Sarah Brown
Dried mushrooms are a popular way to preserve the fungi for long-term storage, and there are several methods for drying them, including air drying, fan drying, oven drying, or using a dehydrator. When drying mushrooms, it's important to ensure they are completely dry to prevent oxidation and minimize bruising. Mushroom bruising refers to the discoloration that occurs when the mushroom tissue is damaged or stressed, and it can be caused by handling, environmental factors, or physical impact. While bruising is mostly a cosmetic issue, it can also be used as an aid to identify mushrooms, as certain mushrooms bruise specific colours. For example, the Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) usually bruises pinkish, while the Russula rubescens bruises reddish and then slowly turns black.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Discoloration that occurs when the mushroom tissue is damaged or stressed |
| Cause | A chemical reaction triggered by damage or stress, similar to how an apple turns brown when cut |
| Colour | Typically blue, green, or brown |
| Identification | Bruising can be used as a supplementary tool to identify mushrooms, but it should not be the sole identification technique |
| Safety | Bruising alone is not a reliable method for determining the safety of a mushroom |
| Prevention | Proper handling and drying techniques can help minimize oxidation and prevent bruising |
| Storage | Dried mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain potency |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify mushrooms through bruising
While it is possible to identify mushrooms through bruising, it is important to note that this method should only be used as a supplementary tool rather than a sole identification technique. Here are some steps and considerations on how to identify mushrooms through bruising:
Understanding Mushroom Bruising
Mushroom bruising refers to the discolouration that occurs when the mushroom tissue is damaged or stressed. This can happen through handling, environmental factors, or physical impact. The most common sign of bruising is a change in colour on the mushroom cap, stem, or mycelium. The colour change typically appears as blue, green, or brown discolouration, depending on the mushroom species and the severity of the damage. It is worth noting that bruising usually occurs in areas that have been physically handled or stressed, and it often has a uniform colour change.
Identifying Mushrooms Through Bruising
To identify mushrooms through bruising, you can follow these steps:
- Nick the top and bottom of the mushroom cap within 30 minutes of picking it: As specimens that are not fresh don't give reliable results, it is important to perform this step promptly after picking the mushroom. By nicking the cap, you break the cell wall, allowing oxygen in the air to interact with the compounds present in the mushroom, resulting in a colour change.
- Observe any colour changes: Pay attention to the specific colour the mushroom bruises into. Common colour changes include blue, green, reddish, or brown. For example, the Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) usually bruises pinkish, while Russula rubescens bruises reddish and then slowly turns black.
- Combine with other identification methods: While bruising can provide valuable insights, it should not be the only method used for identification. Always combine it with other identification measures to ensure accuracy and safety.
- Observe bleeding (if any): Some mushrooms may also exhibit "bleeding", where they exude a milky liquid substance when cut or damaged. Note both the initial liquid colour and the final dried colour, as they can be different. For example, the Lactarius deliciosus (saffron milk cap) bruises green when handled but bleeds orange when the gills are cut.
Important Considerations
- Do not rely solely on bruising colour to determine edibility: It is a common misconception that all blue-bruising mushrooms are safe to eat or are hallucinogenic. This myth can be potentially dangerous, as not all blue-bruising mushrooms are edible or safe. Therefore, always use bruising as one of several identification methods.
- Properly store dried mushrooms: If you are drying and storing mushrooms, ensure they are completely dry and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place to minimise oxidation and maintain potency.
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The role of colour change in mushroom bruising
Colour change plays a significant role in mushroom bruising, which is used as a supplementary tool for mushroom identification and safety. Nicking the top and bottom of the mushroom cap and observing any colour changes are part of the process. The most common sign of bruising is a blue, green, or brown discolouration on the mushroom cap, stem, or mycelium.
Mushroom bruising occurs when certain compounds in the cell wall of the mushroom are exposed to air, resulting in a chemical reaction and colour change. For example, when the cap of Gyroporus cyanescens is nicked, its cell wall breaks, exposing it to oxygen in the air, which then converts its variegatic acid into the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide.
Bruising typically appears as discolouration when the mushroom tissue is damaged or stressed, either through handling, environmental factors, or physical impact. Even slight pressure can lead to visible discolouration. Factors such as rapid changes in temperature, humidity, or air circulation can stress mushrooms, leading to bruising.
While the exact reason for bruising is still unknown, it is hypothesised that the blue pigments may serve a protective role, acting as an on-demand repellent against predators. The compounds may produce reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to insects that nibble on the mushrooms.
It is important to note that bruising alone is not a reliable method for determining the safety or potency of a mushroom. For example, while some believe that all blue-bruising mushrooms are safe or hallucinogenic, this is not always the case. Proper handling, drying, and storage in a cool, dark, and dry place are crucial for preserving the potency of mushrooms and minimising oxidation, which leads to blue bruising.
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Why magic mushrooms bruise blue
Mushrooms bruise due to a chemical reaction. When the cell walls of the mushrooms are broken, enzymes within them interact with psilocybin, converting it into psilocin, the psychoactive compound in these mushrooms. This process is similar to how an apple turns brown when cut.
Magic mushrooms, or Psilocybe, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of several species that instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut or bruised. In Boletales mushrooms, oxidised gyrocyanic or pulvinic acid are the source of the blue colour. However, that is not the case with Psilocybe mushrooms.
The blue pigments of the mushrooms are similar to indigo, the dye used to produce blue jeans. While the exact purpose of the blue pigments is unknown, it is hypothesised that they may serve a protective role, acting as a repellent against predators. The compounds may produce reactive oxygen species, which could be toxic to insects that nibble on the mushrooms.
It is a common misconception that all blue-bruising mushrooms are safe to eat or are hallucinogenic. This myth is potentially dangerous and can even be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to use bruising as a supplementary tool rather than a sole identification technique when identifying mushrooms.
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How to store dried mushrooms
Dried mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, free of contaminants. The ideal temperature for storing dried mushrooms is below room temperature, as heat and moisture are the greatest enemies of dried mushrooms. The best places to store dried mushrooms are the freezer, refrigerator, or a cool, dark cabinet.
When storing dried mushrooms, it is best to use an airtight container, such as a glass jar or vacuum-sealed plastic bag. Plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids and freezer bags work best. If you are using a glass jar, make sure it is dark-coloured to prevent sunlight from reaching the mushrooms. If you are using a plastic bag, ensure it is a vacuum-sealed bag to prevent moisture from getting in and causing your mushrooms to deteriorate.
To further prevent moisture from spoiling your dried mushrooms, you can use desiccants, such as silica gel packs, which will absorb any residual moisture within the storage container.
It is also important to note the date that the dried mushrooms were stored. This way, you can keep track of their shelf life and consume them before they begin to degrade naturally. Under proper storage conditions, dried mushrooms can last between six months to two years or longer.
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The myth of potency in bluer mushrooms
While blue bruising in mushrooms indicates the presence of psilocybin, it is a myth that the amount of blue bruising indicates the potency of the mushroom. Mushrooms that are handled carefully when fresh may not show any bruising when dried, but this does not mean they are less potent.
The myth that bluer mushrooms are more potent has been propagated by spore vendors who market their products by associating them with more potent species. For example, the now-defunct vendor Keepers Spores marketed cubensis spores as "Blue Meanies," even though this name was already used for the Panaeolus cyanescens species, which is considered the most potent psilocybin-containing mushroom species globally. This caused confusion in the mushroom community, with people blurring the distinction between the two species in their trip reports.
Additionally, some mushrooms, such as P. cubensis, may appear larger due to the formation of gills and spores, leading to the incorrect assumption that they are more potent. However, this increase in size does not correspond to an increase in mass, and the transformation of tissues into gills and spores results in a loss of potency.
It is important to note that bruising alone is not a reliable method for determining the safety or potency of a mushroom. While it can provide valuable insights into the species and safety of a mushroom, it should always be used in combination with other identification methods to ensure accuracy and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
No, dried mushrooms do not bruise. However, fresh mushrooms do bruise and this can be used as an aid to identify them.
Nick the top and bottom of the mushroom cap and observe any colour changes. This should be done within 30 minutes of picking the mushroom.
Mushrooms typically turn blue, green, or brown when bruised. However, some mushrooms turn reddish, black, or purple.
Mushrooms bruise due to a chemical reaction. When the cell wall of the mushroom is broken, oxygen in the air interacts with the compounds present in the mushroom, changing them.
No, while many mushrooms that bruise blue do contain psilocybin, such as Psilocybe cubensis, this is not the case for all blue-bruising mushrooms.
