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Lactarius indigo

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description Lactarius indigo Overview

Lactarius indigo, commonly called the indigo milk cap, is a mushroom species that exudes a dark blue latex when its tissue is cut or broken, a characteristic of the genus Lactarius. It is distributed across eastern and southern North America, Central America, and parts of East Asia, where it forms mycorrhizal associations with trees including oaks and pines. The entire fruiting body displays a deep indigo coloration that turns greenish when exposed to air or cooked. The species is edible and is used in cuisine, particularly in Mexico.

help Lactarius indigo FAQ

Why does Lactarius indigo turn blue when damaged?

Lactarius indigo releases a dark blue latex, or milk, when its gills or flesh are cut or broken. This unusual color is the feature that gives the species its common name, indigo milk cap.

Where does Lactarius indigo grow?

Lactarius indigo occurs in eastern and southern North America, Central America, and parts of East Asia. It is typically associated with trees because Lactarius species form mycorrhizal relationships with plant roots.

Can you eat Lactarius indigo?

Lactarius indigo is considered edible by many mushroom references, although it is not usually regarded as a highly prized culinary mushroom. Only experienced foragers should collect it because blue color alone does not identify every safe mushroom.

Does the blue latex stay blue after cooking?

The vivid blue color can fade or change as the mushroom ages and is cooked. The latex is often the most striking when the fresh mushroom has just been cut.

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