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American slippery jack

Suillus americanus

A species of Slippery jacks, Also known as Chicken fat mushroom

A common sight underneath white pines in the summertime, the american slippery jack lives up to its name with its slimy cap, reminiscent of chicken fat's consistency. The subdued, yellow-brown hue is also the same color.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About American slippery jack

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Attributes of American slippery jack

Cap Diameter

3 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 11 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 10 cm; convex to wavy; bright yellow; slimy

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Central Bump

Cap Surfaces

Slimy or slightly sticky, Fibrillose-scaly

Stem

Stem 3 - 10 cm long, up to 1 cm thick; frequently crooked; with reddish brown glandular dots

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

Yellow throughout, staining purplish brown

Ring

With Ring Zone

Spore Print Color

Cinnamon brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to pink or red

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find American slippery jack by these plants:

Eastern white pine, Limber pine

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify American slippery jack

Fruiting Body Cap Pores

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Habitat of American slippery jack

The american slippery jack is found in mixed coniferous forests, but only in the areas where the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) grows. The fungus lives in symbiosis with the eastern white pine, sharing essential nutrients, so it's found exclusively near the tree's roots.

Hunting Values of American slippery jack

Clean the mucus thoroughly, and consume only when thoroughly cooked.

Uses of American slippery jack

American slippery jack is recognized for its edibility with necessary precautions due to potential confusion with toxic species. It's a sought-after mushroom for culinary purposes during its autumn fruiting season, particularly by those familiar with its identification. The collection value of american slippery jack is considerable among knowledgeable foragers. While it holds gastronomic appeal, consumers must exercise caution and ensure proper identification before consumption to avoid health risks.

Scientific Classification of American slippery jack

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Suillaceae

Genus

Slippery jacks

Toxicity and Edibility of American slippery jack

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Is American slippery jack Toxic?

While not explicitly toxic, has been known to cause idiosyncratic reactions in certain individuals. It's particularly concerning that some people develop a rash from merely touching the mushroom. Moreover, ingestion of the slime layer present on the cap can lead to gastrointestinal upset for some consumers. This species primarily forms mycorrhizal relationships with five-needled pines and is found in North America, Europe, and Asia wherever such pines occur. Given these potential risks, it's advised to handle american slippery jack with caution.

Type of poisoning

Allergic

Toxic Severity

Low toxicity

Incubation Period

0.5-24 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Individual responses to a mushroom allergy can differ widely, with reactions spanning from slight to intense, including skin rashes, itching, swelling in the mouth, stomach upset, and respiratory issues. In severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Edibility of American slippery jack

American slippery jack mushrooms are reportedly edible, but opinions vary as to their palatability. They are said to have a taste similar to organ meat. This mushroom's slimy cap and pore layer should be removed, as they often cause stomachache. American slippery jack may look vaguely similar to some toxic boletes.

Similar Species to American slippery jack

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Tips for Finding American slippery jack

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When is the Best Time to Find American slippery jack

Search for american slippery jack in late summer to early fall, when wet weather follows a dry period. Seek after rainfall, as moist conditions are when american slippery jack tends to emerge.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for American slippery jack

Prefers soil under 5-needled pines.

What are Some Tips for Finding American slippery jack

Seek out areas with 5-needled pine trees, as american slippery jack forms symbiotic relationships with these trees.
Explore areas where these pines are prevalent, looking for dense groups of mushrooms rather than lone specimens.
Inspect the base of pine trees, as american slippery jack often emerges in soil rich with pine detritus.
Carefully move fallen pine needles aside, as american slippery jack may be hidden underneath.

How to Clean and Preserve American slippery jack

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How to Clean American slippery jack

To clean american slippery jack, gently brush off any debris from the cap and stem. If the cap is sticky or slimy, as is common with this genus, wiping with a damp cloth or peeling the cap may be necessary. Soak in salt water if larvae are present, rinse well.

Tips on Dry Preservation of American slippery jack

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in cool, dark, dry place with airtight containers; ideal conditions to prolong shelf life.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient at removing moisture, maintaining texture and flavor, best for high water content species.

Oven drying: Set at low temperature with door ajar allows for controlled drying environment.

Air drying: Slow, natural process, best in low humidity, warm climates with good air circulation.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of American slippery jack

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Halts enzyme actions that cause spoilage, preserves texture and quality.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of American slippery jack

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Original Packaging Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow air circulation and moisture absorption, reducing spoilage.

Original Packaging Storage: Retain in original container, preferably ventilated, to maintain their natural environment slightly.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use to provide a balance of humidity and airflow, minimizing condensation risks.

Cloth Wrapping: Place on top of a clean cloth that can absorb excess moisture and provide aeration.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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