Ops! Were you handling some raw magic mushrooms and then noticed the color had turned blue? It means the magic mushroom is bruising blue.
You might wonder what it means, how it affects the mushrooms’ potency, and whether it’s safe to consume.
In this article, you will learn what bluing on magic mushrooms means, what causes the reaction, what it reveals about the psychoactive effects of mushrooms, and better ways to preserve raw psilocybin mushrooms.
Blue Bruising Mushrooms: Key Takeaways
- When mushrooms bruise blue, it’s one of the primary—but far from the only—signs that they’re indeed psychedelic. The coloration change happens in mushrooms that have psilocybin and psilocin (PsiP & PsiL).
- The main causes of blue bruising mushrooms are exposure to oxygen and handling, which trigger psilocin degradation in the mushrooms.
- You can still consume shrooms that bruise blue, but look out for black spots, which suggest mold growth. In that case, it’s not safe.
- For absolute peace of mind, purchase high-quality shroom products. They will remain safe to consume for years, and you won’t have to worry about these reactions.
One of the common myths about blue-bruising mushrooms is that the reaction is a sign of damage or toxicity. There are many causes of blue bruising, and it can still be safe to consume shrooms that experience this chemical reaction.
Many people also assume that when a mushroom bruises blue, it’s definitely psychoactive. That’s wrong, too. Indicators like spore color, gill structure, and the presence of a gelatinous pellicle also matter.
In the following sections, you will learn the biology behind this color change, the causes, the strain of mushrooms that can experience blue bruising, and the best ways to preserve raw magic mushrooms.
What Causes Blue Bruising in Magic Mushrooms?
Shrooms with Benefits
The next dimension in mind-body growth. Explore our thoughtfully crafted range; from Gummies and Capsules to Teas and Chocolates, designed to elevate clarity, creativity, and balance.
Shop Now
The main cause of blue bruising is the exposure of mushrooms to oxygen. However, handling can trigger the coloration, leading to oxidation and then the degradation of psilocybin.
How intense and rapid the bluing occurs depends on the concentration of psilocybin and psilocin in the mushroom and exposure to oxygen.
In addition, a 1967 study found that the blue reaction does not necessarily require exposure to oxygen to occur.
Bluing can vary significantly among species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Some species display very pronounced coloration, while others are subtle.
While factors like psilocin and psilocybin (or a copper-based element) are required for blue bruising to occur, not all magic mushroom species will have the blue coloration.
Examples of magic mushrooms prone to blue bruising include Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe azurescens.
Are bruised blue mushrooms safe to consume?
If you notice your raw magic mushrooms bruising blue, there’s no need to worry; they are still safe for consumption.
The coloration is merely an indication that the psilocybin content in the shrooms has been exposed to air.
But be careful to observe the mushrooms closely. Look out for black spots, which can be a sign of mold growth. Moldy mushrooms are not safe for consumption.
Without this caveat, blue bruising magic mushrooms are safe to consume. The only aspect to worry about is how this chemical reaction affects the potency.
Does Blue Bruise Affect Psilocybin Mushrooms’ Potency?
Blue bruises are a sign of oxidation. This means that there has been a decrease in the mushrooms’ concentration of tryptamines—the makeup of the alkaloids in shrooms.
In other words, if you want to maximize your psychedelic experience by consuming magic mushrooms, ensure you prevent them from bruising blue.
Proper Storage for Magic Mushrooms
To keep your magic mushrooms spotless and without blue bruises, ensure you dry them properly and keep them in a cool, dark, and dry spot.
There are four ways to dry your mushrooms, depending on how much time you’ve got. You can:
- Let them air dry.
- Use a fan to speed it up.
- Or use a dehydrator for a quicker process.
No matter which method you pick, make sure the mushrooms are super dry—like “snap and crumble” dry.
Once they’re all dried up, put them in a clean mason jar with an airtight lid. Keep the jar in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Quick Tip:
- If your mushrooms have already turned blue and you want to store them for a long time, try making some “blue honey.”
Avoiding Blue Bruising: Consider Magic Mushroom Goodies
While you can prevent blue bruising on raw magic mushrooms through proper storage, you will also have to be concerned about the lifespan of the raw shrooms.
So, for absolute peace of mind, it’s better to have an already processed mushroom in the form of goodies.
These can be shroom-infused chocolate bars, capsules, or flavored teas. Thus, you won’t have to worry about these chemical reactions.
Another advantage of having processed mushrooms is that they are good for microdosing. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of psychedelics without the trip.
At Schedule35, we stock a variety of goodies infused with psilocybin to help you reap the benefits of magic mushrooms.
We use only locally sourced, natural ingredients and pick the best species for microdosing, Psilocybe cubensis.
Final Thoughts
The appearance of bruised blue mushrooms may be worrying, but they are entirely safe to consume.
But try to avoid this chemical reaction since it can affect the psychedelic potency of the mushrooms.