Karljohan and the nordic boletes
Journey with us through the labyrinth of history and folklore surrounding the Bolete Edulis—also known as Karl Johan in the mystical forests of Scandinavia. Once shunned due to cultural 'mycophobia,' this 'king of mushrooms' found its regal status thanks to a French-swedish king. Today's Karl Johan is a foraging favorite, a culinary treasure hidden amidst mossy forest floors.
The Art of Drying Wild Mushrooms
Drying mushrooms, especially boletes, creates an incredibly pungent and long-lasting pantry staple that adds a woodsy, umami boost to any dish. We like to slice them thin and hang them near our wood stove, where the circulating air and gentle heat work wonders in drawing out moisture. Stored in clip-top jars and displayed in a shaded kitchen corner, these dried boletes not only look decorative but offer an intense mushroom aroma that always delights our guests. It's like capturing the essence of a forest walk in a jar.
The giant boletus mushrooms
In our woodland explorations, we've discovered giant bolete mushrooms, with some weighing in at over a pound each. These are the grand specimens of Boletus edulis and Boletus badius, majestic in size and brimming with deep, intense flavor, akin to a finely matured cheese. Here, we showcase some of our most impressive findings, each one a delectable promise of meals to come and a vivid reminder of the bountiful surprises the forest holds.