[Solved] Blue discoloration of truffles and magic mushrooms

Magic mushrooms and truffles turn blue after you have opened or damaged them, because they contain the psychoactive substance psilocin. Psilocin is very sensitive to oxygen and begins to oxidize rapidly upon contact with it. This oxidation causes psilocin to be partially broken down into blue-colored compounds, leading to the typical blue discoloration. This process is also known as "bruising".

To prevent or significantly reduce oxidation and thus the blue discoloration, you can take a number of measures. First of all, it helps to avoid mechanical damage as much as possible. The less you bruise or cut magic mushrooms or truffles, the less exposure to oxygen occurs.

Additionally, it is effective to minimize exposure to air by packing them airtight or vacuum-sealed immediately after picking or opening. The sooner you do this, the less chance you give to oxidation.

Temperature and light also play an important role in oxidation. By storing magic mushrooms and truffles in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as in a refrigerator, you significantly slow down the oxidation process. This is because heat, humidity, and light accelerate the breakdown of psilocin.

Another good method to stop oxidation is to quickly dry the mushrooms or truffles. Dried specimens hardly oxidize anymore because the water present, which is necessary for oxidation processes, has largely disappeared. A low-temperature food dehydrator is ideal for this.

Finally, you can use antioxidants such as citric acid to slow down oxidation. Especially in preparation methods such as 'lemon tek', where lemon juice is added, you can see that mushrooms turn blue less quickly.

By following this approach, you can limit oxidation and better preserve the quality and potency of magic mushrooms and truffles.