Tag Archives: Lactarius fragilis

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Candy Cap mushrooms obviously do not mind cold weather. They have been popping up in great numbers. This delicious edible is in the  Milk Cap family - Lactarius fragilis. Rick and I find it growing under Bishop Pines and Tan-oak Trees. It's deep orange color is distinctive and it bleeds white liquid when you touch their gills. The most distinctive trait is, however, their unbelievable maple syrup fragrance.

These mushrooms are so sweet you can use them to bake cookies or in pancakes. In Gualala a local gelato company, Gelati Pazzo Marco Creamery, makes Candy Cap Gelato. Here's the link to their web site: http://gelatipazzomarco.com/

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It's a small wild mushroom but it packs a punch. It's the Candy Cap, Lactarius fragilis. On Monday Rick and I found the first of these delicious mushrooms blooming under Tanoak and Bishop Pine. This mushroom is only found on the Pacific Coast and the Southeast so other parts of the world will have to imagine the heady aroma it has. When dried Candy Caps smell like maple syrup.

 When the gills are brushed they ooze or bleed a white milk, letting you know you've found Candy Caps. Yellow bleeding Milk Caps are to be avoided, according to David Arora.

And as promised, here's a look at what happens to a Coccora after some rain. It looks like a science project!

Here's a link to see what the Coccoras looked like before the rain caused this mold: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/11/07/beautiful-coccoras-and-last-nights-sunset/