Description

The cap of the porcino (also known as penny bun), can be from 5 to 30 centimeters wide, and has a convex shape when young, while older specimens have an opened form with the edge of the cap slightly curved downwards. The surface of the cap is matte and is mostly at least somewhat wrinkly. The stipe is massive and mostly a bit wider in its lower half. The pores are very small and are white when young. In older specimens, the pores are yellow or green colored. The spore print has a brownish yellow color.

Chemical reactions

The flesh and the pores react with potassium hydroxide forming a brown coloration.

Habitat

One of the most common mushrooms in the boletus genus. It can be found in almost all kinds of deciduous forests, but can be found in certain types of coniferous woods as well. It likes acidic soil, and can often be found together with Amanita pantherina or Amanita muscaria. It can be found throughout Europe and North America, but specimens have also been found in Australia, Africa and Asia as well.

Season

It grows from August to November.

Edibility

A very tasty mushroom, which is generally of very high quality. It can be used in many different ways, and can also be dried.

This mushroom, when dry, can be added to many different meals such as: cooked green beans, meat filled cabbage, meat filled peppers, meat sauce, tuna sauce, but to many other meals as well.

Fresh mushrooms are also excellent when combined with scrambled eggs.

Similar species

It could eventually be confused with Boletus reticulatus, which most commonly has a fissured cap and stipe. The mentioned species is also edible, so there is no danger of confusing Boletus edulis with a toxic species.