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Mayor’s milky (Lactarius mairei) is an agaric fungus from the Russula family, the Milky genus. Its other names:
- concentric breast;
- Pearson’s grouse.
This type of fruiting bodies got its name in honor of the famous French mycologist René Maire.
Mayor’s milky is very similar to a pale wave
Where does Mera’s milky mushroom grow?
Mayor’s milky is found in areas with a temperate and subtropical climate, in the central and southern regions of Our Country, in Morocco, Central Asia, Israel, and in Europe. Forms a symbiosis exclusively with oaks, growing only next to these trees. Mayor’s milkweed can be found both in broad-leaved forests and in old parks, in fields near solitary oaks. The mushroom picker begins to bear fruit from September to October, and longer in the southern regions.
Mayor’s Miller likes alkaline, lime-rich soils. Grows in small groups and single specimens. The mushroom is very rare.
Mayor’s milky loves grassy meadows and forest clearings
What does Maya’s milky look like?
Mayor’s milky has a dome-shaped hat with neatly tucked up roller, abundantly pubescent edges. Cup-shaped depression in the center. In mature specimens, the edges straighten out more and more, becoming slightly rounded or straight. Sometimes the hat takes on a funnel shape. The surface is dry, covered with dense needle-like pile, which persists throughout the life of the fruiting body. The length of the bristles reaches 0,3-0,5 cm. The diameter of the cap in young mushrooms is 1-2,8 cm, in mature ones – from 6 to 12 cm.
Mayor’s milky is unevenly colored, with clear concentric stripes that have brighter shades. The color varies from golden cream to beige and reddish brown.
The hymenophore plates are thin, frequent, semi-adherent, sometimes descending along the stem. They have a creamy, yellowish-sandy and pale golden hue. Often split in two. The pulp is elastic, crispy, at first gently peppery, and then burning in taste, the aroma is rich fruity. Color whitish-cream or grey. The juice is light, the taste is extremely sharp, odorless.
The leg is straight or slightly curved, cylindrical in shape. The surface is smooth, velvety, dry. Sometimes a coverlet ring is preserved. The color is slightly darker than the cap, often there is a whitish coating from the root. Length from 1,6 to 6 cm, thickness from 0,3 to 1,5 cm. The spores are colored milky white.
In mature specimens, the leg becomes hollow
Is it possible to eat Mayor’s milky
Mayor’s milky mushroom is classified as an edible mushroom of the IV category. After pre-soaking to remove the caustic juice, it can be used in any dish. In finished form, it has an interesting, slightly spicy taste.
False doubles
Mayor’s milky bear is very similar to some representatives of the same family.
Volnushka (Lactarius torminosus). Edible after proper processing. Differs in saturated pinkish-red color.
Volnushka settles mainly near birch trees, forming mycorrhiza with them.
Oak chest. Edible. It is distinguished by a smooth cap and uneven, wide hymenophore plates. The color of the legs and plates is reddish-beige, the cap has a creamy-sand, golden color.
The oak mushroom has characteristic annular stripes of a darker color with a ragged-mesh structure
Rules for collection and use
It is preferable to collect Mayor’s milky in dry weather. Since this species grows in small groups, when you see an adult specimen, you should inspect the area. Gently move the grass and forest floor apart: there will definitely be young mushrooms. Cut under the root with a sharp knife, without leaving large stumps, unscrew from the nest with a slight turn by the cap. It is desirable to lay in the basket in rows, plates up, in order to bring it to the house without wrinkling.
Before using Mayor’s milk in cooking, it should be soaked. This simple procedure allows you to get rid of caustic juice that can spoil the taste of any dish:
- Sort the mushrooms, clean, cut off the roots and heavily contaminated areas.
- Rinse and place in an enameled or glass container.
- Fill with cold water and press with a yoke so that they do not float.
- Change water twice a day.
The process takes 2 to 5 days. Then the mushrooms should be washed, after which they are ready for further processing.
Milky Mayor pickled in jars for the winter
This recipe makes a wonderfully delicious, crunchy snack.
Ingredients:
- mushrooms – 2,5 kg;
- gray salt, coarse – 60 g;
- citric acid – 8 g;
- water – 2,5 l;
- sugar – 70 g;
- greens and seeds of dill, horseradish, oak leaf, peppercorns, garlic – to taste;
- serum – 50 ml.
Method of preparation:
- Pour the mushrooms with water, add 25 g of salt and citric acid, bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes over low heat until they settle to the bottom. Drain the water.
- Prepare the filling by mixing water, salt and sugar.
- Put the washed herbs and spices on the bottom in sterilized jars.
- Put the mushrooms tightly in jars, pour boiling solution, add whey on top.
- Close the lids and put in a cool place at a temperature of 18 degrees, without access to sunlight.
- After 5-7 days, you can put it in the refrigerator. An excellent snack will be ready in 35-40 days.
Mayor’s sour milk can be served with boiled or fried potatoes, vegetable oil, and onions.
Such mushrooms have a special, milky-spicy taste.
Conclusion
Mayor’s milky mushroom is a rare mushroom. It is found in subtropical and temperate climatic zones, in forests and parks where there are oaks. Listed as endangered species in several European countries. It does not have poisonous twins, thanks to the unique needle-shaped edge and delicate coloring, it can be easily distinguished from similar waves and milk mushrooms. After soaking, it makes excellent pickles for the winter. It is especially tasty in combination with other edible types of lactifers.