Lobster Mushroom

HypocreaceaeEdible
FamilyHypocreaceae
EdibilityEdible
HabitatParasitized Russula and Lactarius
SeasonSummer-Autumn

About the Lobster Mushroom

Not one species but a parasite, Hypomyces lactifluorum, that coats Russula and milk cap mushrooms in a crunchy lobster colored skin. The flavor turns faintly seafood like. Safe only when the host underneath is identifiable as an edible species. Harvested commercially in North America.

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