The candy cap, sometimes called the Curry Milkcap, is a species native to western North America. One of its key identifying characteristics is its odor, which is often likened to maple syrup. Like other milkcaps, the species has a brittle stalk and produces a latex-like substance when cut.
Cap Diameter:
2 - 8 cm
Odor:
Smells like maple syrup or caramelized sugar.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Candy cap
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Attributes of Candy cap
Cap Diameter
2 - 8 cm
Height
3 - 8 cm
Cap
Cap 2 - 8 cm; convex, flat; brown; dry or sticky, somewhat wrinkled or uneven, but otherwise smooth
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky
Gills
Adnexed, decurrent; close or nearly distant; pale orange
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 2 - 7 cm long, up to 1.5 cm thick; equal; colored like the cap; smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Very pale orange; not staining when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Pale yellow or whitish
Odor
Smells like maple syrup or caramelized sugar.
Body Color
Brown
Red
Orange
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The candy cap grows in coniferous or mixed forests, but it's also found in disturbed woodland areas, along roadsides and trails. It appears on the roots of trees, in moss, or on rotting wood.
Uses of Candy cap
Candy cap is an edible mushroom species prized for its culinary versatility. Often harvested in the wild, candy cap is popular among foragers, especially when it appears seasonally. Its taste enriches various dishes, contributing to local cuisines and traditional practices. While candy cap is generally safe to consume, like many wild mushrooms, it should be properly identified and prepared by knowledgeable individuals to avoid confusion with inedible varieties.
How to Differentiate Between Yellow-staining milkcap and Candy cap?
Candy cap: Gill color does not contrast significantly with the cap color.
Yellow-staining milkcap: Gill color contrasts significantly with the cap color, usually being lighter.
Candy cap: White or watery latex without staining.
Yellow-staining milkcap: Latex can stain gills yellow.
Tips for Finding Candy cap
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When is the Best Time to Find Candy cap
Search for candy cap in late summer to fall when the weather is moist and mild. Seek them after periods of rain combined with cooler temperatures that signal the transition from summer heat.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Candy cap
Moist, rich in humus, and well-aerated soils.
What are Some Tips for Finding Candy cap
Search near oaks, especially coast live oak and tanoak, as well as around Douglas-fir trees.
Look for candy cap in areas with a heavy presence of organic material like decomposing leaves and wood debris.
Target spots along trails and road banks where the soil is frequently disturbed and may be conducive to growth.
Inspect mossy areas and regions of forest floor covered with thick leaf litter.
How to Clean and Preserve Candy cap
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How to Clean Candy cap
To clean candy cap, gently remove any visible dirt with a soft brush. For stubborn bits, lightly wipe with a damp paper towel. Avoid soaking as it may damage the delicate structure. Ensure all debris is carefully cleaned off to maintain the integrity of candy cap.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Candy cap
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying
Drying Duration
6 - 12 months
Store in a cool, dark location with desiccants to manage humidity and ensure airtightness.
Dehydrator drying: Optimal due to precise temperature control, which preserves flavor and textural integrity.
Oven drying: Efficient for dense flesh, utilizing low heat to evaporate moisture without damaging tissues.
Air drying: Suitable in arid climates, harnessing airflow and low humidity to slowly reduce moisture content.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Candy cap
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: Brief submersion in boiling water then cooling and drying before freezing.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Candy cap
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Original Packaging Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage
Temperature
2 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
5 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow moisture absorption while maintaining breathability.
Cloth Wrapping: Enclose in a damp cloth to retain moisture without waterlogging.
Original Packaging Storage: Keep them in their original packaging but ensure air circulation to prevent condensation.
Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use bags with holes to provide a balance of moisture retention and airflow.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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