Pine bolete

Cèpe des pins

What it is

It fruits twice where the oak cep fruits once — a flush after the May rains, a heavier one from late September into November — which is why the trade names and prices it apart from edulis. Mahogany cap, orange-red netting on a swollen stem, and flesh underneath that stays white and does not blue.

In the kitchen

Slice the spring flush thin and raw with oil and parmesan; keep the autumn ones for the pan, cap side down and undisturbed for four minutes so the water leaves before it fries.

Goes with

Butter Garlic Parsley Olive oil Parmesan Thyme Pork Egg

Same species

Bronze bolete Porcini Porcini oil Summer cep

In season alongside

Burdock root Burgundy truffle Cervione hazelnut Matsutake Summer truffle Tome des Bauges

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