In Italian, porcini means “piglets,” a rather diminutive-sounding name, but don’t let that fool you. These are the reigning kings of edible mushrooms. Famed for their earthy, nutty flavor, they’re an integral ingredient in Italian cuisine, often used to enhance risottos, pastas and sauces. Because of their complex growth cycle and symbiotic dependence on the roots of pine trees, the mushrooms are difficult to cultivate, and so have attained an almost legendary repute. There are several different varieties, but the most sought after is Boletus Edulis, or King Bolete, which is the kind used in this product. The mushrooms have been dried using traditional Italian drying methods that use zero additives or impurities, and this process actually intensifies the flavors instead of reducing them. They have also been sealed in an elegant bag to retain those earthy flavors and aromas.
Not only are they delicious, these mushrooms are also low in fat and digestible carbohydrates, and give your body a high dose of protein, minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber.
Before using them, clean the mushrooms thoroughly, removing any dirt or residue. To really bring out the aroma, soak the mushrooms in a mixture of milk and warm water. They’ll give risottos, soups, lasagnas and sauces a pleasant umami kick, and they are particularly delicious when combined with the esteemed white Alba truffle.
Our dried Porcini mushrooms come from Urbani, a prestigious producer of gourmet truffles and mushrooms. Founded in Italy in 1850, they now have offices ranging from New York to Tokyo, and their foods are served on the tables of the finest restaurants, as well as in stunning window displays in famous shops. Having refined their harvesting and preparation techniques for several generations, their reputation for excellence continues to this day.