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Oak milkcap

Lactarius quietus

A species of Milk-caps, Also known as Oakbug milkcap

Oak milkcap (Lactarius quietus) is a mushroom known for its oily scent. It lives under oak trees, forming a mutually beneficial relationship with its host tree that helps both to thrive. When the gills are cut they produce a milky sap. This is referred to by the milkcap of its common name and Lactarius of its Latin name.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 10 cm

Odor:

Unpleasant, oily, reminiscent of bedbugs.

General Info About Oak milkcap

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Attributes of Oak milkcap

Cap Diameter

4 - 10 cm

Height

4 - 9 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 8 cm across; convex to flat; dull reddish brown

Cap Shape

Convex, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gills

Decurrent; crowded; brownish-white to pale reddish brown

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 4 - 9 cm long, 1 - 1.5 cm thick; cylindrical; dull reddish brown

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Whitish to pinkish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale yellowish creamy-white with a slight salmon pink tinge

Odor

Unpleasant, oily, reminiscent of bedbugs.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to pink or red

Flesh exude liquid when injured

Yes

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Oak milkcap by these plants:

Oaks, English oak

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Oak milkcap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Oak milkcap

Oak milkcap forms symbiotic relationships with oak trees, usually found in environments where these trees are prevalent.

Uses of Oak milkcap

Oak milkcap is a mushroom appreciated for its edibility. It is not commonly found in mainstream cuisine but may be used by foraging enthusiasts and those familiar with wild mushrooms. Typically, oak milkcap has seasonal availability and is valued by collectors when it can be safely identified. Due to potential confusion with toxic species, caution is advised during collection and consumption. Proper identification and preparation are crucial to ensure safety when eating oak milkcap.

Scientific Classification of Oak milkcap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Similar Species to Oak milkcap

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Yellow-staining milkcap

Similar Species

Oak milkcap

How to Differentiate Between Yellow-staining milkcap and Oak milkcap?

Oak milkcap: Exudes a white milk that doesn’t change color.

Yellow-staining milkcap: Secretes a milky substance that slowly turns yellow.

Yellowdrop milkcap

Similar Species

Oak milkcap

How to Differentiate Between Yellowdrop milkcap and Oak milkcap?

Oak milkcap: Yields white milk that doesn't change color.

Yellowdrop milkcap: White milk that becomes yellow upon exposure to air.

Fenugreek milkcap

Similar Species

Oak milkcap

Confusing Aspects of Fenugreek milkcap and Oak milkcap?

Oak milkcap and Fenugreek milkcap are commonly mistaken due to their similar cap colors and overall appearance.

How to Differentiate Between Fenugreek milkcap and Oak milkcap?

Oak milkcap: typically has a smoother and sometimes sticky cap.

Fenugreek milkcap: often presents a velvety cap texture.

Oak milkcap: is primarily found near oak trees.

Fenugreek milkcap: tends to grow near coniferous trees.

Tips for Finding Oak milkcap

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When is the Best Time to Find Oak milkcap

Seek oak milkcap in late summer to autumn. Best after rainy days but before a hard frost. Temperatures should be mild, ranging from 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C), during this season for optimal growth.

What are Some Tips for Finding Oak milkcap

Investigate areas densely populated with oak trees, as oak milkcap mainly associates with these.
Inspect the ground closely around the base of oak trees, focusing on the root zones.
Search in locations where fallen oak leaves accumulate, as these provide a suitable habitat for oak milkcap.
Stay patient and maintain a gentle pace to not overlook the often inconspicuous oak milkcap.
Use a soft brush or hand to gently move aside leaf litter to uncover hidden oak milkcap.

How to Clean and Preserve Oak milkcap

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How to Clean Oak milkcap

To clean oak milkcap, brush off any debris gently with a soft brush. If necessary, swiftly rinse under running water but do not soak, then pat dry immediately.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Oak milkcap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in cool, dry, dark place with airtight containers to prevent moisture and pest intrusion.

Dehydrator drying: Efficiently removes moisture with controlled temperatures, minimizing spoilage risks.

Oven drying: Circulates warm air, maintaining low humidity to effectively reduce water content.

Air drying: Utilizes ambient conditions, requires longer duration but preserves natural flavors.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Oak milkcap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Deactivates enzymes, preserving texture and flavor when thawed.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Oak milkcap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

2 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows for air circulation, reducing moisture buildup around the mushrooms.

Cloth Wrapping: Absorbs excess moisture while maintaining mushroom texture.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Provides airflow and a slight moisture barrier without completely drying out the mushrooms.

Original Packaging Storage: Store in the container they came in if it's ventilated, keeping native conditions as constant as possible.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Oak milkcap

Mild milkcap

Lactarius subdulcis