How to distinguish real saffron milk caps from false ones (+28 photos)?

Saffron milk caps are a popular forest delicacy in our country with an exquisite flavor. Their taste is comparable even to that of mushrooms of the Boletus genus. When damaged, they secrete a special juice, making them impossible to confuse with poisonous mushrooms. Confusion can only occur between members of the same genus. You can distinguish saffron milk caps from false mushrooms by their external characteristics, which are clearly visible in photographs, the color of their juice, and their smell.

Characteristic features of mushroom species

These mushrooms belong to the genus Lactarius of the Russulaceae family. They grow in large groups, primarily in coniferous forests. A characteristic feature of the genus Lactarius is the presence of a milky sap. In this species, the sap is pink or red and changes color upon exposure to air, turning green.

There are several subspecies of saffron milk caps:

1. Spruce.
2. Red.
3. Milky red.
4. Pine.

Spruce

Spruce subspecies, or spruce mushrooms, are found only in coniferous forests. They can be found under spruce trees. Together with the tree's roots, they form a mycorrhiza.

The cap of the spruce mushroom is bright orange. Its edges are curved and slightly upturned. The center is slightly greenish. In adults, green spots and circles are faintly visible on the surface.

The spruce mushroom's stem reaches 7 cm. The flesh is very tender, so spruce mushrooms often get bruised and damaged in mushroom pickers' baskets. A milky sap oozes from the damaged area, which turns green when exposed to air.

Red

The red subspecies is common in pine and spruce forests. These mushrooms have a dense, reddish-pink cap, reaching 10 cm in diameter. The margins are slightly raised, and there is a depression in the center. The cap surface is free of a sticky coating.

The stem grows up to 6 cm. It can range in color from orange to red, with specimens with lilac-pink stems becoming increasingly common. The stem of the red saffron milk cap is covered with a light coating and is completely dotted with small crimson-colored indentations.

The flesh is pink with occasional burgundy flecks. The juice of young mushrooms is bright red, while that of older mushrooms is slightly darker, closer to burgundy.

Milky red

Members of the milky-red subspecies grow in coniferous forests, under pine trees. They have a fleshy, dense cap up to 9 cm in diameter. Its edges are slightly curled downward, and there is a characteristic depression in the center. The primary color is light orange, but as the mushroom matures, the edges acquire a pinkish tint, and the center turns green.

This subspecies has a very narrow and fragile stem, growing up to 7 cm. The flesh is brittle and orange. The juice is also orange, but when exposed to air, it quickly turns red and then greenish.

Description and differences of false saffron milk caps

Most false saffron milk caps have unique characteristics that make them easy to distinguish from the real thing. To recognize a false saffron milk cap growing in a clearing, you need to know its description and unique characteristics.

Pink waves

Despite being considered conditionally edible, pink milk cap mushrooms are considered a true delicacy. However, they can only be eaten if prepared strictly according to a specific cooking method.

The cap of the pink wavelet is colored in shades of pink, orange, and red. It is funnel-shaped with slightly raised, fringed edges. A distinctive feature of the waves are the circles on the surface, which are clearly visible. These mushrooms have a very short stem, which over time acquires a color to match the cap.

It's easy to confuse milk caps with saffron milk caps, as they look similar. However, there are several striking differences between the false milk cap and the saffron milk cap:

1. The edges of the cap of the milk cap are fringed, while those of the saffron milk cap are smooth.
2. The circles on the cap of the milk cap mushroom are very bright, while those of the saffron milk cap mushroom are not so distinct.
3. The leg of the volnushka is much shorter.
4. The milky juice of the volnushka does not change color.

If in doubt, simply press on the indentation in the cap. A milky sap will emerge. This sap has an unpleasant odor in milky russula.

Amber milkers

Amber milk caps are classified as inedible and mildly poisonous. The cap of this species can be any shade of red and yellow. It is shiny, flat, and has smooth edges. As the cap matures, it rises. The stem always matches the cap's color.

It's impossible to distinguish amber milk caps from saffron milk caps by appearance. They're like twins, one delicious, the other inedible and dangerous. Experienced mushroom pickers distinguish them by smell.

Lactarius papillosa

The milk cap is also known as the milk cap or the large milk cap. It is considered conditionally edible and is only suitable for consumption after a complex preparation process.

The milk cap is common in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. It resembles a milk mushroom in appearance. Its gray-brown cap has a dry, matte surface. The flesh is white and brittle.

Mushrooms are often confused due to their brown caps and brittle flesh. If in doubt, you can damage the mushroom and examine the color of its juice: a milky mushroom's juice will remain white. Another way to check is to rub the flesh between your palms. A milky mushroom's juice will smell faintly of coconut.

Death cap

Confusing saffron milk caps with death caps is difficult and very dangerous. The death cap belongs to the Amanita genus and is considered a highly poisonous mushroom, poisoning from which can be fatal.

The toadstool has a funnel-shaped cap with smooth edges. The cap's color varies from yellowish to olive. It is a shade darker in the center and a shade lighter at the edges. The cap is attached to a thin, elongated stalk. Between them is a white skirt.

The only common feature between these mushrooms is the funnel-shaped cap. However, while saffron milk caps have a curled edge, the toadstool's is smooth. To dispel any doubts, cut the mushroom: an edible one will release a white juice that will soon turn green, while a toadstool will remain dry. It's also worth noting that a mature toadstool emits an unpleasant, sickly sweet odor.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Mushroom pickers, especially inexperienced ones, have many questions about the differences between saffron milk caps and false mushrooms:

Undoubtedly, saffron milk caps are among the most delicious mushrooms found in our region. However, inexperienced mushroom pickers often bring back false mushrooms in their baskets, which are actually milk caps, russulas, or even toadstools. To avoid such mistakes, it's important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the individual characteristics of each mushroom species before your trip.