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Oak boletus (Leccinum quercinum) is a tubular species of mushrooms from the genus Obabok. Popular for its high nutritional value. The composition of the fruiting body includes a set of elements useful for the human body. The species is distributed in mixed forests of European and Central Our Country.
What do oak boletuses look like
Oak aspen mushrooms are large mushrooms that are a variety of a large family of aspen mushrooms.
The fruiting body has a massive stem and a dark brown or brick-colored cap, the shape of which changes as the mushroom matures:
- in young specimens, the upper part is rounded, tightly pressed to the stem;
- in middle age, the hat opens, takes the form of a pillow with concave edges, the average diameter is about 18 cm;
- ripe fruiting bodies may have a prostrate, flat cap, in some cases with curved edges;
- the protective film is dry, velvety, in some specimens the surface is porous, with small cracks;
- the lower part is tubular, with small cells, the spore-bearing layer is white at the beginning of growth, with time it turns yellow with a brown tint;
- the tubular structure has a clear border near the stem;
- the pulp is white, dense, non-brittle, thick, darkens when damaged, then turns blue;
- the leg is thick, the structure is solid, the surface is finely scaly;
- the lower part often goes into the ground, near the mycelium the color is darker than in the upper part.
Where do oak boletuses grow
Oak boletuses are often found in mixed or deciduous forests. They are located only under oaks, with the root system of this tree species form mycorrhiza.
They prefer moderately moist soils, can grow in the shade on a layer of rotten leaves and in open space among short grass. By the location of the mycelium, you can determine how spread the root system of the oak is.
Oak boletus grows singly or in small groups. Fruiting begins in mid-summer. The main peak occurs at the end of August; in dry weather, the formation of fruiting bodies stops, resuming after precipitation. The last specimens are found in late September – early October.
Is it possible to eat oak boletus
The species among its family does not have false twins; all aspen mushrooms are classified as edible mushrooms. The flesh of the fruiting body is white, does not change color after processing. It has a sweetish taste, pronounced mushroom smell. There are no toxic compounds in the chemical composition. They use oak boletus even raw.
False twins of oak boletus
External resemblance to the boletus has a gall fungus.
The color of the fungus is bright yellow or brown with a brown tint. In terms of size and fruiting time, these species are the same. The twin differs in that it can grow under all types of trees, including conifers. The cap is more prostrate, the tubular layer is thick, protruding beyond the edges of the cap, with a pink tint. Leg with a clear mesh of veins. When broken, the flesh turns pink.
There are no toxic substances in the composition, the species is classified as conditionally edible, the fruiting body is soaked and boiled before use.
Another twin is pepper mushroom. In Our Country, it is included in the category of conditionally edible, in the West it is classified as poisonous. Toxic compounds present in the fruiting body, after frequent use, accumulate in the body, which leads to the destruction of the liver.
The colors of the upper part of the mushrooms are similar. The leg of the twin is thinner and more uniform, without a scaly coating. The tubular layer is loose, with large cells. When broken, the flesh becomes brown. The taste is pungent. It is almost impossible to get rid of bitterness even with careful processing.
Collection rules
The chemical composition of oak aspen mushrooms is dominated by protein, which is not inferior in nutritional value to protein of animal origin. In the process of decomposition, it releases toxic substances that cause poisoning. When harvesting, it is not recommended to cut overripe specimens. Age can be determined by the shape of the cap: it becomes flat with raised edges, the spore-bearing layer is dark and loose.
They also do not harvest in an ecologically unfavorable zone: near industrial enterprises and city dumps, on the sides of highways. Fruiting bodies absorb and accumulate harmful substances and heavy metals.
Use
Oak boletus are characterized by high nutritional value. Fruiting bodies are suitable for any processing method, soaking or boiling is not required for cooking. Oak boletus is a good option for winter harvesting. They are dried, frozen, salted and pickled.
Conclusion
Oak boletus is considered an elite species. Common, high yield. Useful substances in the composition of the fruiting body are completely preserved after heat treatment.
