Fungo di Borgotaro

Also known as the Porcino di Borgotaro, this variety of mushroom grows in the coniferous Apennine forests of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. They can be found in larger numbers around the provinces of Borgo Val di Taro, Parma, Pontermoli, Massa, and Carrara. Fungo di Borgotaro has been cultivated since the early 1700s and today there are four recognized types. Boletus Aestivalis, locally called Rosso (red) or Fungo del Caldo (hot weather mushroom), can be found in chestnut groves between May and September. Boletus Pinicola, called Moro (dark), is found either during summer in chestnut groves or during fall in beech and silver fir woods. Boletus Aureus, also called Magnan, grows in chestnut and oak woods from July to September.

And lastly, Boletus Edulis, called Fungo del Freddo (cold weather mushroom) can be found growing in beech, silver fir, and chestnut woods, from September until the first winter snow. Being such a versatile food, Porcino di Borgotaro can be served as an appetizer, raw and thinly sliced, sautéed, grilled or prepared in various pasta, tortellini and gnocchi sauces.