Sarah Brown
Mushrooms can be identified by observing colour changes when they are cut or bruised. This process is known as bruise testing. While not a completely reliable method of identification, it is an important tool to use in combination with other identification methods. Bruise testing can be done by nicking the top and bottom of the mushroom cap and observing any colour changes. Some mushrooms will bruise blue or blue-green, such as the Psilocybe cubensis, while others will bruise reddish-black, like the Russula rubescens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of bruise testing | Identification of mushroom type and safety for consumption |
| Mushrooms to avoid | Mushrooms with red pore surfaces that bruise blue |
| Bruising | Discoloration that occurs when mushroom tissue is damaged or stressed |
| Bruising colour | Typically blue, green, or brown |
| Other colours | Pink, reddish, black, purplish, yellow |
| Reasons for bruising | Handling, environmental factors, physical impact, oxidation, natural latex generation |
| Testing | Nick or pinch the mushroom gently, observing any colour changes within 30 minutes of picking |
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What You'll Learn
How to test for psilocybin
Testing for psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, can be done through various means. One common method is to look for blue bruising on the mushrooms. This occurs due to a chemical reaction between the compounds in the mushroom and oxygen when the cell walls are broken. While many psilocybin mushrooms do bruise blue, it is important to note that not all of them do, and the absence of blue bruising does not necessarily indicate a lack of potency.
To perform a bruise test, you can pinch the mushrooms when they are not fully dried and observe if any blue bruising appears. If the mushrooms are already dry, you can inspect them for bluish bruising marks. Some mushrooms may exhibit greenish-blue or blackish bruising, which can be normal depending on the species. It is also important to note that not all blue-bruising mushrooms are hallucinogenic or safe to consume. For example, a common rule is to avoid any boletes with a red pore surface that bruises blue, as many of them are toxic.
In addition to bruise testing, other methods can be used to test for psilocybin. One approach is negative identification, which involves ruling out the presence of specific unwanted synthetic compounds, such as phenethylamines. Specialized drug tests can also detect psilocybin and its metabolite, psilocin, but the detection window varies depending on the type of test. Urine tests typically have a short detection window of up to 24 hours after ingestion, while blood tests can detect psilocybin or psilocin for up to 15 hours. Hair tests can reveal past use for up to 3 months, and saliva tests have a detection window of up to 24 hours, usually shorter than urine or blood tests. Fingernail tests have a long detection window of 3-6 months but may take longer to show positive results.
It is important to remember that identifying mushrooms through bruising or bleeding is not a completely reliable method, and multiple factors should be considered for accurate identification and safety.
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Why mushrooms bruise
Mushrooms bruise due to a chemical reaction that occurs when certain compounds in the cell walls of mushrooms are exposed to air. This reaction results in a colour change, typically blue, green, or brown. Nicking the top and bottom of the mushroom cap can reveal this colour change.
Bruising, also known as "bluing", is a natural process that occurs in psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms. When the cell walls of these mushrooms are damaged, the oxygen in the air interacts with the compounds within, changing them. For example, when the cap of Gyroporus cyanescens is nicked, the variegatic acid present in the mushroom is converted to the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide.
While the exact reason for the colour change is not fully understood, it is widely believed to be due to the decomposition of some of the psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms. Specifically, it is thought that bluing occurs due to the degradation of psilocin by enzymes within the mushroom's cells in response to oxidation. This degradation of psilocin then produces blue-coloured molecules.
It is important to note that not all magic mushrooms will bruise, and not all blue-bruising mushrooms are safe to eat or are hallucinogenic. Mushroom bruising can be an indicator of underlying stress in the growing environment, and certain species may bruise more easily than others. Other factors that can cause bruising include physical damage, rapid changes in temperature, humidity, or air circulation, and a lack of essential nutrients.
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Bruising colour variations
While identifying mushrooms, it is important to note the bruising colour variations. The Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the white button mushroom, typically bruises a pinkish colour. You can test this by sticking your thumb into a grocery store-bought mushroom. The Psilocybe cubensis, a hallucinogenic mushroom, bruises blue or blue-green. However, it is important to note that not all hallucinogenic mushrooms bruise blue. The Russula rubescens bruises reddish and then slowly turns black. The Mycena haematopus bleeds a purplish colour. The Lactarius chrysorrheus bleeds a white latex substance that dries to a deeper yellow colour. The Lactarius helvus, commonly known as the maple syrup milky cap, bleeds a colourless latex that smells like maple syrup.
Some mushrooms are well-known for their high psilocybin/psilocin content and their above-average tendency to bruise blue. For example, Psilocybe azurescens has been measured to contain up to 1.78% psilocybin and 0.38% psilocin and displays an incredible tendency to develop blue bruises. When the cell walls of the mushroom are broken, oxygen in the air interacts with the compounds present, resulting in a colour change. For instance, when the cap of Gyroporus cyanescens is nicked, the variegatic acid present in the mushroom converts to the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide.
It is important to note that colour change alone is one of the least reliable ways to identify mushrooms, as there are always variations and colour changes may depend on the age of the fungus. Additionally, while many blue-bruising boletes are toxic, not all blue-bruising mushrooms are unsafe for consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to use mushroom bruising as an additional tool in combination with other identification methods to ensure accuracy and safety.
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How to identify mushrooms
Identifying mushrooms through bruising and bleeding can provide valuable insights into their species and safety. However, it should be used as a supplementary tool rather than the sole identification technique. Always combine it with other identification measures to ensure accuracy and safety.
When foraging, prioritize your safety by avoiding mushrooms with potentially dangerous characteristics, such as blue bruising and red pore surfaces in boletes. Some poisonous mushrooms can kill, so it is important to be able to identify them correctly.
A common rule for boletes is that you shouldn’t eat one that has a red pore surface and bruises blue. Because many blue-bruising boletes are toxic, it’s best to avoid them altogether. That is, until you learn the individual species. It gets much easier to determine if the blueing is an indication of toxicity once you know the mushrooms.
To test for bruising, nick the top and bottom of the cap and watch for any color change. Try this within 30 minutes of picking, as specimens that are not fresh won’t give a reliable result.
- Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom): Typically bruises a pinkish color.
- Mycena haematopus: Bleeds a purplish color.
- Psilocybe cubensis: The stems bruise blue or blue-green. This is a hallucinogenic mushroom, but it’s important to note that not all hallucinogenic mushrooms bruise blue.
- Lactarius chrysorrheus: Bleeds a white latex substance that dries to a deeper yellow color.
- Lactarius helvus (maple syrup milky cap): Bleeds colorless latex that smells like maple syrup.
- Russula rubescens: Bruises reddish, and then slowly turns to black.
- Boletus campestris: Bruises blue or blue-green.
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Bruising vs contamination
Mushrooms can change colour when damaged or injured, and observing these colour changes can be very helpful in identifying the specific type of mushroom and determining whether it is poisonous. This process is known as bruising or bluing, and it occurs when the mushroom tissue is damaged or stressed 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. This can range from blue or green to brown, depending on the mushroom species and the severity of the damage.
Bruising is often mistaken for contamination, especially by new growers. However, there are several differences between the two. Firstly, bruising usually appears in areas that have been physically handled or stressed, and it often has a uniform colour change. In contrast, contamination can appear in patches, often with irregular edges, and can include colours like black, pink, or a fuzzy texture that is different from the mycelium. Secondly, bruised areas typically remain consistent in appearance once they form, while contamination spots can grow, spread, and change in appearance over time. Additionally, mycelium will continue to grow normally in bruised areas, whereas contaminated areas can inhibit growth or cause the mycelium to retreat.
Contamination refers to anything unwanted in the substrate or mycelium that negatively impacts the growth, such as bacteria, moulds, and animal pests. It can also take the form of slimy patches on the substrate due to excess moisture, fostering unwanted bacterial growth. One way to distinguish between bruising and contamination is to perform a Q-tip test. This involves gently wiping a Q-tip over the discoloured area, as contamination will transfer to the swab, while bruising will not.
While bruising is primarily a cosmetic issue and does not significantly impact the mushroom's edibility or potency, it can be an indicator of underlying stress in the growing environment. Identifying and addressing the causes of bruising can help improve overall mushroom health and yield.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Nick the top and bottom of the mushroom cap and watch for any colour change. You can also test store-bought mushrooms by sticking your thumb into them.
Mushroom bruising can help identify the specific type of mushroom and determine whether it is poisonous. However, it is not a reliable identification tool on its own, as some poisonous mushrooms also bruise.
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