Emily Johnson
Blue mushrooms do exist and are found in various regions around the world. For example, the Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap, is a species of agaric fungus in the family Russulaceae. It is widely distributed and grows naturally in eastern North America, East Asia, and Central America. Another example is the Stropharia caerulea, or Blue Roundhead mushroom, which is found in mainland Europe, parts of North America, and occasionally in Britain and Ireland. Blue mushrooms can also be found in the form of magic mushrooms, which produce psychotropic compounds and turn blue when they are cut.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Indigo milk cap, Indigo milky, Indigo Lactarius, Blue milk mushroom, Blue Lactarius, Blue Roundhead mushroom |
| Scientific name | Lactarius indigo, Stropharia caerulea |
| Color | Dark blue to pale blue-gray |
| Cap diameter | 4-15 cm (1.5-6 inches) |
| Stem height | 2-8 cm (0.75-3.125 inches) |
| Distribution | Eastern North America, East Asia, Central America, Southern France, Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe (Sweden, France, Portugal, Slovenia), North America |
| Habitat | Oak and pine woods, deciduous and coniferous forests |
| Edibility | Edible but considered mediocre in quality by some |
| Taste | Slightly bitter or peppery |
| Texture | Coarse, grainy, firm |
| Preparation | Best sliced thinly |
| Toxicity | May contain toxic hallucinogens (psilocybin and psilocin) |
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What You'll Learn
Blue mushrooms include the Stropharia caerulea, or Blue Roundhead mushroom
Blue mushrooms do exist, and one example is the Stropharia caerulea, commonly known as the Blue Roundhead mushroom. It is a species of mushroom-forming fungus in the family Strophariaceae. It is a fairly common species found in Europe and North America, where it grows as a saprophyte in meadows, roadsides, hedgerows, gardens, and woodchip mulch.
The scientific name Stropharia caerulea was first mentioned in the scientific literature by James Bolton in 1788, under the name Agaricus politus. However, this usage is not considered valid according to nomenclatural rules. The mushroom was officially described by mycologist Hanns Kreisel in 1979 from collections made near Woldegk, Germany. The specific epithet "caerulea" is derived from the Latin word for "blue".
The fruit bodies (mushrooms) of Stropharia caerulea feature a greenish-blue cap with white flecks of veil at the margin and a sticky, glutinous surface texture. The caps are initially bell-shaped and flatten and turn paler from the centre as the mushroom ages. The gills on the underside of the cap are initially pale purplish-brown and become darker brown as the spores mature. The stipe (stem) has a short-lived annular (ring) zone, and the flesh is colourless, although it may have tinges of blue in the cap and stipe.
Although Stropharia caerulea is not considered poisonous, consuming it may cause gastric upset and unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. While there have been reports from the US that this mushroom contains the toxic hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin, research from Europe has shown that most Stropharia species do not contain detectable amounts of these substances.
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Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap, is a blue mushroom
Yes, blue mushrooms do exist, and one such species is Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap. It is a species of agaric fungus in the family Russulaceae. The indigo milk cap has a bluish colour, which is due to (7-isopropenyl-4-methylazulen-1-yl)methyl stearate, an organic derivative of azulene. This compound is biosynthesised from a sesquiterpene similar to matricin, the precursor for chamazulene. The species is characterised by its blue latex and sticky, blue cap, which has a diameter of 4-15 cm. The latex exuded from injured tissue is indigo blue and has a mild taste. However, older specimens may be too dried out to produce any latex. The gills of the mushroom are close together and range in colour from indigo blue to green when bruised. The stem is typically 1-2.5 cm thick and has a similar diameter throughout, sometimes narrowing at the base.
Lactarius indigo is an edible mushroom, although opinions vary on its desirability. It may have a slightly bitter or peppery taste and a coarse, grainy texture. The mushroom is best prepared by cutting it into thin slices, as the firm flesh can be tough. While it is edible, it is important to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms, as some species are poisonous. The blue colour of the indigo milk cap disappears when cooked, turning the mushroom greyish. This species is sold in rural markets in China, Guatemala, and Mexico, typically from May to November.
The indigo milk cap has a wide distribution and is found in eastern North America, East Asia, and Central America, including southern France. It grows on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests, forming mycorrhizal associations with a variety of trees, particularly oaks and pines. The mushroom develops from a nodule that forms within the underground mycelium, a mass of thread-like fungal cells called hyphae. Under suitable environmental conditions of temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability, the visible reproductive structures, or fruit bodies, are formed.
Lactarius indigo was first described in 1822 as Agaricus indigo by American mycologist Lewis David de Schweinitz. However, in 1838, the species was transferred to the genus Lactarius by Swedish botanist Elias Magnus Fries. While the mushroom is not very common, it is a well-known and distinctive species due to its unique colouration.
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Blue mushrooms can be edible or poisonous
Blue mushrooms do exist, and they can be either edible or poisonous. The Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap or blue milk mushroom, is a widely distributed species found in eastern North America, East Asia, and Central America. It has also been reported in southern France. L. indigo is considered edible, and it is sold in rural markets in China, Guatemala, and Mexico. However, opinions vary on its desirability as food. While some consider it a "superior edible," others rate it as "mediocre in quality." The blue color disappears when cooked, and the mushroom turns grayish. L. indigo produces a milky latex when cut or bruised, and its color changes to green upon exposure to air.
Another blue mushroom species is the Stropharia caerulea, or Blue Roundhead mushroom, found in Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe, and parts of North America. Unlike L. indigo, the Blue Roundhead is not generally considered edible and may contain toxic hallucinogens. While research suggests that most Stropharia species do not contain detectable amounts of psilocybin, consuming these mushrooms may cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the Blue Roundhead as a mushroom for observation rather than consumption.
It is important to note that not all blue mushrooms are safe to eat. Some blue mushrooms, such as magic mushrooms or Psilocybe, are psychotropic and contain compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. Consuming these mushrooms can lead to hallucinations and other psychological effects. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them and to exercise caution when encountering any wild mushrooms, as misidentification can have dangerous consequences.
While blue mushrooms may be visually appealing and, in some cases, edible, it is always advisable to approach them with caution. Proper identification by knowledgeable mycologists or experts in the field is essential before considering any wild mushroom for consumption. Additionally, even edible mushrooms may not be desirable to all palates, so it is worth considering taste preferences and potential side effects when exploring the world of wild mushrooms.
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Some mushrooms turn blue when they are cut or bruised
Blue mushrooms do exist, and some of them turn blue when they are cut or bruised. For example, the Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap, is a species of agaric fungus in the family Russulaceae. The fruit body colour ranges from dark blue in fresh specimens to pale blue-grey in older ones. The milk, or latex, that oozes when the mushroom tissue is cut or broken is also indigo blue but slowly turns green upon exposure to air. The cap has a diameter of 4–15 cm, and the stem is 2–8 cm tall. It is a widely distributed species, growing naturally in eastern North America, East Asia, and Central America. L. indigo grows on the ground in both deciduous and coniferous forests, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with a broad range of trees.
Another example is the Stropharia caerulea, or Blue Roundhead mushroom, which is found in Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe, and parts of North America. While it is not considered edible, it is known for its striking blue colour.
In addition to these naturally blue mushrooms, there are also "magic mushrooms" or Psilocybe, which are fungi that produce psychotropic compounds and turn blue when cut or bruised. The blue colour in these mushrooms is due to the oxidation of psilocybin, a psychotropic compound. Chemists have unravelled the mystery behind the blue pigments, finding that they are similar to indigo, the dye used to produce blue jeans. However, the specific role of these blue pigments in mushrooms is still unknown.
It is important to note that not all blue mushrooms are edible, and even some edible varieties may have a bitter or peppery taste. Therefore, it is always advisable to exercise caution when consuming any type of mushroom, as some may be poisonous.
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Blue mushrooms grow in North America, Europe, and Asia
Blue mushrooms do exist and can be found growing in North America, Europe, and Asia. The Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap, is a species of agaric fungus in the family Russulaceae. This species is widely distributed and grows naturally in eastern North America, East Asia, and Central America. It has also been reported in southern France. L. indigo grows on the ground in both deciduous and coniferous forests, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with a broad range of trees.
The fruit body color of L. indigo ranges from dark blue in fresh specimens to pale blue-grey in older ones. The milk, or latex, that oozes when the mushroom tissue is cut or broken is also indigo blue but slowly turns green upon exposure to air. The cap has a diameter of 4–15 cm (2–6 in), and the stem is 2–8 cm (3⁄4–3+1⁄8 in) tall. L. indigo is an edible mushroom, although opinions vary on its desirability. It is sold in rural markets in China, Guatemala, and Mexico. In Mexico, individuals harvest the wild mushrooms for sale at farmers' markets, typically from June to November.
While L. indigo is the most well-known blue mushroom, there are thousands of other fungi species in North America, and a small number of these are edible. Some of the more accessible and best-tasting edible species in North America include morels, oysters, chanterelles, hen of the woods/maitake, and black trumpets. These species do not all grow in every region, so it is important to determine which species grow in your local area.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue mushrooms do exist. There are several varieties, including:
- Lactarius indigo, commonly known as the indigo milk cap, or blue milk mushroom.
- Stropharia caerulea, also known as the Blue Roundhead mushroom.
- Magic mushrooms or Psilocybe, which develop a blue coloration when they are cut or bruised.
Blue mushrooms, or Lactarius indigo, grow naturally in eastern North America, East Asia, Central America, and southern France. They can be found on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests, often near oak and pine trees.
Yes, Lactarius indigo is an edible mushroom, although opinions vary on its desirability. It is sold in rural markets in China, Guatemala, and Mexico. However, it is important to be absolutely sure of your identification of any mushroom species before consuming it, as many are poisonous.
The blue colour of Lactarius indigo disappears with cooking, and the mushroom becomes grayish.
