Fenugreek Milkcap
The Fenugreek Milkcap is a poisonous mushroom but due to it’s strong fenugreek or stock cube smell and taste has been used in some countries after thorough boiling, drying and powdering then used sparingly as a seasoning. Easy to identify as it is the only UK Milkcap with completely clear latex or milk.
Mushroom Type | |
Common Names | Fenugreek Milkcap (EN), Cap Llaeth Dwn (CY), Mleczaj Płowy (PL), Daróc-Tejelőgomba (HU) |
Scientific Name | Lactarius helvus |
Season Start | Aug |
Season End | Nov |
Average Mushroom height (CM) | 5-12 |
Average Cap width (CM) | 5-12 |
Cap
Pale brown, ochre to pinkish brown with darker markings. Starting convex, flattening out with a slightly depressed centre, sometimes with a small umbo. Slightly velvety to touch. The edge starts in-rolled and never quite opens out fully.
Milk
The latex or milk is clear. It is the only UK Milkcap with completely clear latex, there are a few more but their latex, though clear is still a bit milky.
Possible Confusion
Other Milkcaps but with almost completely clear latex and it’s habitat, it would hard to confuse with any other.
Taste / Smell
Smells of fenugreek/curry or stock cubes. Only really smells when dry or drying.
Frequency
Uncommon, mainly found in Scotland.
Spores
Off white with a slight salmon hue. Ellipsoid with warts joined by thin ridges.
COMMENTS