Learn what makes the porcini mushroom so popular in Italian cuisine.
The porcini mushroom is an incredibly popular gourmet mushroom, especially in Italian cuisine. The porcini mushroom has a robust nutty flavor, which mixes well with many dishes. The mushroom is popular with us here at Giolitti Deli. Read on to learn why these mushrooms are so well-liked among Italian cuisine-lovers and how you can enjoy them at Giolitti Deli.
The Names of the Porcini Mushroom
Porcini translates to “piglets” in Italian. They are also referred to throughout the world as the king bolete, cèpe (in French), Steinpilz (“stone mushroom” in German), and more. The Latin name for the mushroom is Boletus edulis. The phrase “porcini mushroom” refers to a few different species, but the Boletus edulis or “king bolete” is the mushroom referred to when people talk about porcini.
The Appearance of the Porcini
Porcini mushrooms can grow quite large, with a cap up to 12 inches in diameter. The cap is often brown or reddish-brown with a slightly sticky texture. The underside of the cap is spongy, and the bolete genus has tubes instead of gills for spore dispersal. Porcini are also known for having a thick stem.
These mushrooms are dense, and not hollow. When mature, the porcini can weight up to a couple of pounds!
Where Porcini Grows
Porcini mushrooms form a mycorrhizal relationship with pine trees, which means they have a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants. This means that the plant gets better access to water and nutrients through the mushroom, and the fungus gets access to the sugars that the plant produces.
Because of their symbiotic relationship, you can find porcini mushrooms on the ground in hardwood forests, fruiting in the summer to fall. They famously grow in Italy, but they also grow in parts throughout Europe, North American, and even New Zealand and South Africa.
Nutritional and Flavor Benefits of Porcini Mushrooms
Besides tasting great, porcini mushrooms are also good for you. The mushroom has a high protein content, which makes them a great substitute in vegetarian dishes.
Because they are mycorrhizal, the mushrooms cannot be mass cultivated like the white button mushroom. Therefore, you are more likely to see dried porcini at the store, rather than fresh. Dried porcini still add a strong flavor to pasta, soups, and sauces. When purchasing, look for mushrooms that are still whole, not crumbling, and have a strong smell.
Fresh porcini are more available in Europe than in the United States. But, if you are purchasing fresh porcini mushrooms, avoid a cap that is dark, soft, or covered in black spots because that mushroom is too mature for eating.
Enjoy Porcini Mushrooms at Giolitti Deli
At Giolitti, we sell dried porcini mushrooms and can special order frozen porcini. We can prepare pasta or meat with mushroom sauce and suggest pairing your meal with a wine from Montalcino in Tuscany. Our favorites are Brunello di Montalcino, and it’s baby brother Rosso di Montalcino.
Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli
Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!
Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!
Tags: italian cuisine, mushrooms, porcini