Page 241 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Fat Jack, Suillus

caerulescens (SUILLACEAE)

Dick Culbert, CC-BY-2.0

Gabi Ford

Gabi Ford

FAT JACK grows in western North America, from Brit- late. Towards the base, it is smooth to fibrillose and
ish Columbia to California. Tolerant of cold tempera- brownish. When cut, the tissue near the base gradu-
tures, it fruits during the fall and winter under Doug- ally stains blue.
las firs. It occurs in scattered or dense groups and is
VEIL: The veil often leaves a median to superior ring
often accompanied by S. ponderosus. on the stem. The ring is fibrillose, whitish to dull yel-
CAP: The cap is 2-6 inches (5-15cm) broad and con- low, and never slimy.
vex, becoming nearly flat. Its surface is smooth or
SPORES: 8-11 x 3-5 µ, elliptical to spindle-shaped,
streaked with fibrils or scales, and fairly viscid when
smooth; Spore print: cinnamon-brown
moist. Cap color is dull reddish-brown, light brown, or
EDIBLE PARTS: cap, stem
yellow-brown, with paler yellowish margins. Green-
ish smudges may appear when temperatures drop. HOW TO EAT: Fat Jacks can taste mild or slightly lem-
Veil remnants sometimes drape from the margins. ony. Harvest young, firm mushrooms.
The thick, pale yellow flesh stains pinkish to brown- FAT JACKET POTATOES: Ingredients: potatoes, butter,
ish when cut. mushrooms (sauteed), sour cream, dill. Poke potatoes
PORE SURFACE: The angular yellow pores age to all over with a fork; coat with butter. Double-wrap in
brownish. Measuring 0.04-0.08 inches (1-2mm) wide, aluminum foil and cook on hot coals (30-60 min). Pile
they are adnate to decurrent and sometimes radially sauteed mushrooms onto baked potatoes. Top with
arranged. When bruised, they turn reddish-brown or sour cream and dill.
brown. POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Similar mushrooms with
STEM: The stem is equal or tapered in either direc- orange/red pores that bruise blue/black, or a peppery
tion, measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long and 0.4- taste may be deadly. Some edible “with caution” Suil-
1.2 inches (1-3cm) thick. It is solid and bruises brown. lus species cause severe gastric upset in some people:
Above the ring, the stem is yellow and finely reticu- S. luteus, S. neoalbidipes, S. tomentosus.

240