Content
Boletus Fechtner (boletus or sick Fechtner, lat. - Butyriboletus fechtneri) is an edible mushroom with dense fleshy pulp. It is found in deciduous and mixed forests of the Caucasus and the Far East. It does not have a strong taste or pronounced odor, but it is absolutely safe.
Boletus is one of the most widespread and common mushrooms.
What Fechtner's boletus look like
The mushroom belongs to the tubular group, that is, the back of the cap resembles a fine-pored sponge of rich yellow color. In adult specimens, spore spots of an olive or rusty hue are clearly distinguishable. There are no remains of the bedspread.
The diameter of the cap can be up to 30 cm
The upper part is smooth, with time it becomes slightly wrinkled. At high humidity, it becomes covered with a mucous layer. In dry weather - matte, pleasant to the touch.
The diameter of the cap is from 5 to 16 cm. In young mushrooms, it is rounded. As it grows, it becomes hemispherical, cushion, then flatter. Color: glossy silvery gray or pale brown.
The length of spore tubes in Boletus Fechtner is 1.5-2.5 cm
The flesh is white, dense, quickly turns blue when cut or broken.
The stem is tuberous, barrel-shaped or rounded. Over time, it becomes elongated cylindrical with a slight thickening downward. In height it reaches 12-14 cm, in volume - from 4 to 6 cm. Has a pale yellow, gray or slightly brownish color, sometimes acquires a reticular pattern. At the base, it may have a reddish-brown, brown, ocher color. On the cut - white or milky. Sometimes red streaks are visible.
Where Fechtner's boletus grow
The fungus is not widespread in the territory of the Russian Federation. It is more common in the Caucasus or the Far East. Loves a warm mild climate and frequent precipitation.
Boleth Fechtner prefers the calcareous soil of deciduous or mixed forests. It can be found near oak, linden or beech trees. Large clusters are found in sunny glades, forest edges, near abandoned forest paths.
The chances of finding Fechtner's boletus mycelium are higher in old dense forests, which are at least 20 years old.
Boletus grow singly or in groups of 3-5 pcs. Large myceliums are extremely rare.
Is it possible to eat Fechtner's boletus
Boletus Fechtner belongs to the edible mushroom category. It can be eaten raw, boiled or fried. Can be added to various dishes, canned (salt, pickle), dry, freeze.
False doubles
Fechtner himself is safe, however, inexperienced mushroom pickers have a great chance to confuse him with one of the conditionally edible and even poisonous species.
Root boletus... Inedible, but not poisonous either. The pulp is very bitter, absolutely unsuitable for cooking. In appearance, it is very similar to Fechtner's boletus. It has a similar semi-convex shape, tuberous stem, yellow spore-bearing layer.You can distinguish it by the color of the cap: it is lighter with a greenish, bluish or gray tint around the edges.
When pressed, a blue spot appears on the cap
Semi-white mushroom (yellow boletus). Belonged to the conditionally edible category. It can be used boiled, fried, pickled. The pulp has a distinct smell of iodine, which becomes dull after heat treatment. It differs from Boletus Fechtner in a lighter color and the absence of a mesh pattern on the leg.
At the break, the flesh of the yellow boletus does not change color
Gall mushroom... Very similar to Boletus Fechtner, it is poisonous. The hat is smooth, matte, grayish-brown color. The leg is thick, cylindrical, yellowish-brown in color, but without the characteristic reticular pattern. The tubular layer is white or gray. The taste is bitter and unpleasant.
Even after heat treatment, the pulp remains unbearably bitter
Collection rules
Boletus Fechtner belongs to protected mushrooms, it is very rare. You can find it in the summer-autumn period (July – September) in areas with a warm, humid climate.
Use
Bolet Fechtner belongs to the III category. It does not have a pronounced mushroom flavor or aroma, but it is quite nutritious. It is often compared to a porcini mushroom.
Difficulties with cleansing, as a rule, do not arise. Fallen leaves do not stick to the smooth cap, and the porous tubular layer can be easily washed under running water.
Wormy mushrooms can cause helminth infections
For the preparation of Fechtner's pickled boletus, any recipe that includes a sufficient amount of aromatic spices is suitable.
In addition to canning, the fruits tolerate freezing or drying well. They can be used raw to make salads.
Conclusion
Boletus Fechtner is a rare protected mushroom with an interesting coloration. It is edible, but does not differ in taste or aroma. You should not collect it without special need and specifically introduce it into your diet.
