Suillus luteus / Suillus luteus — a mushroom species in the genus Suillus. Cap diameter ranges from 3-14 cm, the cap is hemispherical, later convex, flat-convex, or cushion-shaped, sometimes with a raised margin and a smooth, slimy surface. The cap skin color varies from brown to dark brown, chocolate-brown, reddish-brown, reddish-brown, yellow-brown, yellowish-brown, grayish-brown, or brownish-olive. The skin easily detaches from the flesh and has a radially fibrous structure, highly slimy. The cap flesh is soft, juicy, whitish or yellowish, darker beneath the skin, the stem base is rust-brown. The gill layer is attached to the stem, yellow, pores initially whitish or pale-yellow, later yellow or dark-yellow, small and round. The stem is 3-11 cm tall and 1-2.5 cm thick, cylindrical, solid, longitudinally fibrous, whitish or yellowish, with a membranous ring (hood) initially white, later brownish, black-brown, or dirty-purple, above the ring the stem has a powdery or lemon-yellow color, and the lower part is brownish.
One of the most popular edible mushrooms. Used in soups, fried, pickled, marinated, sauces, and side dishes (previously boiled for 10-15 minutes). Young mushrooms are considered most delicious when pickled or marinated. Before canning, it is recommended to remove the cap skin, otherwise the brine will become dark and overly thick. Drying is rarely used, but still suitable; when dried, it darkens and is usually dried with uncleaned caps. In some regions, such as Mexico and the Canary Islands, Suillus luteus is cultivated on plantations.
Cultivation of Suillus luteus on a home plot: in a shaded area, on an area of 2.5-3 m2, dig down 30 cm, and fill with nutrient mix.
First layer: (laid on the bottom) fallen leaves, grass or wood bark (10 cm).
Second layer: forest compost or soil under trees (10 cm). Then evenly sprinkle dry mycelium previously mixed with 1 liter of dry soil.
Third layer: plant residues, similar to the first layer, but 3 cm thick.
Fourth layer: garden soil (3-5 cm). After sowing, water by drip irrigation.
First mushrooms appear after 1.5-2 months, then every 1-1.5 weeks.
In indoor settings, cultivate similarly, but plant in trays. The mycelium lives up to 5 years. Cultivation can be done at any time of year.
