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Known as the king of wild mushrooms, the porcini, or cepe, mushroom, is widely hunted and harvested throughout Europe, North America, Australia, China, and Mexico. Porcini mushrooms have a long, fleshy stalk, up to 10 inches (25cm) in length. The cap is fleshy, round, and convex, and can be smooth or velvety. The underside of the cap differentiates the porcini from most other mushrooms, as it is covered with vertical tubelike pores instead of gills. Porcini mushrooms have a rich, woodsy aroma.
In addition to the porcini mushroom (Boletus edulis), there are several 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.
Due to the fact that porcini mushrooms have not yet been successfully cultivated, fresh porcinis are rarely found in grocery stores. Dried, canned (from Germany and Switzerland), and frozen (from Spain) porcinis are available in gourmet grocery stores. Porcini oil, flavored with the mushrooms, is also available, and goes well with pasta.
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 flavor. 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 flavor 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.
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. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.
Potassium reduces urinary calcium excretion, and people who eat high amounts of dietary potassium appear to be at low risk of forming kidney stones. The best way to increase potassium is to eat fruits and vegetables. The level of potassium in food is much higher than the small amounts found in supplements.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
In one survey, researchers gathered information from nearly 400 people (half with MS) over three years. They found that consumption of vegetable protein, fruit juice, and foods rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, and potassium correlated with a decreased MS risk.
Researchers have found an association between diets low in potassium and increased risk of stroke. However, the association of increasing dietary potassium intake and decreasing stroke mortality only occurred in black men and hypertensive men in one study. Others have found an association between increased risk of stroke and the combination of low dietary potassium plus high salt intake. Increasing dietary potassium has lowered blood pressure in humans, which by itself should reduce the risk of stroke; however, some of the protective effect of potassium appears to extend beyond its ability to lower blood pressure. Maintaining a high potassium intake is best achieved by eating fruits and vegetables.
Health benefits and
concerns for vegetables
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other
vegetables. Read about health benefits and concerns
for vegetables for a full description.
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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.