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Red cracking bolete

Xerocomellus chrysenteron

A species of Xerocomellus, Also known as Red cracked bolete

The red cracking bolete mushroom is considered difficult to accurately identify, due to its similarity in many ways to others of its genus. It seems to occur only rarely around the northern hemisphere, but it may have been misclassified in some sources. In spite of the name, the surface of the red cracking bolete's cap only rarely appears "cracked."

Cap Diameter:

3 - 11 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Red cracking bolete

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Attributes of Red cracking bolete

Cap Diameter

3 - 11 cm

Height

4 - 8 cm

Cap

2 - 7 cm; convex, flat; dark to grayish brown or rarely reddish overall

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat

Cap Surfaces

Velvety, Fibrillose-scaly

Stem

3 - 7 cm long, 5 - 15 mm thick; equal, or tapering to a pinched base; yellow, pinkish reddish; smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Whitish to pale yellow, yellow; staining slowly bluish on exposure, slowly bluing when cut

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brownish-pink to olivaceous brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

Purple

Pink

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to blue

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Red cracking bolete by these plants:

Oaks, Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Red cracking bolete

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Red cracking bolete

The red cracking bolete grows in deciduous forests, in wooded areas, or near roads and trails. It is mostly associated with oak and beech, but it sometimes appears near conifers, and always near the roots of trees. It exists in a symbiotic relationship in which tree and fungus feed each other essential nutrients.

Distribution Area of Red cracking bolete

North America,Europe,North Africa,northern Asia,New Zealand

Uses of Red cracking bolete

Red cracking bolete is an edible mushroom appreciated for its culinary value, especially when young. It's a popular choice among foragers due to its flavor and seasonal abundance. Typically found in late summer to fall, red cracking bolete is sought after for use in various dishes. While it's not widely known for medicinal properties, care should be taken to properly identify this mushroom as it can be confused with less edible species.

Scientific Classification of Red cracking bolete

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Boletes and allies

Family

Boletes

Genus

Xerocomellus

Toxicity and Edibility of Red cracking bolete

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Edibility of Red cracking bolete

Although the red cracking bolete is reported as edible, this mushroom's lack of flavor and brittle texture make it non-desirable culinarily. Young mushrooms are best when dried and become slimy when cooked. Mature specimens decay quickly and rarely of good enough quality to eat. Furthermore, red cracking bolete can be confused with many other mushrooms, including some that are toxic. Since it is often low quality and hard to identify, most people pass on eating this mushroom.

Similar Species to Red cracking bolete

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Tips for Finding Red cracking bolete

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When is the Best Time to Find Red cracking bolete

Search for red cracking bolete in late summer to fall, before the first frost when the ground is still warm. Rainy periods followed by mild, sunny days increase your chances of finding them.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Red cracking bolete

Prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Red cracking bolete

Seek out areas with a prevalence of oak trees or mixed forests with both conifers and hardwoods.
Inspect the base of trees, as red cracking bolete tends to grow close to tree roots.
Look for mushrooms that emerge alone or in small groups rather than large clusters.
Examine areas with moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Scan for mushrooms with a reddish-cracked cap, which is a distinguishing feature of red cracking bolete.

How to Clean and Preserve Red cracking bolete

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How to Clean Red cracking bolete

To clean red cracking bolete, gently brush off any debris with a soft brush. If necessary, briefly rinse under running water without soaking. Promptly pat dry with paper towels to maintain red cracking bolete's integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Red cracking bolete

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal for variable water content, maintaining quality, typically at 45-55°C.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Red cracking bolete

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, maintains texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Red cracking bolete

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to allow breathability and reduce moisture buildup.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated bags for airflow, preventing mold and keeping texture.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Layer towels between mushrooms in containers to absorb excess moisture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Where does red cracking bolete found?

When does red cracking bolete appear?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Red cracking bolete

Zeller's bolete

Xerocomellus zelleri

Parasitic bolete

Pseudoboletus parasiticus