Craitele

Craitele are edible wild mushrooms and are part of the spontaneous flora. They have an elegant, corpulent appearance and an attractive color. They are also known as Burete Domnesc, Roinita, or Caesar’s Mushroom. They were highly appreciated by the Romans, and in the past, it was forbidden for common people to consume them.

The stem of the Craitele has a cylindrical shape, slightly swollen, with a length of 8-12 cm, and a width that can vary between 1.5-2.5 cm. The color of the stem is yellow or yellow-orange. On the upper part, there is a membranous ring with a slightly striated surface and the same color as the stem.

At maturity, the cap of the Craitele has an orange color that attracts attention from a distance, and its size varies between 6-18 cm. It has high, dense gills, yellow-orange in color, with somewhat fluffy edges. The cuticle of the Craitele is smooth, shiny, slightly sticky on the outside, and detaches from the cap quite easily.

In the initial stage, the Craitele is very different from its mature appearance. It has an ovoid shape and white color, being completely surrounded by an elastic and membranous layer. The stem and cap, which resemble an egg yolk, can be distinguished. The shape of the cap evolves from cylindrical to convex, becoming flat or slightly concave at maturity.

Craitele are distinguished by their preference for high temperatures. Due to this, the mushrooms quickly lose water from the inside, often leading to radial cracking of the cap.

This type of mushroom is very widespread in the Mediterranean area, but the territory where they grow extends to Romania. Due to global warming, they can be found over an increasingly wider area. Craitele develop in warm and fairly dry places, in deciduous or mixed forests, or along roads in regions with a mild climate. In terms of relief, they can be found from mountains to plains. They prefer sandy soils with fine gravel. This type of mushroom can be harvested between June and November.

Craitele is one of the most appreciated mushrooms, being considered a high-quality mushroom. It is a delicacy even in its raw state, and can be used in salads. Whether consumed fresh or dried, it does not lose its properties. It is suitable for stew, omelet, or grilled. Craitele have a mild, non-specific but very pleasant taste and smell. Their flesh is tender.

These mushrooms contain vitamin D and other nutrients beneficial to the body. They are indicated in the treatment of migraines, in regulating metabolism, and in strengthening the immune system.

Through dehydration, Craitele can be preserved for a long time, and their aroma becomes much more intense.