Contents
The genus Milky (Lactarius) of the Russula family combines agaric fungi that secrete milky juice on an incision. It was studied and isolated by the mycologist Christian Person in 1797. The lilac milky is one of the 120 species found on earth.
Where does the lilac milky grow
The fungus is distributed throughout Eurasia. Its favorite habitats are broad-leaved and mixed forests, where oaks and hornbeams, birches and aspens grow. But it can be quite common in coniferous forests. If the rest of the milkers grow on soil, rotten foliage, then this species appears on the trunks of fallen trees in late summer and early autumn. Mycelia form a symbiosis with tree roots: they braid them, forming a mycorrhizal cover.
The only kind of milky, appearing on the trunk of a fallen tree
What does a lilac milky look like
Milky milky (another name for this species) is a small-sized mushroom. The cap diameter is 8-15 cm. The gray-pink surface is flat, depressed in the middle. Over time, it becomes like a funnel. In wet weather, the cap is slimy, sticky, iridescent with steel and purple hues. On the edges concave inside, you can feel the villi. On the inner surface are whitish or cream plates. When touched, they, like the hat, turn purple. The juice that stands out on the plates also changes color in the air. The pulp has a light spongy structure of a cream or white hue. There is no particular smell, but the taste of the fruiting body is slightly bitter.
The leg of this mushroom is high, reaches 10 cm. It resembles an even cylinder in shape, only sometimes it thickens at the base. It is hollow, does not contain pulp. When cut or broken, the cream color changes to purple.
The edges of the incision quickly turn purple
Is it possible to eat a lilac milky
This is a conditionally edible mushroom. Nothing is known about its toxicity. But scientists suggest that a small amount of toxins is still present in it. Therefore, it is advised not to eat them. But experienced mushroom pickers collect it along with other types of lactic mushrooms, milk mushrooms, and find it quite pleasant to taste.
False doubles
The twin is milk mushroom yellow, which grows most often in the coniferous forests of Siberia, although it can also be found in mixed plantations. The surface is also sticky and wet. But the color of the cap is yellow, when cut, the flesh turns yellow, a characteristic milky juice is released, and quickly changes color in the air. The size of the yellow mushroom is smaller: the diameter of the cap is 8-10 cm, the height of the dense and thick stem is 4-6 cm. It is edible.
The breast is distinguished by a pleasant yellow color of the outer surface of the cap.
Another doppelgänger – lactic thyroid. Interestingly, when pressed, its plates also turn purple. But the specimen is distinguished by an ocher, yellowish surface and a slightly smaller size. This is an inedible species and scientists do not recommend collecting it.
Milky thyroid – inedible species
milky gray, like purple, is an inedible fruiting body. It has a grayish-ocher color of the surface of the cap, coinciding with the shade of a low stem. But on the skin there are steel, lead scales. On pinkish plates, milky juice is released, which does not change color even after contact with air. Occurs in late summer among alder forests.
Milky gray – another type of inedible fruiting body
milky lilac also found in alder forests. It is distinguished by its small size and lilac color of the hat with straight, sharp edges. The milky juice is white, the shade does not change when it is isolated.
Conditionally edible mushroom lilac
Rules for collection and use
Milk mushrooms are the favorite mushrooms of s, although in Europe they are considered inedible. The lilac milky is conditionally edible. For those who are confident in its suitability for food, experts advise:
- collect only young fruiting bodies, in which there are fewer toxins;
- do not eat them fried;
- soak in cold water for two days before processing;
- boil thoroughly before salting or pickling.
To be sure of the edibility of the milky, it is better to turn to experienced mushroom pickers. They will help distinguish edible varieties from poisonous ones, and advise on the best way to process them further.
Conclusion
The lilac milky is one of the conditionally edible species of the Mlechnikov genus. For eating, it is better to collect only edible milk mushrooms so as not to fear for your health.