Purple brittlegill is a common mushroom named for its brittle purple cap. Purple brittlegill favors acidic soils and forms a symbiotic relationship with trees. Its Latin name (Russula atropurpurea) is interesting because it translates as red, black, purple, describing both the red colors common of the genus and the darker hues of this particular mushroom.
Cap Diameter:
3 - 11 cm
Odor:
Subtle fruity, reminiscent of apples.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Purple brittlegill
Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap
Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.
Download the App for Free
Attributes of Purple brittlegill
Cap Diameter
3 - 11 cm
Height
4 - 8 cm
Cap
Cap 4 - 10 cm across; convex to flat; dark purple, black
Cap Shape
Convex, Flat, Depressed
Gills
Adnate, adnexed; crowded; pale cream
Gill Attachment
Attached
Stem
Stem 3 - 6 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; white to light grey; brittle; surface smooth
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth
Flesh
Granular; white
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Subtle fruity, reminiscent of apples.
Body Color
Black
Red
White
Purple
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Purple brittlegill commonly resides in mixed woodlands, predominantly under deciduous trees such as beech and oak, and occasionally conifers.
Hunting Values of Purple brittlegill
Can be eaten once thoroughly cooked. However, there are also toxic look-alike species which require careful handling.
Uses of Purple brittlegill
Purple brittlegill is a mushroom that can be consumed but with certain precautions. It holds culinary value, especially when correctly identified and prepared, as confusion with toxic species is possible. While not the most popular, it's sought by foragers during its growing season. Always ensure proper identification and preparation to mitigate health risks before consumption.
Confusing Aspects of Gooseberry russula and Purple brittlegill?
It's worth noting that even experienced mycologists can find it challenging to identify Russulas to species level, given their diverse and sometimes overlapping characteristics.
How to Differentiate Between Gooseberry russula and Purple brittlegill?
Purple brittlegill: Predominantly found under broad-leaved trees in deciduous forests.
Gooseberry russula: Often associated with coniferous trees, particularly spruces and 2-needled pines.
Confusing Aspects of Primrose brittlegill and Purple brittlegill?
It's worth noting that even experienced mycologists can find it challenging to identify Russulas to species level, given their diverse and sometimes overlapping characteristics.
How to Differentiate Between Primrose brittlegill and Purple brittlegill?
Purple brittlegill: Gills are pale cream.
Primrose brittlegill: Gills are pale lemon to primrose yellow.
Confusing Aspects of Fragile brittlegill and Purple brittlegill?
It's worth noting that even experienced mycologists can find it challenging to identify Russulas to species level, given their diverse and sometimes overlapping characteristics.
How to Differentiate Between Fragile brittlegill and Purple brittlegill?
Purple brittlegill: Cap is typically purple to wine-red.
Fragile brittlegill: Cap is usually pale pink to rosy.
Tips for Finding Purple brittlegill
Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms
Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!
Download the App for Free
When is the Best Time to Find Purple brittlegill
Search for purple brittlegill from late summer to early fall when the ground is moist after periods of rain, but before the first frost sets in.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Purple brittlegill
Preferably damp, calcareous soils.
What are Some Tips for Finding Purple brittlegill
Look for purple brittlegill in areas with leaf litter under broadleaf trees.
Search near treelines and areas with natural debris like fallen branches.
Scan for the purplish hue of the cap that can stand out against the green and brown forest floor.
Explore gently sloping woodland areas that maintain moisture well.
How to Clean and Preserve Purple brittlegill
Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide
Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.
Download the App for Free
How to Clean Purple brittlegill
To clean purple brittlegill, gently brush off any dirt using a soft brush. Due to its brittleness, avoid soaking and handle with care. If necessary, slightly dampen a cloth and wipe the surface to remove debris. Ensure all foreign matter is cleared to maintain the mushroom's integrity.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Purple brittlegill
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying
Drying Duration
6 - 12 months
Store in a cool, dark, dry place with air-tight packaging to prevent rehydration and spoilage.
Dehydrator drying: Ensures consistent airflow and temperature, ideal for high-moisture mushrooms.
Oven drying: Use at low temperatures to slowly remove moisture without cooking.
Air drying: Utilize warm, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Purple brittlegill
Freezing Methods
Blanching Before Freezing
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserving texture and color.
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Purple brittlegill
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Container with Absorbent Lining
Temperature
2 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
4 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Store mushrooms in paper bags to allow moisture escape, maintaining their texture.
Cloth Wrapping: Enclose mushrooms in a clean, damp cloth to keep them moist, yet prevent sogginess.
Container with Absorbent Lining: Use compartments in a container to segregate mushrooms, reducing damage from contact.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!
Download the App for Free
More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Purple brittlegill
