Pine Mushroom

(Lactarius deliciosus)

Lactarius deliciosus, commonly known as the Saffron milk cap or Red pine mushroom is the one of the best known members of the large milk-cap genus Lactarius in the order Russulales.

Pine mushrooms get their name because they commonly grow under pine trees. They’re also known as milky saffron, as they exude a milky orange sap when cut. Pines pop up in summer to autumn, after warm sunny days and a good downpour. While their vibrant saffron-coloured cap, gills and stems adds colour to any dish, their flavour won’t let you down, either. They have a firm texture and a full, roasted nut flavour perfect with fresh pasta and egg based dishes.

With the recent rain we’ve been having, Pine Mushrooms are plentiful and the Champion Organics workers have been busy out in the countryside collecting them up. Did you know they will only grow in the wild? There will be plenty to buy tomorrow at both the Eveleigh and Taylor Square Saturday markets.