Scientific name
Lactarius indigo
Description
The fruit body’s cap has a diameter of between 5 -15 cm. It is initially convex but subsequently develops a central dip. As it ages, the depression deepens and the cap takes on a funnel-like appearance as the edge lifts upward. When the cap is young, the edge is folded inward, but as it becomes older, it unrolls and rises. The surface of the cap is initially indigo blue, fading to a lighter grey or silvery blue, occasionally with greenish flecks. It is frequently zonate, with concentric lines delineating alternate zones of lighter and darker color. The cap may also feature dark blue patches, especially towards the margin. Young caps have a sticky texture.
The stem is 1-2 cm thick, 2-6 cm tall, and may have a base that is narrower in diameter than the rest of the stem. It is indigo to silvery or grey-blue color. At first, the stem’s inside is solid and sturdy, but as it ages, it becomes hollow. The taste is moderate to mildly bitter, and the flesh is pale to blue before progressively becoming greenish when exposed to air. It bleeds blue when injured/cut.
Habitat
Indigo milk cap is not very common, but it grows naturally in North America, Central America, and East Asia. It has even been documented in southern France. It is a ground-dwelling plant that coexists with plant roots in symbiotic relationships known as mycorrhiza associations in both coniferous and deciduous forests.
Uses/Importance
Lactarius indigo can be consumed. It has a gritty, grainy texture and a flavor that might be slightly spicy or bitter. The mushroom is best cooked by slicing it into tiny pieces to expose the solid meat. With cooking, the blue color vanishes and the mushroom turns greyish. Additionally, indigo milk caps may be used to create a fluorescent dye that is being researched for potential use as a medical diagnostic tool. Non-qualified people commonly claim that the mushroom may be used to dye fabrics, although it is uncertain if this is accurate information or the consequence of a mix-up with the indigo plant, which is unquestionably crucial in traditional dye production.
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