Home > King bolete

King bolete

Boletus edulis

A species of Boletus, Also known as Penny bun, Steinpilz

Extremely popular in many cuisines, this edible wild mushroom grows around the world near the roots of forest trees. In some regions, king bolete mushrooms are collected in great enough volumes that their sale can support entire families during the harvest season. King boletes are reported to be high in fiber, vitamins B and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and several antioxidants.

Cap Diameter:

8 - 30 cm

Odor:

Faintly pleasant, subtly earthy, not distinctive.

General Info About King bolete

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of King bolete

Cap Diameter

8 - 30 cm

Height

8 - 25 cm

Cap

7 - 40 cm in diameter; convex, flat; brown, reddish brown; smooth to wrinkled

Cap Shape

Convex

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Stem

8 - 25 cm in height, up to 7 cm thick; club-shaped; whitish to buff

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

With Reticulum

Flesh

White, unchanging when sliced

Ring

Purplish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Olive-brown

Odor

Faintly pleasant, subtly earthy, not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find King bolete by these plants:

Bishop pine, Spruces, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland, Scrublands

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify King bolete

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of King bolete

King bolete grows beneath trees of all types, especially conifers, birches, and beeches. It forms a symbiotic relationship with the tree’s roots.

Distribution Area of King bolete

North America, Europe, North Africa, Central America, northern Asia; introduced in South Africa, South America, and New Zealand

Uses of King bolete

King bolete is a highly prized edible mushroom, celebrated for its rich flavor and meaty texture. Popular in culinary practices, it's harvested seasonally and incorporated into various gourmet dishes. It holds significant collection value due to its demand in gastronomy. Commonly consumed, king bolete must be cooked before eating to ensure safety, as consuming it raw can cause discomfort.

Scientific Classification of King bolete

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Boletes

Genus

Boletus

Toxicity and Edibility of King bolete

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

Unlock the Secrets of Mushroom Varieties, Edibility, Toxicity, and Safety Tips!

Download the App for Free

Edibility of King bolete

King bolete is considered by many to be the most delicious mushroom found on the forest floor. It has a large and meaty body that is perfect for eating raw, cooked, or dried. The flavor profile ranges from a musky woodland flavor when young to a more robust smoky flavor as it matures. Do not use water when cleaning or preparing this mushroom as it is quite absorbent.

Similar Species to King bolete

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Bitter bolete

Similar Species

King bolete

How to Differentiate Between Bitter bolete and King bolete?

King bolete: The pore surface color is white or yellowish.

Bitter bolete: The pore surface color is white at first, becoming pink-brown with age.

King bolete: The stem often has fine white reticulation.

Bitter bolete: It exhibits a rougher, net-like pattern on its stem.

Boletus huronensis

Similar Species

King bolete

Confusing Aspects of Boletus huronensis and King bolete?

King bolete and Boletus huronensis are commonly confused due to their comparable shape, color, and size. They both have a similar brown cap and underbelly with yellowish pores.

How to Differentiate Between Boletus huronensis and King bolete?

King bolete: The flesh doesn't change color when cut or bruised.

Boletus huronensis: Flesh slowly turns blue-green when exposed to air.

Tips for Finding King bolete

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find King bolete

Seek king bolete in late summer to late autumn, after rain followed by sunny spells. Mornings are best when the soil retains moisture but isn't waterlogged. Ideal temperatures range from 50-70°F (10-21°C).

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for King bolete

Well-drained, moist, nutrient-rich soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding King bolete

Search around the base of beech, oak, or pine trees, especially where the ground is moist and littered with organic debris.
Look for subtle bulges in the forest litter, as king bolete can sometimes be partially obscured by leaves or pine needles.
Note the presence of other mushroom species, as king bolete often coexists with various kinds of fungi.
Gently probe the soil with a stick around potential areas to uncover any specimens hidden just below the surface.
Visit potential habitats regularly, as king bolete can appear quickly and have a relatively short period of visibility.

How to Clean and Preserve King bolete

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean King bolete

To clean king bolete, use minimal water to avoid moisture absorption, especially into the pores. Brush caps to remove debris. For slimy or old mushrooms, remove the spongy pore material carefully. Discard if worm-eaten or if many wormholes are present, and clean the rest with a damp cloth.

Tips on Dry Preservation of King bolete

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in an airtight container, cool, dark, and low humidity environment for best preservation.

Dehydrator drying: Provides controlled temperature and airflow for efficient moisture removal.

Oven drying: Consistent low heat can effectively dry without overcooking if monitored carefully.

Air drying: Suitable in dry climates; slow process needing good air circulation.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of King bolete

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Helps preserve color, texture, and flavor after thawing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of King bolete

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Cardboard Box Storage, Ventilated Container Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow breathability, reducing moisture buildup and spoilage risk.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp cloth to maintain humidity without excess water accumulation.

Cardboard Box Storage: Line a cardboard box with paper towels for moisture control; place mushrooms inside.

Ventilated Container Storage: Use a partially-sealed container, the slight opening permits air flow, lessening condensation inside.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free

Where is king bolete found?

How do you cook king bolete?

How do you tell if a king bolete is bad?

How long does it take for king bolete to grow?

What is king bolete powder?

What does a king bolete mushroom taste like?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to King bolete

Tylopilus felleus

Boletus aereus

Imleria badia