The world of mushrooms is one of the least explored and known, however, they are full of surprises and unexpected behaviors. In fact, it is thanks to these beings that the forests live in harmony and communion, because together with the roots of trees they form an intelligent underground world through which they communicate to keep the forests alive. Furthermore, it should be said that the appearance of some mushrooms seems straight out of a fairy tale. Like those that emit their glow in the dark or like the Lactarius indigo, which is an edible mushroom, but has a slightly unusual appearance because it is an electrifying blue color.
Its colors, which range from blue to pale gray, make it look like a mushroom that should not be ingested. But the truth is that it is an edible mushroom that does not present risks of poisoning and, in fact, contains many benefits for the body. It is an endemic species of North and Central America, and also grows in eastern Asia. They commonly grow in coniferous forests where their roots are linked to trees such as oaks, pines and oaks.
Lactarius Indigo
The lactarius indigo, which is also commonly known as the blue mushroom or indigo mushroom, is trumpet-shaped and its cap measures 4 to 10 centimeters in diameter. Although its electrifying blue color predominates on the outside, when it is cooked and cut, one finds that its flesh is completely white and has a fruity smell, as well as a fruity flavor.
It should not be confused with other species that also have blue colors such as Cortinarius, as these are toxic to health. This is why it is of great importance not to consume any mushroom found in the wild, since only those most experienced know how to differentiate them. Among the characteristics that the Lactarius Indigo has that differentiates it from other species is that when cut it secretes blue latex.
A gastronomic treasure
In Mexico it grows in states such as Chiapas, Colima, State of Mexico, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. In fact, it is one of the species of wild mushrooms that is most consumed in temperate areas of the country. It is an important part of the local gastronomy and you can even find blue mushroom tastings in the festivities of the Tequila region.
But the mushroom has been gaining greater relevance not only for its flavor and gastronomic uses, but also for its medicinal properties, which according to research suggest that it has antimicrobial activity, due to the presence of sesquiterpene compounds that act on bacteria.