His majesty, the European bolete mushroom

_{Photo credit: Jenn Kosar}

_{Photo credit: Lucia Hošova}

Cover photo by Peter Oslanec

European bolete mushroom, also known as the king of mushrooms is the favourite target of every mushroom gatherer, roaming the forest after the rain. They have always been one of the most valued mushrooms in Croatia, and its recognizable, plumpy shape with a brown cap and characteristic smell can be recognized by almost everyone. Around thirty similar varieties grow in Croatia, and some of them are protected by the law.

You can prepare them in many different ways. In the Zagorje region, they traditionally prepare them with eggs. They fry them in the pan with lard and chopped onions and add beaten eggs. Bolete mushroom soup is also widely known, seasoned with vinegar or sour cream. You can also prepare them on the grill, and the best way to do that is to dip them in melted butter and place them on the grill. It is enough to season them with salt and pour with few drops of an alcoholic beverage. Serve them with prosciutto or ham and a slice of bread.

There are plenty of recipes for their preparation. In order to experience their true, authentic flavour, try them in raw version. The only condition is that they are absolutely young and fresh. Cut them into thin slices and mix with peeled sliced almonds, and season with a little olive oil and aceto balasamico, salt and pepper. Pepper goes well with mushrooms in all versions. 

The greatest pleasure is to spot the bolete mushroom in the forest, its brown cap hidden under the leaves. Approach it carefully, because there could be more hidden mushrooms in the surroundings. In order to determine its age, bend and tap it on the cap and the accompanying sound will reveal its age. If the sound is resonant, the mushroom is young, and if the sound is weak and the tap leaves a hole in the cap, you will know that the mushroom is old and it’s better to leave it in the forest. The bolete mushroom is never alone, so look around you and you will most likely find more mushrooms in the same area.

There are various folk legends about these mushrooms. It is known that they grow after heavy rain, and people believe that the strong thunderstorm stimulates their growth. Perhaps there is something in that, if you know the story about the Japanese and Chinese playing drums to stimulate the growth of their shiitake mushrooms.

Before the mushroom hunt, make sure you know how to recognize them. If the mushroom hunting is not for you, buy them in the farmer's market and begin experimenting.  You can always prepare them "Zagorje-style", with eggs, it's fast and easy!