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Sordid blewit

Lepista sordida

A species of Blewits, Also known as Lilac blewit

The sordid blewit is a beautiful and attractive mushroom of the northern temperate zones around the world. The flesh is pink or purple when young, and it turns brownish as the mushroom matures. It forms so-called fairy rings. Although the sordid blewit is easily identified, inexperienced mushroom hunters can confuse it for certain Clitocybe species.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 8 cm

Odor:

Subtly fragrant, reminiscent of flour.

General Info About Sordid blewit

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Attributes of Sordid blewit

Cap Diameter

3 - 8 cm

Height

4 - 6 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 8 cm across; convex, flat; deep lilac, brown

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed, Central Bump

Gills

Sinuate; crowded; greyish fading to buff

Gill Attachment

Notched

Stem

Stem 4 - 6 cm long, 5 - 8 mm thick; lilac; fibrillose

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Lilac, brown

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale cream to very pale pink

Odor

Subtly fragrant, reminiscent of flour.

Body Color

Brown

Purple

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Sordid blewit by these plants:

Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Fairly common and widespread

Endangered Species

How to Identify Sordid blewit

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Sordid blewit

Sordid blewit can be found in mixed forests, but also in semi-urban and urban habitats such as gardens, lawns, and flower beds. The species is saprobic which means it feeds on decomposing organic material, therefore is regularly found in leaf litter, woody debris, wood chips, and compost heaps.

Uses of Sordid blewit

Sordid blewit is a valued edible mushroom, appreciated for its culinary applications. Its popularity stems from a distinct flavor that enhances various dishes. Sordid blewit's availability peaks seasonally, making it a sought-after ingredient when fresh. While commonly consumed, enthusiasts should ensure proper identification before consumption to avoid confusion with inedible look-alikes, as a safety precaution.

Scientific Classification of Sordid blewit

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Pale-spore mushrooms

Genus

Blewits

Toxicity and Edibility of Sordid blewit

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Edibility of Sordid blewit

Sordid blewit is reported to be edible, although it is not a particularly tasty species. It is also possible to mistake this species with an older Lilac Fibercap (Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina) specimen—and those mushrooms are deadly poisonous.

Similar Species to Sordid blewit

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Lepista tarda

Similar Species

Sordid blewit

How to Differentiate Between Lepista tarda and Sordid blewit?

Sordid blewit: Cap smooth and usually a darker shade of purple or lilac.

Lepista tarda: Cap smooth and lighter in color.

Fool's funnel

Similar Species

Sordid blewit

Confusing Aspects of Fool's funnel and Sordid blewit?

Individuals of Sordid blewit with faded, light-colored caps might be confused with Fool's funnel.

How to Differentiate Between Fool's funnel and Sordid blewit?

Sordid blewit: The gills are attached but do not run significantly down the stem.

Fool's funnel: Gills often decurrent, running down the stem.

Fragrant funnel

Similar Species

Sordid blewit

Confusing Aspects of Fragrant funnel and Sordid blewit?

As Sordid blewit matures or in dry environments, its cap can turn brown. At this stage, it may be confused with the light brown Fragrant funnel.

How to Differentiate Between Fragrant funnel and Sordid blewit?

Sordid blewit: Has a mild smell, not specifically distinct.

Fragrant funnel: Distinct scent, usually described as aniseed-like.

Tips for Finding Sordid blewit

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When is the Best Time to Find Sordid blewit

Search for sordid blewit in late autumn to early winter, following rain when temperatures are cool but not freezing. Mild weather with some moisture increases your chances.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Sordid blewit

Moist, rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Sordid blewit

Search areas of mixed woodland, especially where leaves tend to accumulate and decay.
Look around garden patches or compost heaps, as these could provide the nutrient-dense environment sordid blewit favors.
Inspect the ground for natural mulch created by decomposing leaves, which could signal the presence of sordid blewit.
Gently move aside leaf litter in suspected areas to uncover any hidden sordid blewit specimens.

How to Clean and Preserve Sordid blewit

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How to Clean Sordid blewit

To clean sordid blewit, use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently remove debris. For more thorough cleaning, rinse under cool running water and pat dry immediately. Pay close attention to the underside to eliminate any trapped contaminants.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Sordid blewit

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Cool, dark, and dry with low humidity; airtight containers are ideal to prevent reabsorption of moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Maintains a consistent low temperature, reducing spoilage risk and preserving efficiently.

Oven drying: Suitable for drier varieties, allows low temperatures and proper air circulation for moisture removal.

Air drying: Eco-friendly option using natural air flow, best in arid climates; slower process, but energy efficient.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Sordid blewit

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 3 minutes, then cool rapidly, dry, and freeze in airtight containers.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Sordid blewit

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture, reducing spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use to ensure airflow and prevent condensation buildup.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap loosely to keep dry while allowing respiration.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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