Suillus Luteus – Identify mushroom

I was thrilled to come across Suillus luteus while foraging in the woods. I carefully harvested it and later enjoyed incorporating it into a delicious meal.

Taxonomy: Suillus luteus is a species of fungus in the genus Suillus. It is commonly known as the slippery jack or sticky bun and belongs to the family Suillaceae.

Description of what it looks like
Suillus luteus has a distinctive appearance with a slimy or sticky cap that is colored yellow to brown. The cap can reach up to 10 cm in diameter and is convex when young, flattening out as it matures. The stem is also sticky and has a ring near the top.

Distribution and habitat
This mushroom is commonly found in association with pine trees and is widely distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia. It forms mycorrhizal relationships with the roots of these trees, and can often be found in pine forests.

Toxicity
Suillus luteus is generally considered non-toxic and edible, although it may cause gastric upset in some individuals if not cooked properly. However, it is not generally considered to be poisonous and is used for culinary purposes in many cultures.

Uses
In addition to being used as a food source, Suillus luteus is also known for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and some research suggests that it may have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In culture
The slippery jack mushroom has been a popular ingredient in European cuisine for centuries, where it is often used in soups and stews. It also has a place in folklore and has been the subject of various myths and legends in different cultures.