them there to prevent moisture accumulation.

Loose Wrap Storage: Partially wrap in a damp cloth or paper towel to balance moisture without causing sogginess.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use a plastic bag with holes to allow air circulation and limit moisture build-up.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Velvet milkcap

Sooty milkcap

Lactarius fuliginosus

Velvety milk cap

Lactarius fallax