Boleto Baio

Many Italians wrongfully doubt the edibility of this fungus belonging to the Boletus family (beneath the cap it has pores instead of gills) as, when cut, the flesh turns a little blue on coming into contact with the air. Otherwise it looks quite ordinary and is sometimes confused with other boleti, some of which are edible and others poisonous, and it is also sometimes confused with porcini. It can, though, be distinguished by the fact that it grows in the northern and central regions of Italy in summer and autumn under beech and pine trees, where there is grass or moss. Its surface looks like brown velvet or leather when dry, although it turns slippery and sticky when wet. It grows in large families so, when you do find them, there are always plenty to take home.