Kuusikerä

Kuusikerä is a Finnish term that generally refers to a type of mushroom, most commonly the Milk-cap mushrooms belonging to the genus Lactarius. These mushrooms are characterized by the latex or milky fluid they exude when their gills or flesh are cut or broken. The specific species of kuusikerä can vary regionally and colloquially within Finland. Some common species identified as kuusikerä might include Lactarius deliciosus, the Saffron Milk Cap, or Lactarius trivialis, the Common Milk-cap.

The edibility of kuusikerä varies significantly depending on the species. Some, like the Saffron Milk Cap, are considered edible and even prized in certain cuisines, often cooked to reduce their bitterness. Others, however, can be inedible or even poisonous. Identification is crucial for foraging and is often aided by the color of the latex, the cap, and the gills, as well as the presence of any characteristic rings or zones on the cap. Traditional Finnish cuisine might feature certain types of kuusikerä prepared in various ways, though precise recipes are often tied to specific species. Due to the potential for misidentification, consuming wild mushrooms without expert knowledge is strongly discouraged.