One of the 4 tickets most in demand for being edible and with great gastronomic power is the Boletus aestivalis. It appears in the summer time when there is hardly an abundance of other fungi. Hence, it is a type of mushroom in high demand in all gastronomic sectors.
In this article we are going to explain all the secrets of the Boletus aestivalis as well as when and how you should collect it.
Key features
From its own name we can learn that it takes place in the summer season. Where it predominates most is during the warm months and in most areas where it grows it can be collected to eat. It is a type of mushroom with a texture of less consistency than the rest of the other tickets but it is still regarded as a great edible. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular wild mushroom species at that time of year.
When we see a type of ticket, we can get some information just with its scientific name. When we know that the name of the species tells about the time of year where it grows or some of its characteristics, we can get an idea of what type of mushroom we are collecting. For example, in the case of Boletus aestivalis is indicating that it is collected in the summer season, that is, during the summer.
In order to distinguish it and not confuse it with another similar mushroom, we must know that its hat is hazel or light brown in color. These colors are evenly distributed and often cracked. Its foot is a little lighter than the hat but it maintains the same color. It has a cylindrical shape and bulges in the center. It is normal that you can see a grid that is what gives this species its name.
Unlike other species such as the Boletus erythropus, it does not blue when we count it or press it. However, as soon as we press the hat a little, we can see how the footprint remains permanently sunken. It has quite a pleasant smell and taste similar to other edible boils.
Main confusions of the Boletus aestivalis
We are going to point out what are the main differences it has with other species of tickets so as not to get confused when collecting. Even so, despite all this, we know that the time of year is already making a difference as a species. Let's analyze the main differences:
- Boletus edulis: This mushroom has a darker shade of cuticle and the edge with the same stripe is also lighter. If the weather has a bit more humidity you can see it a little more viscous. The difference with the foot of the Boletus aestivalis is that it presents a reticulum with a whitish tone that contrasts with the cream color of the rest of the foot.
- Boletus pinophilus: this has a reddish color, so it has no resemblance to the Boletus aestivalis.
- boletus aereus: this one has a much darker cuticle. Unlike the other specimen, this foot does not have a visible crosshair, so it is the one that can generate the least confusion.
When collecting the Boletus aestivalis It is interesting to know the rest of the mushrooms in case we can collect some type of poisonous mushroom by mistake.
Detailed description
We are going to put a little more emphasis on the description of this mushroom so as not to have any kind of confusion when it comes to harvesting it. His hat it can have dimensions of up to 26 centimeters in diameter. His hat has a hemispherical part and then another convex. Its light color between hazelnut and brown has very uniform tones. Other mushrooms may have not so uniform colors that can help differentiate between species.
It has long, almost free tubes and they are easily separable from the meat. These tubes are white when they are young and, as they mature, they turn from yellow to greenish. It must be remembered that this kind of ticket does not blue when it is cut.
Its foot is quite long and has a cylindrical shape in which we find a small, more thickened part in the center (if we find this more thickened part, it is telling us that the specimen is younger). We can also visualize a more visible grid at the top.
As for its meat, it is white and thick. In the part where it is seen at the junction of the pores, it usually has a slightly more yellow color. When you eat them you will notice a pleasant taste and smell.
Habitat and collection of Boletus aestivalis
This fungus prefers to live in leafy areas of the most humid forests. We find them with trees like: beech, oak, holm oak, chestnut trees and, although they are only in some areas, we can also find them under firs and pines. When they grow and develop you can find them in small groups.
With respect to the soil, it prefers in siliceous soils to have a greater development. This species can already be found in late spring. Depending on the temperatures, the rainfall regime and the humidity we can have a greater volume of mushrooms per square meter. They are capable of prolonging their appearance until the end of summer and even the beginning of autumn. This happens only if the humidity conditions are optimal.
This species is perfect for fans of mycology since they serve to be able to take quite beautiful photographs. They are also easy to find due to their attractiveness and the frequency with which they are usually found during the summer time.
Gastronomic power
If you are one of those who will love edible mushrooms, the Boletus aestivalis it is one of the most demanded. It can be eaten in almost any way, even raw. It is a kind of widespread consumption and its commercialization is quite widespread. Like the rest of tickets, it can be consumed without a kitchen. The most recommended is to cook it to increase its flavor. If you decide to freeze them in tacos to keep them for a longer time, you will have to cook them without defrosting them so that the texture is not lost.
I hope that with this information you can differentiate well what is the Boletus aestivalis and take advantage of all its gastronomic potential with a good recipe.