In the world of macrofungi there are important guidelines and particular characteristics to look for before you eat anything. Take this beautiful, purple Viscid Violet Cortinarius, for instance. Myco nerds will tell you while it is on the edible list, you'll want to remember it has a nearly identical cousin that is toxic. One way to tell them apart is by the taste of their sticky, slimy coating. The good Viscid will have a mild taste. The bad will be bitter. Go ahead, give it a lick.

10.23.20