porcini (Boletus edulis)
Boletus edulis is a strong tubercle with brown cap and white net on the thick stem. It is considered one of the most sought-after edible mushrooms in Central Europe and grows mainly among spruce and beech.
Scientific name: Boletus edulis
Features
The cap is 5 to 25 cm wide, light to dark brown, often with a lighter edge, smooth and slightly greasy to bacon shining in moisture. The tubes are young white, then turn yellowish and in old age olive green. They do not turn blue on pressure. The stem is thick, bulbous to bumpy, whitish to light brown and carries above all a fine, white net. Ring and volva are missing. It smells pleasantly mushroomy and tastes mild nutty. If Tylopilus felleus is suspected, a tiny taste sample on the raw flesh, which you immediately spit out; Tylopilus felleus tastes very bitter. The flesh is firm and white and does not discolour when cut, under the cap skin it is often slightly wine-tan. Olive brown
Habitat
Especially spruce and European beech, also pine, fir, oak and birch.. Rather acidic, nutrient-poor soil in coniferous and deciduous forests.. From lowlands to mountain forests.
Season
June to November Occasionally from May, in larger quantities usually from August to October; Night frosts end the season.
Weather and fruiting
Needs a solid rain after warm days, then several moist, mild nights. The soil should stay damp without waterlogging.
Lookalike risk
Bitter bolete: It has a dark, coarse stem net and pink tubes in old age, and it tastes extremely bitter. Devil's bolete: It has red pores, a red-netted stem and blue flesh. Bay bolete: Its stem is without net, and the yellow tubes blue on pressure.
More regions
porcini · Scottish Highlands
Cool, wet Atlantic climate; season later and longer than in southern England.
porcini · Cairngorms
Upland granite and pine woods; elevation delays fruiting compared with the coast.
porcini · New Forest
Lowland mixed woods and heath; earlier season after mild, wet summers.
porcini · Lake District
High rainfall on western fells; valleys fruit earlier than high tarns.
porcini · Galloway
Mild, wet south-west Scotland with Sitka and mixed woodland.
More species
Lookalike risk: porcini / bitter bolete
FAQ
What does the map show?
Weather-based foraging chances, not a guarantee that fruit bodies stand at the pin.
Can I eat this mushroom?
No page replaces identification. If unsure, leave it or ask an expert.
Cep: is it edible?
Yes, it is an edible mushroom. One of the best edible mushrooms, but young specimens are often confused with the bitter Tylopilus felleus.
Cep: when and where does it grow?
In central Europe the season runs June to November. Occasionally from May, in larger quantities usually from August to October; Night frosts end the season. Habitat: Especially spruce and European beech, also pine, fir, oak and birch.
Cep: what are the lookalikes?
The most important distinction is from Devil's bolete (Rubroboletus satanas, poisonous): It has red pores, a red-netted stem and blue flesh. Other lookalikes: Bitter bolete, Bay bolete.
When is a trip worth it?
Needs a solid rain after warm days, then several moist, mild nights. The soil should stay damp without waterlogging.