It's a Kind of Magic

Every year in autumn, when we receive the first rains before winter, my father eagerly waits for the Porcini mushroom season to begin. As soon as the cold front has passed and the sun shines again, we put on our boots, grab our mushroom picking baskets, pick up our mushroom picking enthusiastic friends along the way and off to the forests we go. 

The search begins.

Porcini, which means “piglets” in Italian and is also commonly known as cep, is part of the species Boletus. It is considered one of the safest wild mushrooms to pick as there are no poisonous species that closely resemble it.

Porcini are quite rare and sought after, a culinary gem for their distinctive nutty flavour. They can be prepared fresh, preserved in oil or brine and even stored in airtight containers once dried as they maintain their flavour.  They are nutritionally good for you and are low in fat and high in protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

Searching for Porcini is almost like a treasure hunt. It is not for certain that you will find any mushrooms as they are not native to South Africa. It is believed to have been introduced with the import of pine trees. But once you find your ‘X’ that marks the spot, your happiness flourishes as you know you have found a secret spot to return to each year.

Eureka! We found Porcini!

When you scan the forest floor you ask yourself one question, “If I was a mushroom where would I lie and wait for someone to come find me?”  

However, that is the problem though; Porcini’s do not want to be found and are very clever at hiding away. They are also particular about the conditions they grow in.

They commonly grow beneath pine and oak trees. The soil needs to be damp, the ground still warm from the sun’s heat and the air humid for Porcini to cultivate. So if you find yourself in a damp, musty smelling part of the forest, your chances are good at finding mushrooms. The best time to look for mushrooms is after the first rains in April.

Pine forests, the natural home of Porcini.

You need to keep your eyes peeled to the ground and don’t be fooled by the smooth stones that poke their heads out from the leaves. They are deceiving and you will start to jump up and down shouting, “I’ve found one, I’ve found one” only to discover it was a rock.

Furthermore, you won’t be the only one looking for Porcini mushrooms. Besides fellow mushroom enthusiasts, the forest animals also enjoy the nutty, earthy and meaty flavour of Porcini. Squirrels and baboons also see Porcini as an appetizing treat.



What you looking at?

So if you can contend with the finicky growing conditions of the Porcini and the natural predators, as well as add some patience and a love for walking in nature, you may very well have a good chance of finding a culinary treasure for your table.

Porcini for the table.

Hopefully I have given you enough tips in this article to go out and search for Porcini. However, I won’t be sharing our secret spots as the magic lies in the joy of discovering a hidden Porcini.

Happy mushroom hunting everyone!