Laura Smith
Candy caps are a special variety of mushroom that has a distinct maple syrup taste and fragrance. They are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of desserts, from cupcakes to caramels and even cookies. Candy caps are typically dried before use, and this process intensifies their flavour and aroma. The process of candying mushrooms involves creating a syrup by boiling the mushrooms in sugar water, which can then be used in a variety of sweet treats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Mushroom | Candy Cap |
| Species | Lactarius rubidus, Lactarius fragilis, Lactarius rufulus, Lactarius camphoratus |
| Flavour | Sweet, like maple syrup |
| Use | Desserts |
| Preparation | Dried, Powdered, Rehydrated |
| Recipes | Candy Cap Caramels, Candy Cap Cupcakes, Candy Cap Cookies, Candy Cap Syrup |
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What You'll Learn
- Candy cap mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of desserts
- Candy cap mushrooms have a distinct maple syrup taste and smell
- Candy cap mushrooms are best used in powdered form or as a syrup
- Candy cap mushroom butter caramels are a popular treat
- Candy cap mushrooms are not easily available and may need to be foraged
Candy cap mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of desserts
Candy cap mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of desserts. Their distinct aroma and flavour, reminiscent of maple syrup, butterscotch, and brown sugar, make them a unique and exciting ingredient for adventurous dessert makers.
Candy cap cookies are a classic, but you can also add a tablespoon of ground candy cap powder to your pancake batter to transform a standard dish into a gourmet experience. They can be used to flavour ice cream, syrups, muffins, and even marshmallows. You can also make candy cap caramels, or bread pudding with candy cap caramel. For a maple ice cream-like treat, try making a candy cap semifreddo.
Candy cap mushrooms are easy to use and can be ground into a fine powder and added to baked goods. You can also rehydrate dried mushrooms in water to remove any grit, but this is not necessary, as commercial candy caps ground into a powder typically do not have a grit problem.
Beyond desserts, candy cap mushrooms can also be used to season meats, flavour broths, or enhance the taste of butter or cheese spreads. They can add depth to soups and sauces, and their umami flavour makes them a great addition to risottos and pasta dishes. They can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil and tossed with grains or greens, or roasted vegetables.
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Candy cap mushrooms have a distinct maple syrup taste and smell
Candy cap mushrooms are unique in that they have a distinct maple syrup taste and smell. They are incredibly potent, with a strong aroma that can be detected even through clothes, plastic, paper, and even on your skin after consumption. The scent is typically faint in fresh mushrooms but becomes much more pronounced when the mushroom is dried. This is because the drying process causes the formation of sotolon, a compound responsible for the aroma of maple syrup. Candy cap mushrooms are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are commonly used in desserts such as cookies, ice cream, and caramels, adding a unique maple-like flavour. In savoury dishes, they can be used to flavour dishes like pork that are traditionally served with sweet accompaniments.
Candy cap mushrooms belong to the Lactarius species, specifically Lactarius fragilis, rubidus, and rufulus. They can be distinguished from other mushrooms by their brittle stipe and distinctive odour. While they are usually consumed in dried form, they can be rehydrated in water to remove any grit before use. However, it is more common to grind them into a powder to ensure even distribution of their flavour. The powder can then be added directly to various dishes.
The distinctive maple syrup taste and smell of candy cap mushrooms have puzzled scientists for decades. It was only recently that researchers from Humboldt State University discovered that the combination of amino acids during the drying process produces sotolon, resulting in the syrupy aroma. In higher concentrations, the mushrooms can take on a spicy, curry-like taste due to the presence of quabalactone III, another aromatic compound.
Candy cap mushrooms are not typically consumed like other edible mushrooms. Instead, they are used primarily as a flavouring agent, similar to vanilla, saffron, or truffles. Their strong aroma and unique flavour make them a versatile ingredient for adventurous dessert makers and chefs alike. The versatility of candy cap mushrooms knows no bounds, and they can enhance a wide range of dishes with their distinctive maple syrup character.
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Candy cap mushrooms are best used in powdered form or as a syrup
Candy cap mushrooms are unique in that they are used in sweet and dessert foods. Their flavour and scent intensify with drying, so they are typically dried and then powdered or used to create a syrup.
Candy caps have a sweet, aromatic maple sugar scent and flavour. They are members of the Lactarius family, and all bleed a milky liquid when their gills are cut or damaged. The colour of the liquid varies, but all candy caps bleed a white liquid. Due to their sweet scent, candy caps are predominantly used as a flavouring, similar to vanilla, saffron, or truffles.
Candy caps are best used in powdered form or as a syrup. To use them in powdered form, the mushrooms are dried and then ground into a powder, which can be added to a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. The powder is commonly used in desserts, including cookies, ice cream, pancakes, breads, custards, puddings, and cakes. It can also be used as a sweet offset for savoury dishes, such as smoked or barbeque dishes.
To use candy caps in syrup form, the dried mushrooms are infused into a liquid ingredient used in the dish. This can be done by simmering the mushrooms in a simple syrup to create a sweet garnish for desserts, or by steeping them in a warm liquid such as hot milk or almond milk. The syrup can also be used in savoury preparations, such as a chutney or relish to complement smoked meats or fish.
The distinct odour of the candy cap mushroom is due to the presence of quabalactone III, an aromatic lactone. When the mushroom tissue and latex are dried, quabalactone III is hydrolysed into sotolon, an even more potent aromatic compound responsible for the aroma of maple syrup and curry.
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Candy cap mushroom butter caramels are a popular treat
Candy cap mushrooms are a unique and potent ingredient with a strong maple syrup aroma and flavour. They are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of desserts, from cookies to caramels and even ice cream. Candy cap mushroom butter caramels are a popular treat, especially around the holidays, and are a creative way to enjoy the distinctive flavour of these mushrooms.
To make these caramels, you'll need corn syrup, heavy cream, unsalted butter, salt, brown sugar, and of course, the star ingredient—dried candy cap mushrooms. The process begins by cooking the corn syrup, cream, butter, salt, and sugar until they reach a temperature of 135 °F, using a candy thermometer to monitor the heat. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your caramel, and cooking sugar to the right temperature is a delicate process that requires care and precision.
Once your mixture has reached the ideal temperature, it's time for the setting test. Drop a small amount of the caramel into cold water; when it holds its shape, you'll know it's ready for the next step. Now, it's all about bringing it together—beat in the candy cap mushrooms, and pour the mixture into a prepared loaf pan or tray lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool, and then cut it into pieces. Finally, wrap the candies in wax paper, and your mushroom butter caramels are ready to be enjoyed!
The beauty of this treat lies in the combination of the sweet, buttery caramel and the subtle hint of mushroom flavour. It's a delightful surprise for your taste buds, and the aroma of maple syrup only adds to the experience. These caramels are a fun twist on a classic confectionery, and their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a true delicacy. So, whether you're an adventurous dessert maker or simply looking for a unique treat, candy cap mushroom butter caramels are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Candy cap mushrooms are not easily available and may need to be foraged
Candy cap mushrooms are native to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, particularly Northern California and the Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. They can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and Africa. These mushrooms are highly prized for their sugary fragrance and small size, but they are not easily available in the marketplace due to the labour involved in foraging them. They are also quite expensive.
Candy cap mushrooms are small to medium-sized mushrooms with a distinctive sweet scent, often described as similar to maple syrup, butterscotch, or brown sugar. The cap ranges from 1.5 to 7 centimetres in diameter, although some sources claim they are only 1-2 centimetres in diameter. The colour can vary from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, and the margin is often slightly paler. The stem is usually 2 to 5 centimetres long and 0.5 to 1 centimetre thick, and it is also sweet-scented. The mushrooms typically grow in clusters and are found in woodlands or forests, along roads, trails, and in organic materials such as moss and rotting wood.
Due to their rarity and the difficulty in foraging them, candy cap mushrooms may need to be foraged by those who want to use them in cooking. It is important to note that not all mushrooms are safe to eat, and even edible mushrooms can cause adverse reactions in some people. Therefore, it is crucial to be absolutely certain about the identification of any mushrooms you're foraging or purchasing. Organisations like Foraged can help connect consumers with trusted foragers, farmers, and artisans who practice sustainable and safe foraging practices.
Once sourced, candy cap mushrooms can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. They are commonly used in cookies, cakes, and other desserts, but can also be added to bread, custards, pancakes, waffles, and even savoury preparations like chutney or relish to complement smoked meats. They can also be simmered in a simple syrup to create a sweet garnish for cakes and ice cream.
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Frequently asked questions
Candied mushrooms are mushrooms that taste like maple syrup. They are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory cooking.
You won't be able to find candied mushrooms at your local grocery store, and they are not readily available online. However, you can find dehydrated candy caps at Wine Forest Wild Foods.
You can rehydrate dehydrated candy caps and use them in cooking, or grind them down to a powder to mix with sugar and give desserts a maple flavor.
You can cook a wide variety of dishes with candied mushrooms, including cupcakes, cookies, caramels, and even marshmallows.
