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Weeping milk cap

Lactarius volemus

A species of Milk-caps, Also known as Voluminous-latex milky, Bradley, Lactarius orange

Weeping milk cap is a mycorrhizal mushroom, meaning it forms underground connections with plants, and it is associated with a variety of trees, most often oaks. As a Lactarius mushroom, weeping milk cap releases a milky fluid from its gills when disturbed. This mushroom's brown milk is known to stain hands, paper, and other things it comes into contact with.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 13 cm

Odor:

Slightly fishy, not particularly pungent.

General Info About Weeping milk cap

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Attributes of Weeping milk cap

Cap Diameter

3 - 13 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 13 cm across; convex, flat; orange-brown; smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Velvety

Gills

Attached; close; cream to buff; displaying brown when injured

Gill Attachment

Attached

Stem

Stem 5 - 10 cm long, 5 - 25 mm thick; equal or tapering to base; orange-brown

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

White; staining slowly brown when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Slightly fishy, not particularly pungent.

Body Color

Brown

Red

Orange

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to brown

Flesh exude liquid when injured

Yes

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Weeping milk cap by these plants:

Oaks, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Weeping milk cap

Fruiting Body Cap Gills

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Habitat of Weeping milk cap

The weeping milk cap is a terrestrial species of woodland mushroom that grows on the ground, forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of its host tree. It is most commonly associated with hardwoods, like oaks and chestnuts, but can also grow under conifers.

Distribution Area of Weeping milk cap

North America,Europe,northern Asia

Uses of Weeping milk cap

Weeping milk cap is a prized edible mushroom, sought after for its rich flavor and firm texture. It is popular in culinary practices, especially in local communities where it naturally grows. Harvested during its seasonal peak, weeping milk cap offers gastronomic value to various dishes. While it's generally safe to consume, proper identification by experts is advised before consumption to avoid confusion with lookalikes.

Scientific Classification of Weeping milk cap

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Milk-caps

Similar Species to Weeping milk cap

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Fenugreek milkcap

Similar Species

Weeping milk cap

How to Differentiate Between Fenugreek milkcap and Weeping milk cap?

Weeping milk cap: It exudes white latex, which sometimes becomes brownish upon exposure to air; this stains the gills brown.

Fenugreek milkcap: It produces clear to whitish latex that does not change color, and does not stain the tissues of the mushroom.

Tips for Finding Weeping milk cap

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When is the Best Time to Find Weeping milk cap

Search for weeping milk cap in late summer to early fall, after periods of rain followed by warm, humid days. Ideal temperatures range from 50–70°F (10–21°C) during this time.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Weeping milk cap

Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Weeping milk cap

Look for weeping milk cap near the base of hardwood trees or conifers, as they prefer symbiotic relationships with these trees.
Search on the forest floor, inspecting around decaying wood and leaf litter where weeping milk cap may be concealed.
Explore during periods of high humidity; moist environments are favorable for weeping milk cap emergence.
Gently clear away top layers of leaves and debris to uncover any hidden weeping milk cap specimens.

How to Clean and Preserve Weeping milk cap

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How to Clean Weeping milk cap

To clean weeping milk cap, brush off debris or briefly rinse under low-flow lukewarm water, using a clean brush to lift dirt. Repeat until clean, minimizing mushroom water absorption.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Weeping milk cap

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in airtight containers, at cool temperatures 32-41°F (0-5°C), low humidity, away from light for optimal preservation.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient at removing high water content, maintaining quality over uniform heat distribution.

Oven drying: Use low heat setting to ensure gradual moisture removal without altering structure.

Air drying: Ideal for climates with low humidity; natural process retaining most natural qualities.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Weeping milk cap

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 2-3 minutes, cool rapidly, drain, then freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Weeping milk cap

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Crisper Drawer Storage

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place mushrooms in paper bags for breathability, helping to absorb excess moisture.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Cover mushrooms lightly with plastic wrap that's perforated to allow air exchange and reduce condensation.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms individually in clean, damp cloths to maintain moisture without waterlogging them.

Crisper Drawer Storage: Store in the crisper drawer of the fridge for a cooler, more humid environment, well-suited for mushrooms.

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Weeping milk cap

Hygrophorus milky

Lactarius hygrophoroides