Into the Woods Filled with Hazelnut Trees.
I found a few mushrooms growing. A type of Lactarius, at my glance. Intrigued, I went nearby to see it.
The cap was creamy grayish, convex, and depressed in the middle.
The deep ochre yellow gills had a pinky tinge.
The stem was smooth and paler than the cap.
To be sure, I scraped the gills, and yes, it released white latex—hence the name Lactarius, meaning "producing milk" (lactating). They belong to then the family Russulaceae.
As a mushroom lover, I love exploring different mushrooms' unique flavors and characteristics. Each variety has its own distinct taste and qualities, enriching my enjoyment of nature's culinary wonders.
I was 100+++% sure it was a milkcap, and I got tempted to taste the milk!
And oh, yes, it definitely is fiery hot—just as hot as spicy chili! Hence the name "Fiery." The heat stayed on my tongue for a few minutes.
This mushroom is called Lactarius Pyrogalus, Fiery Milkcap.
And it smells just like coconut!
Although not poisonous, it is inedible in England because of its hot and acrid taste, which could cause stomach upset.
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But one study stated that this mushroom is edible and being eaten. Has anyone of you tried this?
This could be a great alternative to chilies, with a mushroomy flavor and coconut aroma. It seems like my favorite flavor all in one! And I can think of a lovely recipe. And it feels heavy and meaty! It would be good to know this mushroom deeply.
As a lover of hot, spicy food, coconut, and mushrooms, the idea of trying this mushroom is exciting and nerve-wracking. The worst-case scenario would be a stomach upset. What do you think? Should I take this calculated risk?
Eat or not to eat? I am nearly tempted! Maybe just a little? Maybe not.
I stir-fried them in butter with no added other ingredients. It smells tasty.
As it is not poisonous, I tried a piece and was surprised at how delicious this mushroom is. It has a hint of spicy heat and is very nicely mushroomy, with a hint of nice bitterness.
It is nutty, firm, and meaty. It was so tempting to finish it up, but no!
A little taste is enough to know this mushroom deeply.
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Mariah 💗😊
This post is dedicated to @fungifriday by @ewkaw and to all fungi friends here! 💖
Please note: Don't copy and try if you don't know the mushrooms 200%, as they can be highly toxic.
Sending Love and Ecency Vote!
Thank you 😊💗
So that's how humanity learned which mushrooms are edible and which are not - someone was curious and lived to tell the tale 😉
Haha, it seems like it, and possibly years ago, when there wasn't any scientific basis for their biochemical composition. Once they learned that it was edible or medicinal, they passed the knowledge on to the next generations and made it part of their cultural heritage and tradition.
This mushroom is very popular in Turkey and has become part of their diet. To some in the western area, people may not agree with the complexity of the taste. 🩷😊