John Miller
Mushrooms are known to have a variety of distinct odours, ranging from the pleasant scent of apricots or cucumbers to the less appealing smell of rotten potatoes or semen. While most mushrooms are barely scented, certain varieties, such as the stinkhorn mushroom (Phallus impudicus), are renowned for their strong odours. This odour is a result of dimethyl sulphides, which attract flies, slugs, and carrion insects that help distribute the mushroom's spores. Additionally, some mushrooms develop a foul odour as they spoil, indicating that they have gone bad. Therefore, the presence or absence of smell in mushrooms can be informative, influencing our perception and signalling potential spoilage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell of fresh mushrooms | Most mushrooms are barely scented |
| Smell of spoilt mushrooms | Foul odour |
| Smell of specific mushrooms | Chantarelles smell of apricots, Clitopilus prunulus has a farinaceous odour, Stinky Horn Mushroom (Phallus Impudicus) has a strong odour, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms with a strong smell: Stinkhorn mushrooms, or Phallus impudicus, have a strong odour
- Mushrooms with a subtle smell: Most mushrooms have barely any scent at all
- Mushrooms with a farinaceous odour: Clitopilus prunulus, or the Miller mushroom, has a farinaceous odour, likened to cucumber or watermelon rind
- Mushrooms with a fruity smell: Chantarelles have a distinct apricot aroma, while some Cortinarius species smell like dried apples or pears
- Mushrooms with an unpleasant smell: Some mushrooms have an off-putting odour, like the Cortinarius camphoratus, which smells like rotten potatoes
Mushrooms with a strong smell: Stinkhorn mushrooms, or Phallus impudicus, have a strong odour
The stinkhorn mushroom is a wide and diverse family of fungi, with many subtypes and unique appearances. They often resemble horns, but some subtypes have a variety of appendages that give them a squid-like appearance. Others have a mesh-like veil attached below their cap, resembling a bridal veil billowing out from the mushroom's stalk. Stinkhorn mushrooms can be found in a range of colours, including white, tan, green, orange, red, and black. They typically appear in spring and summer, during cool and wet weather, and can be found in wood chip or leaf mulch environments, as well as in woods and gardens, where they are associated with rotting wood.
The stinkhorn mushroom's strong odour serves a purpose in its reproductive process. The mushroom's cap is initially covered with a smelly, olive-green substance called the "gleba", which attracts insects. These insects then distribute the mushroom's spores via their feet as they move on to find more food. While the stinkhorn mushroom's odour may suggest that it is toxic or inedible, some people do consume them, but only at the 'egg' stage when the odour is less noticeable.
The distinctive shape and smell of the stinkhorn mushroom have caused discomfort and embarrassment to some, including Victorians such as Charles Darwin's granddaughter, Etty Darwin. She was reported to have attacked the mushrooms with a cudgel at dawn to prevent them from spreading their spores. Despite their unpleasant smell, stinkhorn mushrooms are not known to be toxic, and consuming them is not expected to cause major health issues. However, it is important to identify the mushroom definitively before consumption to avoid confusion with toxic mushroom species.
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Mushrooms with a subtle smell: Most mushrooms have barely any scent at all
When it comes to mushrooms, it's often said that the more subtle the smell, the better the quality. While some mushrooms have strong and distinctive odours, many mushrooms have very little scent. In fact, most mushrooms are barely scented, if at all. So, if you're looking for fresh mushrooms to cook with, a lack of smell is usually a good sign. Fresh mushrooms should also feel dry and firm to the touch, with a smooth outer appearance.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, certain varieties of mushrooms, such as the stinkhorn mushroom (Phallus impudicus), are known for their strong and distinctive odours. This particular species is often described as having a "smelly slime" that attracts flies, slugs, and carrion insects, which then distribute the mushroom's spores. While it may have a strong smell, it's not considered toxic and some cultures even consider it an aphrodisiac.
Another example of a mushroom with a distinctive odour is the Inocybe lacera, which is said to have a spermatic odour that resembles the odour of human semen. Other mushrooms may have more subtle scents, such as the apricot-like fragrance of fresh Chantarelles or the farinaceous odour of Clitopilus prunulus, which has been compared to the smell of cucumber or watermelon rind.
While most mushrooms have little to no scent, it's important to note that a foul odour can be a sign of spoilage. If your mushrooms have developed a strong, unpleasant smell, it's best to discard them as they may have gone bad. Other signs of spoilage include changes in texture, such as becoming sticky, slimy, or shrivelled, as well as discolouration or the presence of dark spots or fuzzy mould.
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Mushrooms with a farinaceous odour: Clitopilus prunulus, or the Miller mushroom, has a farinaceous odour, likened to cucumber or watermelon rind
Mushrooms can have a wide range of odours, from apricot to coconut, chocolate, and even semen. While some mushrooms have a pleasant odour, others have a disagreeable smell. One such mushroom with a distinct odour is Clitopilus prunulus, commonly known as the Miller mushroom or the Sweetbread mushroom.
Clitopilus prunulus is characterised by its farinaceous odour, which is a smell reminiscent of fresh meal or raw pastry. Many people liken this odour to cucumber or watermelon rind, while others compare it to an old grain mill. Farinaceous odours are typical of many Entoloma and Tricholoma species.
The Miller mushroom is one of the few pink-spored mushrooms considered edible. However, it is rarely consumed due to its disagreeable odour. Interestingly, when cooked, the farinaceous odour disappears, leaving a pleasant mushroom flavour.
The cap of Clitopilus prunulus can be light grey, darkening where handled, and fading to ash grey. The gills are initially whitish, eventually tinged with pink, and the stipe is solid and central to eccentric in attachment.
While some people may find the mealy odour of Clitopilus prunulus unpleasant, it is an intriguing example of the diverse odours found in mushrooms. The farinaceous odour is unique and memorable, contributing to the complex sensory experience of foraging or studying mushrooms.
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Mushrooms with a fruity smell: Chantarelles have a distinct apricot aroma, while some Cortinarius species smell like dried apples or pears
Mushrooms can have a wide variety of smells, and some have a fruity aroma. Chanterelles, for example, have a distinct apricot aroma and a mildly peppery taste. They are orange, yellow, or white, meaty, and funnel-shaped. They are found in Eurasia, North America, and Africa, typically growing in forested areas. Chanterelles gained popularity as edible mushrooms in the 18th century through their inclusion in French cuisine. They are now commonly used in kitchens across Europe and North America.
Some species of chanterelles have a more woody or earthy fragrance, while others are considered spicy. The golden chanterelle is one of the most sought-after and flavorful varieties, often compared to truffles and morels. Chanterelles are rich in flavor, with complex flavors that are best released when cooked. They are well-suited for drying and freezing, and pair well with chicken, veal, pork, fish, and milder-flavored vegetables.
In addition to chanterelles, certain species of Cortinarius mushrooms are known for their fruity smell, specifically resembling dried apples or pears. This is unusual for the genus Cortinarius, which is not typically known for distinctive odors. The species name "traganus" refers to goats, which is interesting because goats do not smell like apples.
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Mushrooms with an unpleasant smell: Some mushrooms have an off-putting odour, like the Cortinarius camphoratus, which smells like rotten potatoes
Mushrooms are fungi that exhibit a wide range of odours, ranging from pleasant to unpleasant. While some mushrooms have a pleasant odour, such as the coconut-scented Lactarius hibbardae, others have a less appealing smell. One example of a mushroom with an unpleasant odour is the Cortinarius camphoratus, commonly known as the Goatcheese Webcap.
The Cortinarius camphoratus is characterised by its strong and distinctive odour, which has been likened to various unpleasant scents, including rotten potatoes, cold mashed potato, rotting meat, old goats, goat's cheese, burnt horn, sweaty feet, and mothballs. The specific epithet "camphoratus" refers to this camphor-like odour, which is also reminiscent of the smell of cheese made with goat's milk, according to the British Mycological Society. This mushroom is found in late summer and autumn, growing in coniferous forests in Europe and North America. It is identified by its pale blue lilac colour when young, and its cap, which is initially convex before flattening out.
The Goatcheese Webcap is a rare species in Britain and Ireland but can also be found in other parts of mainland Europe and North America. While some authorities report it to be edible, others claim it is poisonous. Due to this discrepancy, it is generally not recommended for consumption. The disagreement regarding the edibility of this mushroom highlights the importance of proper identification and caution when encountering unfamiliar mushroom species.
In addition to the Cortinarius camphoratus, other mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius also exhibit distinctive odours. For example, the Cortinarius traganus has a pungent odour resembling dried apples or pears, despite its name "traganus" referring to goats, which do not smell like apples. The base of the stipe of some Cortinarius species has been noted to have a honey-like odour that is not detectable in other parts of the mushroom. These examples underscore the diverse and sometimes surprising odours that mushrooms can possess.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms can have a smell. Some mushrooms have a distinct odour, such as the Chantarelle mushroom, which smells like apricots.
Mushrooms are not supposed to be very scented, so a foul odour can be a sign that they have gone bad. Mushrooms that have gone bad will also have a slimy texture and noticeable discolouration.
Stinkhorn mushrooms, or Phallus Impudicus, are known for their strong odour. Other mushrooms with distinct smells include the Clitopilus Prunulus, which has a farinaceous odour reminiscent of cucumber or watermelon rind, and the Lactarius Hibbardae, which has a pleasant coconut scent.
