Contents
Mushrooms of the genus Lactarius are popularly called milk mushrooms. They are actively harvested, considered one of the most delicious species. But there are varieties that are considered conditionally edible. Faded milky belongs to this group. It has an unremarkable appearance and rarely falls into the basket of an experienced mushroom picker.
Where does the milky faded grow
It is found on the territory of the northern continents: America and Eurasia. Distributed in mixed and broad-leaved forests near birch. Its mycelia form mycorrhizal compounds with the roots of the tree. Likes damp places covered with moss. Experienced mushroom pickers easily recognize this species by its small size and growth habits: it does not grow alone, it settles in groups, sometimes in large colonies.
What does the milky mushroom look like?
Small in size, unattractive. The faded milky one does not immediately catch the eye. The hat is 6-10 cm in diameter. In young fruiting bodies, it is convex, with a small dark brown tubercle in the middle. Closer to the edges, the surface brightens. On the inside of the cap are the plates that make up the geminophore. They are creamy, when pressed on them, milky juice comes out, which quickly turns gray. Small spores of ocher or grayish color. The flesh is thin, odorless, but with a sharp taste.
The legs of young mushrooms (4-8 cm) are solid, with pulp. But in adult fruiting bodies, the stem becomes empty. It is lighter than the rest and has the shape of a straight cylinder.
Faded milky grows in families
Is it possible to eat faded lactic
The fruiting body is not poisonous. Toxins are a low percentage and cannot lead to poisoning when eaten in small amounts. But for children, pregnant women and people with diseased kidneys, the digestive system, this species is not advised to use. Although some collect young mushrooms and salt.
False twins of the milky faded
Faded or sluggish breasts can be confused with edible and conditionally edible mushrooms:
- Serushka belongs to conditionally edible mushrooms, but lovers pick it up and salt it. Differs in uneven, wavy edges of brown or gray color. A milky juice is released from the white pulp, which does not change in the air. Concentric circles are clearly visible on the surface of the cap of the serushka.
- The common milkweed is one of the conditionally edible twins of a faded appearance. But it is not difficult to distinguish it: it is slightly larger, the surface of the cap is darker, sticky, wet in wet weather. The milky juice does not turn gray when released, but turns yellow. It is found not only near birches, but also firs, pines. In wet weather, the cap of the common milkweed is wet and slimy.
- Papillary breast grows in deciduous and coniferous forests in small groups. It is distinguished by a dark gray or dark brown color of the cap with a darker center. The smell of the pulp is reminiscent of coconut. Milky juice does not change in the air. The mushroom is also conditionally edible. The dark gray, even bluish color of the cap gives out the papillary milk mushroom.
Collection rules
Collected from mid-August. A more massive appearance is noted in September. Young fruiting bodies have the best taste; experts do not advise cutting old mushrooms.
How to cook a milky faded
This species, like other milk mushrooms, is advised to soak for more than 2 days, periodically changing the water. This promotes the release of bitterness and toxins. Then salted or marinated.
Conclusion
Faded milky is not poisonous. When consumed in moderation, it does not cause discomfort or poisoning. But do not forget that this is a conditionally edible mushroom, and sometimes it is better to walk past them.
