
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is a fictional mushroom that was featured in an episode of the American animated TV show Bob's Burgers. In the episode, Bob and Gene go mushroom hunting and are searching for the rare and expensive Woolly Neptune, which is described as having a greenish-blue cap, an off-center stem, and velvety blue gills. While the Woolly Neptune mushroom is not real, some have speculated that it may be based on the Lactarius indigo mushroom, also known as the indigo milk cap.
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What You'll Learn
- Woolly Neptune mushrooms are fictional, featured in the show Bob's Burgers
- The Woolly Neptune mushroom has a greenish-blue cap, an off-centre stem, and velvety blue gills
- Lactarius indigo, or indigo milk cap, could be the inspiration for the Wooly Neptune mushroom
- Some believe the Woolly Neptune mushroom to be real, despite it being fictional
- The Woolly Neptune mushroom is rare and expensive, costing around $30 per ounce

Woolly Neptune mushrooms are fictional, featured in the show Bob's Burgers
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is a fictional type of mushroom featured in the Bob's Burgers episode "Boys Just Want to Have Fungus". In the episode, Bob and Gene go on a hunt for the rare and expensive Woolly Neptune mushroom, which is said to grow in low, moist valleys and gullies surrounded by Jasper Trees. The mushroom is described as having a wooly greenish-blue cap, an off-center stem, and velvety blue gills. While the Woolly Neptune mushroom is not real, some fans of the show have tried to identify potential real-world inspirations for the mushroom, such as Lactarius indigo or Entoloma hochstetteri, a species of mushroom found in New Zealand and India with a distinctive all-blue colour.
The Bob's Burgers episode featuring the Woolly Neptune mushroom aired in October 2019 and generated a lot of discussion among fans of the show. Some viewers were curious about the existence of the Woolly Neptune mushroom in real life, while others shared their thoughts on the episode's humour and references. The episode also sparked a broader interest in mushroom hunting and identification among viewers, with some fans sharing their own experiences and knowledge about mushroom species.
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is just one example of the creative and imaginative elements that are often featured in Bob's Burgers. The show is known for its unique blend of humour, heart, and quirky storylines that often involve Bob and his family embarking on various adventures and endeavours. The Woolly Neptune mushroom episode is a fun and lighthearted take on the world of mushroom hunting, with a touch of the show's signature humour and eccentricity.
While the Woolly Neptune mushroom may not be real, the episode in which it appears captures the spirit of curiosity and exploration that characterises both the show and the hobby of mushroom hunting. The episode also highlights the show's attention to detail and commitment to creating engaging and memorable storylines that resonate with viewers. Through its creative use of fictional elements like the Woolly Neptune mushroom, Bob's Burgers continues to entertain and delight audiences with its unique brand of humour and storytelling.
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The Woolly Neptune mushroom has a greenish-blue cap, an off-centre stem, and velvety blue gills
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is a fictional mushroom that was featured in an episode of the animated TV show Bob's Burgers. In the episode, the characters go on a hunt for the rare and prized Woolly Neptune mushroom, which is described as having a greenish-blue cap, an off-centre stem, and velvety blue gills. While the Woolly Neptune mushroom itself is not real, some have speculated that it may be based on a real-life mushroom species, such as Lactarius indigo, also known as the indigo milk cap, which is a blue edible mushroom. Another possible inspiration for the Woolly Neptune could be Entoloma hochstetteri, a small, all-blue mushroom found in New Zealand and India, although it is unknown if this species is poisonous or not.
The Woolly Neptune mushroom depicted in Bob's Burgers has a distinctive appearance, with its greenish-blue cap, off-centre stem, and velvety blue gills. This description differs from that of the Lactarius indigo, which is simply described as blue, and Entoloma hochstetteri, which is described as having a slight reddish tint on its gills. While the Woolly Neptune mushroom is said to be delicious in the show, it is important to note that in real life, eating unidentified mushrooms can be dangerous, as many species are poisonous.
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is described as a rare and expensive delicacy in the show, with a price tag of around $30 per ounce. This high price is due to the mushroom's rarity, as it is said to grow only in low, moist valleys and gullies surrounded by Jasper trees, which are also fictional. The Woolly Neptune's unique appearance and high price make it a sought-after ingredient for Bob, one of the show's main characters, who hopes to create a special "Burger of the Day" with it.
While the Woolly Neptune mushroom itself is not real, the episode of Bob's Burgers that features it has sparked interest in mushroom hunting and identification among viewers. Some viewers have even claimed to have found real-life Woolly Neptunes, although these claims are often met with scepticism, as mushroom species can be difficult to identify based on photographs alone. Overall, the Woolly Neptune mushroom remains a fictional creation, but one that has captured the imaginations of many fans of the show.
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Lactarius indigo, or indigo milk cap, could be the inspiration for the Wooly Neptune mushroom
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is a fictional mushroom that appeared in an episode of the American animated TV show Bob's Burgers. In the episode, the characters go on a hunt for the rare and prized Woolly Neptune mushroom, which is described as a "freaky, fuzzy aqua" mushroom. While the Woolly Neptune mushroom is not real, there are some similarities between it and the Lactarius indigo mushroom, also known as the indigo milk cap.
Lactarius indigo is a species of fungus that grows in temperate forests around the world, particularly in Mexico, Asia, and the eastern United States. It is easily identifiable by its vibrant indigo blue colour, which is unique among mushrooms. The colour is due to the presence of (7-isopropenyl-4-methylazulen-1-yl)methyl stearate, an organic derivative of azulene. The cap of the mushroom is between 4 and 15 cm in diameter and is initially convex, developing a central depression as it ages. The gills of the mushroom are a similar indigo blue colour and are attached to the stem or slightly decurrent. The stem is 1-2.5 cm thick and the same diameter throughout or slightly narrower at the base.
Like the Woolly Neptune mushroom, Lactarius indigo is considered a culinary delicacy in some parts of the world. It is widely consumed in Mexico, where it is sold in farmers' markets, typically from June to November. It is also sold in Guatemalan markets from May to October and is eaten in Honduras, typically as a side dish with egg. However, the latex of Lactarius indigo can cause a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, and it is recommended to cook the mushrooms thoroughly before consuming them.
While Lactarius indigo does have some similarities to the Woolly Neptune mushroom, it is important to note that it does not have the same "freaky, fuzzy" appearance described in the Bob's Burgers episode. Additionally, Lactarius indigo does not grow directly on wood, as shown in the episode. However, given the striking blue colour and culinary uses of Lactarius indigo, it is possible that it could have been an inspiration for the Woolly Neptune mushroom in Bob's Burgers.
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Some believe the Woolly Neptune mushroom to be real, despite it being fictional
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is a fictional mushroom that was featured in the "Boys Just Want to Have Fungus" episode of the animated TV show Bob's Burgers. In the episode, Bob and Gene go on a hunt for the rare and expensive Woolly Neptune mushroom, which has a greenish-blue cap, an off-center stem, and velvety blue gills. Despite its fictional nature, some viewers believed the mushroom to be real, and discussions on online forums reflect attempts to identify the species of mushroom depicted in the show.
One forum user suggested that the mushroom could be Lactarius indigo, also known as the indigo milk cap, due to its similar appearance. However, they acknowledged that the existence of Jasper trees, mentioned in the show as the habitat of the Woolly Neptune mushroom, was fictional. Another user expressed uncertainty about the mushroom's existence, questioning whether it was a joke or a Photoshopped image.
The belief in the Woolly Neptune mushroom's reality extended beyond the online forums, with some viewers expressing curiosity about the mushroom's species and assuming it to be real based on the show's tendency to feature real ingredients. One commenter even shared a story about their son's disbelief when told that the mushrooms were fictional.
Despite the enthusiasm and curiosity surrounding the Woolly Neptune mushroom, it remains a fictional creation of the Bob's Burgers show. However, the attention it has garnered highlights the impact of media on popular culture and the blurring of lines between fiction and reality in the minds of some viewers.
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The Woolly Neptune mushroom is rare and expensive, costing around $30 per ounce
The Woolly Neptune mushroom is a fictional mushroom that was featured in the "Boys Just Want to Have Fungus" episode of Bob's Burgers. In the episode, Bob and Gene go on a hunt for the rare and expensive mushroom, which costs around $30 per ounce. The Woolly Neptune is described as having a greenish-blue cap, an off-center stem, and velvety blue gills. It is said to grow in low, moist valleys and gullies surrounded by Jasper Trees. While the Woolly Neptune mushroom is not real, some have speculated that it could be based on a real-life mushroom species, such as Lactarius indigo, also known as the indigo milk cap, which has a similar blue colour.
The Woolly Neptune mushroom has gained a bit of a cult following, with some fans of the show even going out in search of the elusive fungi. Some have even posted pictures of mushrooms they believe could be the Woolly Neptune, although these photos have been met with skepticism, with some pointing out signs of Photoshopping. Despite the fictional nature of the Woolly Neptune, the episode has sparked a lot of interest in mushroom hunting and identification, with many viewers taking to online forums to discuss their real-life mushroom hunting experiences.
The high price of the Woolly Neptune mushroom in the show reflects its rarity and desirability. In the episode, Bob and Gene go to great lengths to try and obtain the mushrooms, even facing off against rival foragers. The Woolly Neptune is described as being a key ingredient in Bob's sought-after "Burger of the Day", further adding to its value.
While the Woolly Neptune mushroom itself may not be real, the episode has left a lasting impression on viewers, with many commenting on how funny and entertaining it is, especially for those who are into mushroom hunting. The episode has also led to some interesting discussions and speculations about real-life mushroom species and their potential connections to the fictional Woolly Neptune.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the woolly Neptune mushroom is real. Scientifically known as Hypocreopsis rhododendri, it is a rare and distinctive species belonging to the Clavariaceae family.
The mushroom has a wooly or felt-like texture and an unusual resemblance to coral or a sea sponge. It typically exhibits a rich orangish-brown colour and grows in a branching, coral-like formation.
Woolly Neptune mushrooms are native to coniferous forests, particularly those with mature rhododendron shrubs. They have a specific ecological niche, forming mycorrhizal associations with the roots of these plants, indicating a preference for acidic and well-drained soil conditions.
Yes, the Woolly Neptune mushroom is edible and non-poisonous. They are said to be good to eat and have been featured in a burger in the TV show Bob's Burgers.

























