Golden waxcap (Hygrocybe chlorophana) – Identification

Golden Waxcap / Autumn / Winter / Edible

Step into a realm of culinary delight as we celebrate the exquisite flavors of the Golden Waxcap (Hygrocybe chlorophana).

Join us on a journey where gastronomy meets elegance. With its radiant golden caps and delicate stature, the Golden Waxcap stands as a treasure among edible mushrooms. L

earn to identify its distinct features, discover its preferred habitats, and delve into the culinary wonders it offers. From its tender texture to its subtle, earthy taste, this mushroom has the power to elevate your culinary creations to new levels of delight.

Whether you are an experienced forager or an adventurous home cook, let the Golden Waxcap inspire your culinary endeavors and awaken your taste buds to its marvelous flavors. Embrace the abundance of nature’s bounty as we celebrate the enchanting delights that lie within the Golden Waxcap. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey as we explore the captivating culinary possibilities offered by this remarkable mushroom.

Scientific Name

Hygrocybe chlorophana

Family

Hygrophoraceae

Habitat

Open grassland and pasturelands, it actually prefers areas that are heavily trodden or mowed often.

Description

These golden waxcaps, when found, are often hanging out in small groups.

Identifying Features of the Golden Waxcap Mushroom:

Cap:

A rounded or domed cap, 3-4cm, which is golden in colour, yellow to orange and only sometimes has a slight red colour towards the centre of the cap. The flesh is also golden throughout.

Stem:

A golden slightly slimy stem.

Gills:

yellow with light yellow, adnate and are widely spaced gills. There are present transverse ‘gills’ running between the main gills. The gills are not slimy.

Smell:

Mild Mushroom Smell

Spores:

White in colour

In food

This mushroom is edible and isn’t specifically incredible as far as flavour goes and it can be confused for some other yellow waxcaps, all in all people don’t often eat this one.

Potential lookalikes

Almost any of the other yellow, orange or golden colour waxcaps could potentially be confused with this one. None of the waxcaps are known to be deadly toxic, however some are avoided due to their waxy and slimy texture.

Meadow Waxcaps could be confused.