Polish mushroom / Xerocomus badius — a mushroom of the genus Xerocomus. In some classifications, it — along with the entire genus Xerocomus — is included in the genus Boletus or Boletus. Russian names for this mushroom also include brown mushroom, pan mushroom, and chestnut-colored xerocomus.
The cap diameter is 4-12 cm (up to 15 cm), the cap is semi-circular, convex, later cushion-shaped, and even flat. The skin does not peel off, is smooth and dry to the touch, slightly sticky in wet weather, matte in young mushrooms, then glossy. Color — chestnut-brown, dark brown, or chocolate-brown.
The flesh is fleshy, dense, whitish or yellowish, slightly blue when cut, then becomes light again, blue in the stem, then turns brown. Pleasant, earthy smell, mild taste.
The gill layer is attached to the stem or nearly free, with a slight depression, the gills are yellowish, later golden-yellow or greenish-yellow, up to 2 cm long, pores angular, initially small and white, light-yellow, later larger, greenish-yellow or olive-yellow, turn blue when pressed.
The stem is 4-12 cm tall and 1-4 cm thick, cylindrical or slightly narrowed or, conversely, swollen at the base, fibrous, light brown, brown or yellow with reddish-brown fibers, lighter at the top and bottom.
Edible, many mushroom hunters consider its quality very good. Used in many mushroom dishes, also suitable for drying and pickling.
Cultivation of Polish mushroom on a homestead plot: in a shaded area, on an area of 2.5-3 m2, dig 30 cm deep, and fill with nutrient mix.
First layer: (spread on the bottom) fallen leaves, grass or wood bark (10 cm).
Second layer: forest compost or soil under trees (10 cm). Then evenly spread dried mycelium previously mixed with 1 liter of dry soil.
Third layer: plant residues, like in the first layer, but 3 cm thick.
Fourth layer: garden soil (3-5 cm). After sowing, water using drip irrigation.
First mushrooms will appear after 1.5-2 months, then every 1-1.5 weeks.
In rooms, cultivate similarly, but plant in boxes. The mycelium lives up to 5 years. Can be cultivated any time of the year.
