Ovolo / Caesar’s Mushroom (Amanita caesarea)
【Features】
Distinctive for its vibrant orange cap, yellow stem, and white egg-like volva at the base. The flesh is tender, and cooking enhances its natural sweetness and umami. A close relative of the European Caesar’s mushroom (Amanita caesarea), it is highly prized as an edible wild mushroom in Yunnan, China.
【Growing Environment】
Grows on the ground in temperate to subtropical broadleaf and mixed forests at altitudes of 1,500 – 3,000 m. Most abundant during the rainy season from June to September.
【Distribution】
Yunnan Province, Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, and surrounding areas.
【Nutritional Value】
Low in fat, high in protein, rich in B vitamins, dietary fiber, and potassium. Known for antioxidant properties, immune support, and general health benefits.
【Storage】
• Fresh: Refrigerate at 0–4°C and use within a few days
• Dried: Store in a cool, dark place
• Frozen: Keep at -18°C or below
【Note】
Caesar’s mushrooms are rare and highly valued in fine cuisine for their striking appearance and delicate flavor. When foraging, care must be taken not to confuse with toxic mushrooms such as Amanita muscaria.
*Do not eat raw—cook thoroughly before consumption.