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Humpback brittlegill

Russula caerulea

A species of Russulas

Thanks to its dark purple cap, the humpback brittlegill is one of the most recognizable mushrooms. It is quite common and widespread, particularly in temperate climates, where it occurs in coniferous forests. It forms a symbiotic relationship with pine trees.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 8 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Humpback brittlegill

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Attributes of Humpback brittlegill

Cap Diameter

4 - 8 cm

Height

4 - 8 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 10 cm across; hemispherical to umbonate; dark violet to brownish violet; surface smooth

Cap Shape

Convex, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Adnexed to free; quite close; whitish to pale ocher; turns gray-black when bruised

Stem

Stem 4 - 9 cm long, 1 - 2 cm thick; narrowly club-shaped; white; surface smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Firm; brittle; white

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale ocher to dark yellow

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Purple

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Humpback brittlegill by these plants:

Oaks, Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Humpback brittlegill

Humpback brittlegill thrives under coniferous trees, especially pines, in mixed woodlands.

Distribution Area of Humpback brittlegill

North America,Europe

Hunting Values of Humpback brittlegill

Although listed as edible, this mushroom has a bitter taste and isn't really worth collecting.

Uses of Humpback brittlegill

Humpback brittlegill is an edible mushroom species valued for its culinary applications. It is popular among foragers and often collected during its fruiting season. While humpback brittlegill can be a tasty addition to various dishes, it's crucial to ensure proper identification as it resembles some inedible species. Always cook humpback brittlegill before consumption to avoid potential risks associated with raw mushrooms.

Scientific Classification of Humpback brittlegill

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Russulales

Family

Russulaceae

Genus

Russulas

Similar Species to Humpback brittlegill

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Primrose brittlegill

Similar Species

Humpback brittlegill

How to Differentiate Between Primrose brittlegill and Humpback brittlegill?

Humpback brittlegill: The gill color is cream and becomes pale ochre with age.

Primrose brittlegill: The gills are pale lemon to primrose yellow, becoming golden yellow with age.

Humpback brittlegill: Cap cuticle peels halfway to the center.

Primrose brittlegill: Cap cuticle peels only a little or not at all.

Tips for Finding Humpback brittlegill

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When is the Best Time to Find Humpback brittlegill

Search for humpback brittlegill in late summer to early autumn. Ideal conditions occur after periods of rain when temperatures are mild, not too hot nor freezing, ensuring soil moisture stimulates growth.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Humpback brittlegill

Well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Humpback brittlegill

Seek out areas with a prevalence of pine trees as humpback brittlegill often coexists with these species.
Investigate woodlands with a mix of tree types, keeping an eye out for clearings where sunlight filters down to the forest floor.
Inspect the base of pine trees, as they may be nestled close to the trunk or slightly concealed by fallen pine needles.
Examine the soil for well-drained conditions, specifically where the ground appears neither too dry nor too saturated with water.
Use gentle hands to brush away debris and leaf litter that may be covering humpback brittlegill specimens.

How to Clean and Preserve Humpback brittlegill

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How to Clean Humpback brittlegill

Humpback brittlegill should be handled with care to avoid damage. Examine the mushrooms for visible dirt and brush lightly if needed. For stubborn bits, gently wipe with a damp paper towel. Avoid soaking as humpback brittlegill are not hardy and water can affect their integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Humpback brittlegill

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures consistent air circulation and low temperature for even drying.

Oven drying: Good for faster dehydration with controlled temperatures.

Air drying: Utilises natural air flow and is energy-efficient, but slower.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Humpback brittlegill

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 1-3 minutes, cool, dry and then freeze to maintain structure.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Humpback brittlegill

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Ventilated Container Storage, Plastic Wrap Storage

Temperature

0 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store mushrooms in paper bags to allow for airflow, preventing moisture build-up and spoilage.

Cloth Wrapping: Enclose mushrooms in a clean, breathable cloth to absorb excess moisture without drying them out too much.

Ventilated Container Storage: Place mushrooms in a Tupperware with lid partially open, maintaining a balance between humidity control and moisture retention.

Plastic Wrap Storage: Cover container of mushrooms with plastic wrap punctured with holes, providing a semi-humid environment while allowing for some air exchange.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Humpback brittlegill

Purple brittlegill

Russula atropurpurea