Yongping Boletus

Yongping Boletus

　　The scientific name of boletus is Boletus edulis, which is the most comprehensive and highest-yielding wild mushroom variety among Yongping's forest understory specialty resources.

　　Boletes are a general term for fungi in the Boletaceae and Strobilomycetaceae families. Except for a few varieties that are toxic or bitter and inedible, most can be consumed. The cap of the bolete is flattened and hemispherical, smooth, non-sticky, light brown in color, with white flesh that has a soy-like aroma and can be used medicinally. Boletes are highly nutritious, delicious, and are among the most flavorful wild edible mushrooms.

　　Yongping boasts abundant bolete resources, with many high-quality edible varieties, mainly including white, yellow, and black boletes. White bolete, also known as Boletus edulis, mostly grows in broad-leaved forests such as oak and chestnut, as well as mixed coniferous-broadleaf forests. It grows singly or in clusters, with its main growing season from May to October each year, often appearing more abundantly after rain followed by sunny weather, making it easy to harvest. White boletes are relatively large in size, with thick and fleshy caps and sturdy stems. They are delicious, highly nutritious, and are a world-renowned edible mushroom. This mushroom also has medicinal benefits, such as clearing heat and relieving irritability, nourishing blood and harmonizing the middle, dispelling wind and cold, relaxing tendons and activating blood circulation, as well as tonifying deficiencies and refreshing the spirit. It is one of the ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine “Shujin Pills” (Muscle-Relaxing Pills), and is also an effective remedy in gynecology, treating conditions such as leukorrhea and infertility in women. In addition, its water extract has inhibitory effects on the growth of mouse sarcoma S-180, with a suppression rate of 100% against sarcoma S-180 and 90% against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. It also has anti-influenza virus properties and helps prevent and treat colds. Yellow and black boletes belong to the same family as white boletes, share similar methods of consumption, and have comparable flavors.

　　Boletes contain eight essential amino acids required by the human body, as well as alkaloids such as adenine, choline, and putrescine. They can be used medicinally to treat lumbar and leg pain, numbness in the hands and feet, and limb convulsions, and are also used to treat abnormal vaginal discharge in women. They offer benefits such as clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing blood and harmonizing the middle, dispelling wind and cold, relaxing tendons and activating blood circulation, as well as tonifying deficiencies and refreshing the spirit. It is clear that Boletus edulis is indeed a versatile and dual-purpose treasure among forest mushrooms, with both food and medicinal value. Regular consumption of boletes can significantly enhance the body’s immune function and improve microcirculation.

　　Source: Dali Prefecture Tourism Development Management Committee