Saffron milk caps: where they grow now and when

The king of the pine woods. Orange, stubborn and generous when its moment comes.

Three saffron milk caps on pine needles; one turned over shows its orange gills and a drop of orange milk
Saffron milk caps in a pine wood: orange cap with darker rings and the odd green stain, orange gills, a hollow stem and carrot-coloured milk.

The saffron milk cap (Lactarius deliciosus / Lactarius sanguifluus) comes out from September to January, at its best in October, in woods of Scots pine, maritime pine, Aleppo pine, black pine and mountain pine, from low ground up to the middle mountains. It is also known as red pine mushroom.

See where it is ready this week

Right now, the best day forecast for saffron milk caps is 26 October.

The saffron milk cap is the family mushroom: the one people look for in groups, the one you recognise without fear and the one that fills the basket when autumn does its job. It lives under pines, from the coast to the mountains, and that is why its season is long: in the ranges it starts with the first September rains and on the coast it stretches into January.

It needs three things: a rain that soaks in, soil that holds it for a couple of weeks and ground that has cooled down without freezing. When they come together, it comes up in droves. When one is missing, it does not, however much it rains. Every day the map shows in which areas they are coming together.

What it needs to come out

First, a good rain, the kind that soaks the ground. Then patience: it usually appears after three or four weeks, as long as the soil holds on to that moisture and stays mild. If a frost, too much water or a drying wind comes in between, the flush is aborted and never shows.

Where to look

It comes out in woods of Scots pine, maritime pine, Aleppo pine, black pine and mountain pine, from low ground up to the middle mountains, without being fussy about the soil.

Saffron milk caps by province: Andalusia: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, Sevilla · Aragon: Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza · Asturias · Basque Country: Álava, Guipúzcoa, Vizcaya · Cantabria · Castile and León: Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid, Zamora · Castilla-La Mancha: Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara, Toledo · Catalonia: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona · Extremadura: Badajoz, Cáceres · Galicia: A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense, Pontevedra · Illes Balears · La Rioja · Madrid · Murcia · Navarra · Valencian Community: Alicante, Castellón, Valencia

Saffron milk caps in Andalusia, province by province

Finding Saffron milk caps in Almería

We count 134 zones in Almería where saffron milk caps can come up, between 650 and 1,600 m. The best day this week is 27 October. It looks best near Fondón, Alcóntar, Félix and Paterna del Río.

Saffron milk caps season in Cádiz

In Cádiz we follow 5 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 0 and 250 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 8 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Algodonales, Vejer de la Frontera and Barbate.

When to look for Saffron milk caps in Córdoba

Córdoba has 82 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 350 to 700 m. The forecast points to 8 November as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Rute, Palenciana, Benamejí and Villaviciosa de Córdoba.

Saffron milk caps in Granada: where and when

We count 262 zones in Granada where saffron milk caps can come up, between 750 and 1,650 m. The best day this week is 8 November. It looks best near Huétor Santillán, Lanteira, Víznar and Aldeire.

Foraging for Saffron milk caps in Huelva

In Huelva we follow 44 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 50 and 700 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 26 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Jabugo, Aroche, El Cerro de Andévalo and Berrocal.

Saffron milk caps spots in Jaén

Jaén has 265 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 550 to 1,450 m. The forecast points to 7 November as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Orcera, Segura de la Sierra, Nerpio and Villaverde de Guadalimar.

Saffron milk caps in Málaga

We count 124 zones in Málaga where saffron milk caps can come up, between 200 and 1,050 m. The best day this week is 8 November. It looks best near Tolox, Estepona, Igualeja and Yunquera.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Sevilla

In Sevilla we follow 2 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, at about 500 m. This week, its best day is 8 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Gilena and Montellano.

Saffron milk caps season in Aragon

Finding Saffron milk caps in Huesca

Huesca has 439 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 450 to 1,550 m. The forecast points to 27 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Jaca, Loarre, Arén and Luna.

Saffron milk caps season in Teruel

We count 470 zones in Teruel where saffron milk caps can come up, between 550 and 1,550 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Beseit / Beceite, Calaceite, Alcalá de la Selva and Rubielos de Mora.

When to look for Saffron milk caps in Zaragoza

In Zaragoza we follow 383 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 300 and 1,000 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 26 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Arén, Luesia, Luna and Berdún.

Saffron milk caps in Asturias: where and when

Asturias has 155 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 50 to 800 m. The forecast points to 27 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Otur, Coaña, Salas and Vilaión.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in the Basque Country

Foraging for Saffron milk caps in Álava

We count 86 zones in Álava where saffron milk caps can come up, between 350 and 950 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Villanueva de Valdegovía, La Puebla de Arganzón, Urduña / Orduña and Oñati.

Saffron milk caps spots in Guipúzcoa

In Guipúzcoa we follow 30 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 300 and 1,000 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 28 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Zumarraga, Oñati, Eskoriatza and Arrasate / Mondragón.

Saffron milk caps in Vizcaya

Vizcaya has 46 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 50 to 700 m. The forecast points to 26 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Gatika, Galdakao, Bermeo and Mungia.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Cantabria

We count 34 zones in Cantabria where saffron milk caps can come up, between 750 and 1,150 m. The best day this week is 27 October. It looks best near San Martín de Elines, Valdeprado del Río, Pomar de Valdivia and Espinosa de los Monteros.

Saffron milk caps in Castile and León, province by province

Finding Saffron milk caps in Ávila

In Ávila we follow 153 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 600 and 1,500 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 26 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Pedro Bernardo, Santa Cruz del Valle, El Hornillo and Mombeltrán.

Saffron milk caps season in Burgos

Burgos has 379 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 700 to 1,200 m. The forecast points to 27 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Regumiel de la Sierra, Vilviestre del Pinar, Quintanar de la Sierra and Canicosa de la Sierra.

When to look for Saffron milk caps in León

We count 453 zones in León where saffron milk caps can come up, between 800 and 1,550 m. The best day this week is 6 November. It looks best near Castrocontrigo, Peranzanes, Luyego and Brazuelo.

Saffron milk caps in Palencia: where and when

In Palencia we follow 152 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 850 and 1,350 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 5 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Castrejón de la Peña, Buenavista de Valdavia, Santibáñez de la Peña and Velilla del Río Carrión.

Foraging for Saffron milk caps in Salamanca

Salamanca has 117 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 650 to 1,100 m. The forecast points to 26 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Lagunilla, Sotoserrano, Robleda and La Alberca.

Saffron milk caps spots in Segovia

We count 217 zones in Segovia where saffron milk caps can come up, between 800 and 1,250 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Los Ángeles de San Rafael, Guadarrama, Cercedilla and Navacerrada.

Saffron milk caps in Soria

In Soria we follow 289 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 950 and 1,350 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 27 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Navaleno, Cabrejas del Pinar, Duruelo de la Sierra and Covaleda.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Valladolid

Valladolid has 113 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 700 to 850 m. The forecast points to 27 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Pozal de Gallinas, Torrecilla de la Abadesa, Alcazarén and Pedrajas de San Esteban.

Finding Saffron milk caps in Zamora

We count 173 zones in Zamora where saffron milk caps can come up, between 750 and 1,250 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Ferreras de Arriba, Mahide, Villardeciervos and Ferreras de Abajo.

Saffron milk caps season in Castilla-La Mancha

Saffron milk caps season in Albacete

In Albacete we follow 287 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 600 and 1,300 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 7 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Yeste, Riópar, Paterna del Madera and Molinicos.

When to look for Saffron milk caps in Ciudad Real

Ciudad Real has 199 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 550 to 950 m. The forecast points to 8 November as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Viso del Marqués, Arroba, Brazatortas and Navas de Estena.

Saffron milk caps in Cuenca: where and when

We count 433 zones in Cuenca where saffron milk caps can come up, between 750 and 1,350 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Beteta, Chillarón de Cuenca, Checa and Cañizares.

Foraging for Saffron milk caps in Guadalajara

In Guadalajara we follow 338 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 800 and 1,450 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 27 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Cogolludo, Patones, Beteta and Trillo.

Saffron milk caps spots in Toledo

Toledo has 143 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 500 to 1,000 m. The forecast points to 26 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Robledo del Mazo, Espinoso del Rey, Navas de Estena and Los Navalucillos.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Catalonia

Saffron milk caps in Barcelona

We count 314 zones in Barcelona where saffron milk caps can come up, between 150 and 900 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Navàs, Santa Maria d'Oló, Subirats and Corbera de Llobregat.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Girona

In Girona we follow 213 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 50 and 1,250 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 7 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Campdevànol, Sant Maurici de la Quar, Besalú and Lladó.

Finding Saffron milk caps in Lleida

Lleida has 332 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 450 to 1,650 m. The forecast points to 8 November as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Olius, Montmajor, Llavorsí and Peramola.

Saffron milk caps season in Tarragona

We count 190 zones in Tarragona where saffron milk caps can come up, between 100 and 800 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Beseit / Beceite, Mas de Barberans, Arnes and Pratdip.

Saffron milk caps in Extremadura, province by province

When to look for Saffron milk caps in Badajoz

In Badajoz we follow 71 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 400 and 700 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 6 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Puebla de Don Rodrigo, Fuenlabrada de los Montes, Helechosa and Valdecaballeros.

Saffron milk caps in Cáceres: where and when

Cáceres has 189 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 300 to 1,050 m. The forecast points to 26 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Caminomorisco, Torrecilla de los Ángeles, Pinofranqueado and Sotoserrano.

Saffron milk caps season in Galicia

Foraging for Saffron milk caps in A Coruña

We count 330 zones in A Coruña where saffron milk caps can come up, between 50 and 450 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Coristanco, Ordes, Porto do Son and Santa Comba.

Saffron milk caps spots in Lugo

In Lugo we follow 396 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 300 and 900 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 26 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Burela de Cabo, A Rúa, Quiroga and Foz.

Saffron milk caps in Ourense

Ourense has 264 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 350 to 1,150 m. The forecast points to 6 November as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Laza, Lubián, Riós and Padrenda.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Pontevedra

We count 183 zones in Pontevedra where saffron milk caps can come up, between 50 and 650 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Valga, Mondariz-Balneario, A Ramallosa and Moraña.

Finding Saffron milk caps in Illes Balears

In Illes Balears we follow 172 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 50 and 400 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 8 November. The zones with the best forecast lie near Alaró, Es Cubells, Campanet and Sóller.

Saffron milk caps season in La Rioja

La Rioja has 155 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 500 to 1,500 m. The forecast points to 26 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Villoslada de Cameros, Cornago, Ezcaray and Aguilar del Río Alhama.

When to look for Saffron milk caps in Madrid

We count 90 zones in Madrid where saffron milk caps can come up, between 600 and 1,600 m. The best day this week is 26 October. It looks best near Patones, Guadarrama, Cercedilla and San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Saffron milk caps in Murcia: where and when

In Murcia we follow 260 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 250 and 1,150 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 26 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Moratalla, Alhama de Murcia, Aledo and Caravaca.

Navarra has 199 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 350 to 1,150 m. The forecast points to 26 October as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Isaba, Ansó, Escároz and Ochagavía.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in the Valencian Community

Saffron milk caps spots in Alicante

We count 110 zones in Alicante where saffron milk caps can come up, between 50 and 1,050 m. The best day this week is 7 November. It looks best near Penáguila, Teulada, Benimantell and Sella.

Saffron milk caps in Castellón

In Castellón we follow 175 zones with woodland for saffron milk caps, between 300 and 1,150 m above sea level. This week, its best day is 26 October. The zones with the best forecast lie near Cirat, Tales, Rosell and Montanejos.

Where to find Saffron milk caps in Valencia

Valencia has 281 zones with the woodland saffron milk caps need, from 200 to 1,000 m. The forecast points to 7 November as the best day of the week. The best placed are near Bicorp, Teresa de Cofrentes, Cortes de Pallás and Siete Aguas.

How the forest is doing this week

Forecast of 26 October, updated every day.

Mushrooms that share its woods

How we know when the forest wakes up.