Porcini Mushrooms

Preparation, uses, and tips

Before using fresh porcinis, remove the base of the stem and the vertical tubes under the cap. To reconstitute dried porcinis, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes. Save the soaking water for use in sauces and soup stock. Porcinis should always be thoroughly cooked, as they have a reputation for causing stomach upset when eaten raw. In addition, cooking brings out the flavour. Sauté or fry them for 5 to 7 minutes; or cook them in a small amount of liquid in a tightly sealed pan for 15 minutes. Once cooked, use them in any recipe that requires mushrooms. The flavour of porcinis blends especially well with Italian seasonings. Porcinis are also delicious when grilled. Brush the mushrooms with butter or oil just before placing them on the grill. Heat the mushrooms thoroughly, sprinkle them immediately with Parmesan cheese, and serve.

Buying and storing tips

When purchasing fresh porcinis, select mushrooms with firm stems and a rich, woodsy aroma. If the stem is mushy or feels hollow, it is infested with insects. If the mushroom lacks fragrance, it is probably old and will not have much flavour. Fresh porcinis spoil quickly and should be eaten within a few days of collection or purchase. Keep them in a paper bag or wrapped in a cloth. Store both dried and tinned porcinis in a cool, dry place.

Varieties

In addition to the porcini mushroom (Boletus edulis), there are a few varieties of boletus mushrooms: red and yellow bolete, white king bolete, butter bolete, ragger’s bolete, and painted slippery cap. However, porcinis are definitely the most desirable for cooking and eating.

Nutrition Highlights

Porcini mushroom, 100g (raw)
Calories: 26
Protein: 2.5g
Carbohydrate: 5.1g
Total Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 1.5g
*Excellent source of: Niacin (4.5mg)
*Good source of: Potassium (484mg) Selenium (11mcg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.