Heath waxcap (Hygrocybe / Gliophorus laetus)

Heath Waxcap / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible

Welcome to a world of vibrant culinary delights as we celebrate the flavorsome treasures of the Heath Waxcap (Hygrocybe/Gliophorus laetus).

Join us on a journey where gastronomy meets vibrancy. With its stunning array of colors and delicate cap, the Heath Waxcap stands as a captivating edible gem.

Learn to identify its unique features, discover its preferred habitats, and delve into the culinary wonders it offers. From its velvety texture to its delightful, fruity taste, this mushroom has the power to elevate your culinary creations to extraordinary heights.

Whether you are an experienced forager or an enthusiastic home cook, let the Heath Waxcap inspire your culinary adventures 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 Heath Waxcap. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey as we explore the captivating culinary possibilities offered by this remarkable mushroom.

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Scientific Name

Hygrocybe / Gliophorus laetus

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Family

Hygrophoraceae

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Habitat

This mushroom is found mainly on heaths with short grass and moss present.

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Description

A small and slimy waxcap growing mainly in open heathland. The pale orange-brown colour of this waxcap is the most common variation found in the UK however there is a paler yellow heath waxcap that is less common to find but is found in the same sort of habitat as the common variety.

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Identifying Features of the Heath Waxcap:

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Cap:

The cap is pale orange to brown. Starts of convex but soon flattens out. The cap develops clear lines on the top that run in line with the gills.

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Stem:

The stem is pale orange and goes pinky-red towards the top as the mushroom ages.

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Gills:

Pale grey/off white to start with then turning salmon pink. Decurrent and widely spaced with tiny ‘gills’ or veins

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Smell:

this will have a mushroomy smell and can have a burnt rubber smell present as well.

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Spores:

White spores.

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Uses

This Mushroom is edible but can be a little slimy and therefore not what you may want to eat.

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In food

this mushroom is edible however the slime on the outside of the mushroom can make it unpalatable to some and quite difficult to harvest. slimy mushrooms can often make whatever food they are cooked in slimy as well.

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Harvesting

Found on Heathland from August through to November.

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Known hazards

This mushroom is quite slimy and therefore can be difficult to harvest and unpleasant to eat. Also Waxcaps are becoming rarer in the UK due to habitat loss so it is often best to leave them to grow in peace.

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Potential lookalikes

The Meadow Waxcap can look similar but is a bigger, more robust mushroom and generally drier feeling than the Heath Waxcap