Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are believed to bruise when exposed to oxygen or handled. The bluing of a mushroom indicates the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin. While some believe that more potent mushrooms bruise more easily, others argue that bruising is indicative of oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin, which may reduce their potency. However, the extent of potency loss due to bruising is unclear, and some experienced growers claim that bruising does not affect potency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are bruised mushrooms less potent? | Some sources say that bruising indicates oxidation of psilocybin, which may reduce potency by up to 10%. However, others claim that bruising does not affect potency. |
| Cause of bruising | Mushrooms may bruise when exposed to oxygen, handled, or manipulated. |
| Blue bruising | Blue bruising is caused by the oxidation of psilocin, which is a degradation product of psilocybin. The presence of blue bruising indicates that psilocybin was present in the mushroom at one time. |
| Potency and blue bruising | Some sources claim that more potent mushrooms are more likely to develop blue bruises. However, others state that bruising does not indicate potency. |
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What You'll Learn
- The blue colour on bruised mushrooms is due to the oxidation of psilocin
- Psilocybin in the cells remains stable even when mushrooms are bruised
- Bluing does not necessarily require exposure to oxygen
- The presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, may cause the blue bruising
- Not all mushrooms that contain psilocybin will bruise
The blue colour on bruised mushrooms is due to the oxidation of psilocin
The blue colour that appears on bruised mushrooms is due to the oxidation of psilocin. This occurs when mushrooms are exposed to oxygen, handled, or manipulated. While the blue colour indicates that psilocybin was present in the mushroom, it does not necessarily confirm that the mushroom is potent. In fact, the more bluish bruising on a mushroom, the more psilocin has degraded, and the less active the compound is in producing psychedelic effects upon consumption.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When these mushrooms are cut or bruised, they instantly develop a blue coloration. This is because psilocin must degrade and break down for the bluish bruises to occur. The oxidation of psilocin results in the formation of blue pigments, which are similar in structure to indigo, a deep blue pigment used to dye jeans.
While the blue bruising is indicative of oxidation and degradation of psilocin, it is important to note that the psilocybin in the cells remains stable for quite some time. Additionally, the presence of bruising does not always indicate that a mushroom is potent. Some of the most potent mushrooms may bruise dark blue or black, but it is not a definitive indicator of their potency. The bruising simply indicates that the mushroom has been touched or exposed to oxygen in some way.
It is worth mentioning that not all mushrooms containing psilocybin will bruise, and some non-psychoactive strains of mushrooms can also develop blue bruising. The presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, inside the mushrooms may be responsible for the blue reaction. This compound is produced by an enzyme found in some, but not all, psilocybin mushrooms. Therefore, the blue colour on bruised mushrooms is primarily due to the oxidation of psilocin, but other factors, such as the presence of metal compounds, may also play a role in the bruising process.
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Psilocybin in the cells remains stable even when mushrooms are bruised
While it is generally believed that the bluing of mushrooms is indicative of their potency, this is not always the case. The blue colour is caused by the oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychotropic compounds found in magic mushrooms. However, psilocybin in the cells remains stable even when mushrooms are bruised, and the degradation of psilocybin is minimal.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the psychedelic effects of the mushrooms. When Psilocybe mushrooms are cut or bruised, they instantly develop a blue coloration, which is believed to be caused by the oxidation of these compounds.
While the blue colour is often associated with potency, it is important to note that not all magic mushrooms will bruise. Additionally, some species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin do not bruise at all. The presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, inside the mushrooms may also contribute to the bluing reaction. This compound is produced by an enzyme found in some, but not all, psilocybin mushrooms.
The oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin can lead to a slight decrease in their potency. However, the impact on potency is minimal, with one source stating that psilocin bruising is at most 10% less active, and possibly even lower. Therefore, bruised mushrooms are still potent, and the degradation of psilocybin is not significant enough to cause a noticeable loss in potency.
In conclusion, while the oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin can occur when mushrooms are bruised, the psilocybin in the cells remains stable, and the mushrooms remain potent. The blue colouration is not always indicative of potency, and other factors, such as the presence of a copper-based compound, may also contribute to the bluing reaction.
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Bluing does not necessarily require exposure to oxygen
While it is commonly believed that mushrooms bruise and turn blue due to exposure to oxygen, a 1967 study found that this bluing reaction does not necessarily require oxygen. Instead, it is now thought that a copper-based compound produced by an enzyme present in some mushrooms may be responsible for the blue discolouration. This compound is likely produced in response to damage to the mushroom's structure, which is why physical manipulation can cause bruising.
The blue bruising of mushrooms indicates the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin. Psilocybin is a psychotropic compound, and its oxidation products are responsible for the blue colour. Psilocin, which is formed from psilocybin, must degrade for the bluish bruises to occur. This means that the more bluish bruising there is on a mushroom, the less active the psychedelic compound is.
However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms containing psilocybin bruise, and some non-psychoactive mushrooms also exhibit bruising. The blue pigments' exact function remains unknown, but it is hypothesised that they may serve a protective role, producing reactive oxygen species that are toxic to insects.
To prevent mushrooms from turning blue or brown due to oxidation, it is essential to minimise their exposure to oxygen and moisture. Storing mushrooms in a refrigerator or shrink-wrapped packages can help slow down the oxidative reaction and extend their shelf life. Additionally, acidity slows down the browning process, so dipping mushrooms in water containing lemon juice or citric acid can help maintain their colour.
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The presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, may cause the blue bruising
While the exact cause of blue bruising in mushrooms is still a subject of ongoing research, one hypothesis suggests that it may be due to the presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based. This theory is based on a 1967 study that found that the bluing reaction in mushrooms does not always require exposure to oxygen.
The study suggested that a copper-based compound, produced by an enzyme present in some psilocybin mushrooms, could be responsible for the blue bruising phenomenon. This hypothesis explains why some mushrooms containing psilocybin do not bruise, while others, including certain non-psychoactive strains, do. It is believed that the presence of this compound may be a prerequisite for bruising, offering a potential explanation for the variability in bruising among psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
The blue bruising in mushrooms is primarily attributed to the oxidation of psilocin, a compound responsible for the psychedelic effects of certain mushrooms. When mushrooms are damaged or exposed to oxygen, their structure is compromised, leading to the oxidation of psilocin. However, psilocybin, another crucial psychoactive compound, cannot be oxidized directly. Instead, it is rapidly converted into psilocin through enzymatic action at injury sites, making it susceptible to oxidation.
While the blue bruising is an indication of psilocin oxidation, its impact on the potency of mushrooms is a subject of debate. Some sources suggest that bruising indicates a reduction in the active amount of psilocin available to produce psychedelic effects. In contrast, others argue that bruising does not significantly affect potency, and even bruised mushrooms can be potent. The variability in opinions highlights the need for further research to conclusively determine the relationship between blue bruising and the potency of psilocybin mushrooms.
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Not all mushrooms that contain psilocybin will bruise
It is a common belief that the bluing of a mushroom confirms the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin, which are psychotropic compounds that can induce euphoria and hallucinations. While this is true for some species of mushrooms, it is important to note that not all mushrooms that contain psilocybin will bruise.
The blue colour in mushrooms is a result of oxidised psilocybin, specifically a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products known as quinoid psilocyl oligomers. These compounds share structural similarities with indigo, a deep blue pigment used in dyeing. However, the exact reason for the blue pigments remains a mystery. One hypothesis suggests that these pigments may serve a protective role, acting as a repellent against insects and other potential threats.
While the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin is necessary for blue bruising to occur, not all mushrooms containing these compounds will exhibit bruising. This is because the blue bruising reaction is influenced by the presence of a metal compound, likely copper-based, which is produced by an enzyme found in some, but not all, psilocybin mushrooms. This explains why some non-psychoactive mushrooms also bruise, as they may contain this copper-based compound.
Additionally, it is important to distinguish between bluing and blackening in mushrooms. Heavy blue bruising can sometimes appear black, but if the mushrooms develop black spots with an unpleasant smell, it indicates mould or rot, and the mushrooms may no longer be safe for consumption.
In conclusion, while the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin is necessary for blue bruising, not all mushrooms containing these compounds will bruise. The occurrence of bruising depends on various factors, including the presence of specific enzymes and compounds within the mushrooms. It is also important to remember that the absence of bruising does not necessarily indicate that the mushrooms are ineffective, as some species of mushrooms containing psilocybin do not bruise at all.
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Frequently asked questions
The bluing or bruising of mushrooms is caused by the oxidation of psilocybin or psilocin, the compounds responsible for their psychedelic effects. While some sources claim that the oxidation of these compounds reduces their potency, others claim that bruising is not indicative of a loss of potency.
Mushrooms are believed to bruise when exposed to oxygen or when handled or manipulated. However, a 1967 study found that the bluing reaction does not always require exposure to oxygen. This suggests that a metal compound, likely copper-based, may also cause bruising.
The presence of psilocybin is required for bruising, but not all mushrooms containing psilocybin will bruise. It is believed that only those containing a specific copper-based compound will bruise, which is why some non-psychoactive mushrooms also exhibit bruising.
There is conflicting evidence on this topic. Some people claim that the most potent mushrooms always bruise dark blue or black, while others claim that bruising is not indicative of potency.
To avoid unnecessary bruising, it is recommended to be careful when handling or harvesting mushrooms. However, it is important to note that bruising does not always indicate a loss of potency.
