Home > Queen bolete

Photo By damontighe

Queen bolete

Boletus regineus

A species of Boletus

It was once thought that the queen bolete and the Dark cep (Boletus aereus) were the same species until molecular studies identified them as separate. While the Dark cep grows in Europe, the queen bolete is found throughout southwestern North America. It is easily distinguished by the unevenly pigmented dark brown cap, covered with white spores when the specimen is still young.

Cap Diameter:

6 - 18 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Queen 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 Queen bolete

Cap Diameter

6 - 18 cm

Height

8 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 18 cm wide; convex then flat; brown with a whitish dusting when young

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Stem

5 - 15 cm long, 3 - 6 cm wide; clavate then equal; whitish tan

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Surfaces

With Reticulum

Flesh

Up to 2 cm thick; firm in youth, soft at maturity; white; unchanging

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Olive

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Bronze

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Queen bolete by these plants:

Pines, Oaks, Spruces, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Queen bolete

The queen bolete can be found in mixed and coniferous forests. It grows in the duff under a conifer, with whom it forms a symbiotic relationship, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides the fungus with sugars and amino acids.

Uses of Queen bolete

Queen bolete is a prized edible mushroom, sought after for its culinary value. It's popular among foragers and gourmet chefs, especially during its peak season. Queen bolete is known to enhance dishes with its rich flavor. While it's widely consumed, it's essential to properly identify queen bolete due to the risk of confusion with toxic species. Always consult an expert before consumption to ensure safety.

Scientific Classification of Queen bolete

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Boletes

Genus

Boletus

Toxicity and Edibility of Queen bolete

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

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

Download the App for Free

Edibility of Queen bolete

Though not as prized as its cousin the King Bolete (Boletus edulis), the queen bolete is reported to be a good edible, with a savory flavor and solid texture.

Similar Species to Queen 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

Queen bolete

How to Differentiate Between Bitter bolete and Queen bolete?

Queen bolete: Stem is usually reticulated at the top.

Bitter bolete: Stem has a noticeable net-like pattern over its entire length.

Queen bolete: Features a pore surface that's whitish when young, becoming yellowish with age.

Bitter bolete: Pore surface is pink to brown.

Tips for Finding Queen 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 Queen bolete

Begin your search for queen bolete in late summer to early fall. These mushrooms thrive after several days of warm, wet weather, typically following a heavy rain in these seasons.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Queen bolete

Well-draining with organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Queen bolete

Explore where hardwood and conifers overlap, as queen bolete prefers these mixed zones.
Look for queen bolete in the presence of organic debris like fallen leaves and branches.
Gently explore the base of trees, as queen bolete tends to grow near tree roots.
Scan for queen bolete's distinctive cap shape and color among the forest floor's natural camouflage.
Be mindful of the forest's moist areas, often a conducive environment for queen bolete.

How to Clean and Preserve Queen 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 Queen bolete

To clean queen bolete, brush off any debris gently from the cap. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface and avoid soaking under running water to prevent absorption and guarantee thorough cleaning.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Queen bolete

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in airtight containers, in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures even drying while preserving nutritional properties.

Oven drying: Use at low temperatures to avoid uneven drying and preserve quality.

Air drying: Requires well-ventilated areas, suitable for less humid climates.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Queen bolete

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanching inactivates enzymes, retains texture.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Queen bolete

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow airflow, preventing mold growth.

Cloth Wrapping: Encase in a damp cloth to maintain humidity without waterlogging, and place in a refrigerator crisper drawer.

Original Packaging Storage: If bought commercially, keep in its original packaging, which is designed to maintain optimal moisture levels.

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

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Queen bolete

King bolete

Boletus edulis