Content
The boletus is turning pink, variegated or oxidizing, the birch is the name of the same mushroom of the Boletovye family. This species is a close relative of boletus and is characterized by high taste, therefore it is suitable for any type of processing without preliminary preparation. The official name is Leccinum roseafractum.
Where does the pink boletus mushroom grow
This mushroom prefers to grow in the tundra and humid forests of the Northern regions. And also it can be found in the highlands, in combination with woody and shrub birches. It can not always be found at the base of trees; it is often located further away from the trunk, above the young roots.
The fungus grows in isolation in small groups of 2-3 pieces in a birch or mixed forest. It prefers to camouflage itself in thickets of tall grass and moss. It can often be found on the shores of forest lakes, swamps, and also near peat bogs.
The pink boletus is widespread in the northern part of Western Europe. But you can find it only during a period of high humidity in the forest.
What does a pink boletus look like?
This species has a classical form of the structure of the fruit body. Therefore, his cap and leg are clearly pronounced. The upper part is characterized by a small size, and its diameter in adult specimens does not exceed 7 cm.The height of the fruiting body is 12-15 cm, but there are some exceptions that reach 20 cm.
The size of the pink boletus is much smaller than its congeners
At the initial stage of growth, the cap is hemispherical, smooth, but as it matures, it becomes convex, pillow-shaped. The surface is yellow-brown in color, on which randomly spaced light spots are clearly visible, which gives the impression of a marble pattern. This feature is a distinctive feature of the species.
On the back of the cap is a tubular layer, which initially has a light shade, and as the spore powder matures, it becomes a dirty gray color. When you press it with your finger, it quickly turns pink.
The pulp has a dense white texture. But upon contact with air, the boletus initially turns pink at the cut, and then darkens. Because of this feature, the mushroom got its name. In ripe specimens, the flesh becomes loose and watery.
The leg of the pink boletus is cylindrical, slightly thickened at the base. It can be either flat or slightly curved towards the sun's rays. Its main shade is light, and dense dark gray scales are located on top. In external color, the leg resembles a birch trunk. The flesh of the lower part is initially firm, and as it matures, it becomes fibrous.
Is it possible to eat pink boletus
This species is considered edible. It is suitable for consumption both fresh and processed.
Only young specimens need to be collected and harvested, since during ripening, the structure of the pulp changes significantly and becomes unsuitable for food.
Mushroom taste
In terms of taste, this species belongs to the second category. When broken, the pulp exudes a pleasant mushroom smell. Fresh and cooked, it tastes slightly sweet.
Benefits and harm to the body
The pink boletus has a rich chemical composition. It contains the following components:
- carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber;
- vitamins of group B, C, PP;
- mono-, disaccharides;
- alimentary fiber;
- unsaturated fatty acids;
- minerals (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, sodium).
Thanks to this, the mushroom has many beneficial properties for the human body. Its regular use helps:
- reduce the content of harmful cholesterol in the blood;
- normalize blood pressure;
- accelerate the processes of hematopoiesis;
- improve metabolism;
- improve immunity;
- normalize the work of the digestive system.
Pink boletus can harm the body only if you are intolerant to the product. Therefore, in case of signs of allergy, it is necessary to exclude the mushroom from the diet. If there are complications of the situation, you should immediately call a doctor.
False doubles
In appearance, the pink boletus is in many ways similar to the bile mushroom, which is considered poisonous. Therefore, you should know the distinguishing features of a false double in order to avoid intoxication of the body.
A gall fungus can be recognized by the rough surface of the cap, which is palpable if you run your finger over it. It should also be alarming that adult specimens do not have even the slightest signs of worminess. This is due to the fact that insects do not eat the false double due to bitterness.
Important! The gall fungus grows in oak groves near rotten stumps or ditches, which is unusual for a boletus.
The gall fungus is never wormy even when ripe
The double's hat does not have a characteristic marble pattern; its shade can be reddish-green or bright brown. The surface of the leg is covered with a beige mesh that resembles blood vessels.
Collection rules
The fruiting period of the pink boletus begins in June and lasts until the end of October. This species is characterized by rapid growth and, in the presence of favorable conditions, grows by 4 cm per day, and after six days it fully matures.
Young specimens should be collected, since in the process of growing up, the taste deteriorates, and the pulp becomes watery.
When harvesting, you need to cut the boletus at the base with a sharp knife so as not to damage the mycelium. This will allow collection at one location annually.
Use
Pink boletus can be fried, pickled, stewed, boiled. In addition, it can be dried and frozen. The only drawback of the species is that the pulp turns black during heat treatment.
The structure of the boletus leg is a little stiffer, therefore it needs a longer heat treatment. The lower part is best used for making soups, sauces, main courses, combining it with vegetables and meat. The hats are best used for baking, frying, drying, pickling, and can also be used fresh.
Conclusion
The pink boletus is a delicious mushroom that enjoys well-deserved popularity among lovers of quiet hunting. You can meet him in the forest only with high air humidity, since during dry periods the development of mycelium stops. But when collecting, it is necessary to clearly know the characteristic differences of the species, so as not to confuse it with a false double.
