Lobster mushrooms are the result of a parasitic fungus Hypomyces lactifluorum infecting another mushroom, usually Russula brevipes.
The lobster mushroom infection gives the host a hard red-orange shell and changes its taste, texture, shape, and even DNA.
From what I’ve heard, Hypomyces lactiflourum only infects edible mushrooms. However, you should be careful because it could cause bad reactions like allergies.
Lobster mushrooms are relatively easy to identify because of their unique characteristics. The bright orange colour, size, and shape of lobster mushrooms are distinctive, and the texture is virtually unique.
Prime lobster mushrooms will be either bright orange or red. Lobster mushrooms, on the other hand, can have a white surface if they are partially infected, and old ones can be cherry red or pink. White lobster mushrooms are still edible, but older specimens should always be avoided.
As mentioned, lobster mushrooms are relatively easy to identify and easy to prepare. This makes them a great mushroom for beginner foragers. Read more about some other great starter mushrooms here.
Improve your mushroom identification skills with an up-to-date guide book. Learn about the best mushroom identification books here.
Lobster mushrooms can grow in large quantities, and they are also delicious and easy to cook. Because of this, wild foragers will often collect lobster mushrooms to sell to grocery stores.
Mature lobster mushrooms will often have a ring of fine white powder around them. This powder can also be encrusted on the lower portion of the mushroom.
Many beginner foragers worry that this is a sign of mold. However, this powder is actually the spores of the lobster mushroom and poses no danger. Simply wipe them away before preparation.
Keep in mind that if you pick lobster mushrooms and put them away overnight, they will likely have spores on them in the morning.
Patches of white powder on the ground can even be a great indicator of a hidden lobster mushroom.
There are no mushrooms that look like lobster mushrooms. The bright orange-to-red colouring and hard shell-like exterior are very distinctive and relatively unique among fungi. You might find bright red or orange mushrooms, but they wont have the hard shell. If you look hard enough, you might find mushrooms that have the same kind of infections. They won’t be the right color, though. For example, there is a yellow-green variety of the lobster mushroom infection (see right).
The beautiful red lobster mushroom has a slightly less beautiful and much rarer cousin, Hypomyces luteovirens .
Would you say lobster mushrooms are better than chanterelles? There are many ways that lobster mushrooms are better than chanterelles. You can find lobster mushrooms in the summer, when other good mushrooms are hard to find. They are bigger and easier to cook with.
Arguably, the only advantage that chanterelles have over lobster mushrooms is a slightly better taste. What do you think? Should lobster mushrooms get more credit as a choice edible mushroom?.
Lobster mushrooms are a fascinating type of fungi with a distinct appearance and flavor that make them highly sought after by foodies and foragers. But where exactly do these mushrooms grow? As mushroom hunting enthusiasts, we did some digging to uncover the native habitat of lobster mushrooms.
Lobster mushrooms get their name from their bright reddish-orange color that resembles the shell of a cooked lobster. But here’s a twist – they aren’t actually a distinct mushroom species! Lobster mushrooms are the result of a parasitic fungus called Hypomyces lactifluorum infecting mushrooms of the Russula and Lactarius genera. This infection causes a chemical transformation in the host mushroom, turning it into something completely new.
During the infection process, the parasite destroys the gills and stem of the host mushroom, leaving just the cap portion. This gives lobster mushrooms their characteristic singular, stout appearance. The flesh also changes from the mild flavor of the host species to a more seafood-like taste, adding to the resemblance to actual lobsters.
Native Range and Habitat
So where in the world can you find these fascinating fungal parasites? Lobster mushrooms are predominantly found in North America, especially along the Pacific Northwest coast from Northern California up to Alaska. They also grow in the Great Lakes region and in Canada. There are European varieties as well, likely a closely related but distinct species.
Within their range, lobster mushrooms grow in coniferous forests amongst spruce fir pine and hemlock trees. They appear singly or scattered on the forest floor, often near tree bases where their host mushrooms grow in a symbiotic relationship with the tree roots. Unlike most mushrooms, they don’t grow on logs or decaying wood.
Lobster mushrooms tend to thrive in cooler northern climates with abundant rainfall. Prime lobster mushroom territory has temperatures around 60-70°F during mushroom fruiting season and frequent rainstorms to soak the forest soil.
When and Where to Look
Timing your foraging trips is key to finding these tasty fungi Here are some tips on when and where to search for lobster mushrooms
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Summer to Fall – Lobster mushroom season starts as early as June in some areas and runs through October. The peak months are August and September.
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After Rainstorms – Time your foraging outings about 4-7 days after a good soaking rain to take advantage of the boosted mushroom fruiting.
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Coniferous forests – Focus your efforts in spruce, fir, pine and hemlock stands. Mossy forests with big trees are particularly fruitful.
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Look for host mushrooms – Search areas where edible Russula and Lactarius mushrooms grow as these are targeted by the parasite.
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Check previous spots – Note where you find lobster mushrooms one year and return to those same patches in future seasons. The parasite often spreads to nearby mushrooms.
Ensuring an Enjoyable Harvest
When foraging, make sure to only collect firm, fresh young specimens. Older lobster mushrooms deteriorate quickly. Look for bright color and minimal cracks, holes or other damage. Use mushrooms soon after picking for the best flavor and texture.
It’s also important to forage sustainably by leaving some mushrooms behind to spore and grow again. Take care not to damage the surrounding habitat. Following these tips will help ensure bountiful harvests for seasons to come!
We hope these guidelines give you a better understanding of where lobster mushrooms grow and when to start hunting. Now get out there and enjoy the hunt for these delicious fungal oddities! Let us know if you have any other lobster mushroom tips and tricks.
Lobster Mushroom Season
An important factor for finding lobster mushrooms are altitude, weather, and seasonal conditions.
- You can find lobster mushrooms from July to October, but it depends on the weather where you live and each week.
- It’s not likely that lobster mushrooms will grow very high or very low.
- For this type of mushroom, the best time to hunt is after heavy rains and warm weather.
A partially excavated lobster growing under moss in November. Just past prime.
Although brightly coloured, lobster mushrooms can be hard to spot under sticks and leaves.
Another lobster mushroom well hidden under a thick carpet of moss.
Can you dehydrate lobster mushrooms?
Lobster mushrooms can be dehydrated. Make sure to slice them thin so they dry thoroughly and consistently. Store them in a freezer, but not for too long.
Lobster Mushrooms- The seafood of the Forest. When, where, and how to find them.
Where can you find lobster mushrooms?
Lobster mushrooms are easily found throughout the Pacific Northwest and down the West Coast along with parts of the East Coast, specifically in New England. It’s not uncommon to see them in other parts of North America, however, as some have also been found in parts of Colorado.
How big do lobster mushrooms get?
The mushroom usually grows 4-8″ tall, mimicking the size of its host. But they can get large, too. Massive Lobster mushrooms are not unheard of, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Lobster mushrooms grow very irregularly – probably the result of the parasitization process. They look deformed and stunted.
When do lobster mushrooms grow?
Specific Growing Season: Lobster mushrooms are known to grow during specific seasons. To find them you will need to be on the lookout from the beginning of the summer up to mid-fall. This is usually from July to late October. Unique Method of Harvesting: When picking lobster mushrooms, you need to be very cautious.
Where do Lobsters grow in Minnesota?
In the Midwest, lobsters grow in mixed woods. A good trick is to look for large, white mushrooms like Russula brevipes and Lactarius piperatus since they make the best host mushrooms. Russula brevipes. In Northern Minnesota, I find them in mixed woods with birch, aspen and red pine. In Southern Minnesota they like mixed hardwood and oak forests.