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Blewit

Lepista nuda

A species of Blewits

The blewit mushroom grows in fallen leaves in autumn and winter, sometimes appearing in ‘fairy ring’ circles. It can be used to make a green dye when chopped and boiled in an iron pot. The scientific name, Lepista nuda, derives from Latin words meaning “bare goblet,” a reference to the shape and texture of the mushroom.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 16 cm

Odor:

Faint anise-like, slightly perfumey aroma.

General Info About Blewit

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Attributes of Blewit

Cap Diameter

5 - 16 cm

Height

5 - 12 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 20 cm across; convex to shallowly umbonate; violet, gray, brown; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Attached, decurrent; close, crowded; pale violet to dull violet-gray

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 3 - 10 cm long, 1 - 3 cm thick; pale purple, brownish; surface smooth to finely fibrous

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thick; soft; purplish to lilac-buff or whitish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale pinkish cream to buff

Odor

Faint anise-like, slightly perfumey aroma.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Purple

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

Leaf or Needle Litter, On soil

You can find Blewit by these plants:

Monterey cypress, Coast live oak, Spruces, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland, Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Meadows, Scrublands

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Blewit

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Blewit

You might find this mushroom on compost heaps, under hedges, or on the forest floor. It even grows under shrubs on dune slacks. The blewit feeds on detritus like decomposing plant matter (especially leaves) and dung.

Distribution Area of Blewit

Northern America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,northern Asia,Australia,New Zealand

Uses of Blewit

Blewit is a highly valued edible mushroom, appreciated for its rich flavor and meaty texture. It is popular in culinary circles, especially during its autumn fruiting season. Gourmet chefs often use blewit in various dishes to enhance taste. Despite being edible, foragers should exercise caution due to potential confusion with toxic species. Therefore, correct identification is essential before consumption to ensure safety.

Scientific Classification of Blewit

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pale-spore mushrooms

Genus

Blewits

Toxicity and Edibility of Blewit

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Edibility of Blewit

Blewit is edible when thoroughly cooked and is popular in western Europe. It can be sautéed, added to stews, or cooked like tripe. Care should be taken to correctly identify this mushroom as it can easily be confused with purple mushrooms from the Cortinarius genus, which are poisonous.

Similar Species to Blewit

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Lepista tarda

Similar Species

Blewit

How to Differentiate Between Lepista tarda and Blewit?

Blewit: Cap typically larger, 5-15 cm across.

Lepista tarda: Cap generally smaller, seldom exceeding 10 cm.

Gassy webcap

Similar Species

Blewit

Confusing Aspects of Gassy webcap and Blewit?

Blewit and Gassy webcap share similar purple hues and fruiting times, often growing in the same habitats, which leads to confusion.

How to Differentiate Between Gassy webcap and Blewit?

Blewit: Produces pinkish-brown spores.

Gassy webcap: Produces rusty-brown spores.

Blewit: Lacks a veil or ring on the stem.

Gassy webcap: Has a faint ring or veil remnants on the stem.

Lilac bonnet

Similar Species

Blewit

How to Differentiate Between Lilac bonnet and Blewit?

Blewit: Typically larger, with cap diameter often exceeding 5 cm.

Lilac bonnet: Generally smaller, with cap diameter rarely over 5 cm.

Blewit: Has a distinct earthy or fruity odor.

Lilac bonnet: Emits a radish-like or spermatic odor.

Tips for Finding Blewit

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When is the Best Time to Find Blewit

Search for blewit in late autumn to early winter, following a period of rain. Ideal temperatures are between 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (60°F) during the day and no frost at night.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Blewit

Rich in leaf litter, within mixed woodlands and grassy areas.

What are Some Tips for Finding Blewit

Seek out areas with dense leaf litter under mixed tree species.
Inspect around garden compost heaps where organic matter decomposes.
Look for natural rings or clusters of mushrooms, which might indicate a fairy ring.
Explore dune slacks with low-growing shrubs for potential growth sites.

How to Clean and Preserve Blewit

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How to Clean Blewit

To clean blewit, inspect for visible dirt and wipe with a dry brush or cloth. Use lukewarm water only if necessary, then immediately blot with a towel.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Blewit

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Storage conditions: Cool, dark, and dry place with airtight containers for optimum preservation.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, maintains texture, ideal for higher water content.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Blewit

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivate enzymes to preserve quality and prevent discoloration.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Blewit

Refrigerating Methods

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

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place mushrooms in a paper bag to allow moisture escape, preventing spoilage.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Surround a container of mushrooms with breathable plastic to maintain humidity while allowing airflow.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp, clean towel to sustain humidity without excess moisture accumulation.

Crisper Drawer Storage: Store in the crisper section of the refrigerator to leverage its higher humidity, suitable for mushrooms.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is blewit allergic?

How do you cook blewit?

Where is blewit found?

Is a blewit edible?

Is the blewit poisonous?

What color is blewit?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Blewit

Gassy webcap

Cortinarius traganus

Field blewit

Lepista personata

Lilac bonnet

Mycena pura