Blewits

Blewits are edible mushrooms in the species Lepista nuda, also known by the synonym Clitocybe nuda. They are prized by some for their delicate, slightly sweet flavor and purple hues, though reliable identification is important for safe consumption.

The cap is typically 4–8 cm across, starting as a lilac to purple color and gradually fading to tan or grayish-brown with age. The surface is smooth, often with a slightly velvety texture. The gills are decurrent, spreading down the stem, and initially lilac to pale purple before darkening as the mushroom matures. The stem is sturdy, pale or purplish, and can be noticeably thick. Flesh is pale lilac and may retain the color for some time after cutting.

Blewits are saprotrophic fungus that fruit in leaf litter, grassy areas, wood chips, and woodland edges. They commonly appear in late summer through autumn in many temperate regions, often after wet periods. They are found in Europe and North America and are cultivated or collected where suitable habitat occurs.

Culinary notes and safety: Blewits are considered edible when properly identified and thoroughly cooked. They are often used in soups, stews, sauces, or sautéed dishes. Some people may experience digestive upset if consumed raw or undercooked, or have sensitivity to this species. As with many edible mushrooms, there is a risk of misidentification with poisonous lookalikes, so positive identification by an experienced forager is advised or consumption after expert confirmation.

Taxonomic name variants include Lepista nuda and Clitocybe nuda; common references may interchange these names. Blewits have a modest, refined flavor that pairs well with dairy, herb, and wine-based preparations.