Lactarius deliciosus (L. ex Fr.) S. F. Gray. Edelreizker, Lactaire delicieux, Vache rouge, Saffron Milkcap.
Cap 3–10cm across, convex then shallowly funnel-shaped, with numerous small purplish-brick to salmon blotches arranged in narrow, concentric bands on a pale flesh or rosy buff background, becoming tinged greenish in places, slightly sticky, firm, brittle, margin incurved at first. Stem 30–60 x 15–20mm, pale buff or vinaceous to orangy or salmon, sometimes with darker, shallow, spot-like depressions, becoming green in places. Flesh pale yellowish, carrot in places from the milk (after one hour or so) fading and finally dull greyish green. Gills slightly decurrent, closely spaced, pale pinkish apricot to saffron, becoming carrot and slowly dull pistachio green on bruising. Milk carrot; taste mild or slightly bitter. Spore print pale ochre (F). Spores elliptic, with thin to thickish ridges forming a fairly full network, 7–9 x 6–7μ. Habitat under pines or spruce. Season summer to autumn. Uncommon in England, more frequent in Scotland. Edible and much esteemed in Spain.(Never eat any mushroom until you are certain it is edible as many are poisonous and some are deadly poisonous.) Distribution, America and Europe.