Nespoli funghi
since 1943
Nespoli funghi
Via Silvio Spaventa, 76 Bergamo
VAT number 04060060169
THE OVOLI CLOSED
RECIPES AND TIPS
The actual name of this mushroom is Amanita Caesarea and is commonly called 'good ovolo (egg)' due to its typical shape in the early stages of growth. In reality, this species is characterized by its yellow flesh and its elegance, which is not visible in this primitive stage of development.
WHY IS THE AMANITA CAESAREA CALLED OVOLO?
🍄 THE NAME
The Amanita caesarea was already known in Roman times and was referred to as the “food of the gods.” The forests where it grew were protected. Its name comes from the Latin Caesareus, meaning “of the Caesars,” referring to the emperors.
🥚 THE CLOSED “OVOLO”
A closed ovolus refers to an Amanita caesarea specimen that is still completely enclosed — the volva still wraps around the entire mushroom. The cap may be slightly visible, but the hymenium (the gills) is not.
🌲 THE HABITAT
This mushroom prefers warm, dry, temperate climates. It grows under broadleaf trees, from summer to autumn, up to 900 meters in altitude.
🗺️ ORIGIN
In Italy, to protect the species, harvesting Amanita caesarea in its closed “ovolus” stage is strictly prohibited and subject to heavy fines. A closed specimen hasn’t released spores yet, meaning it hasn’t reproduced. All ovolus mushrooms available on the market are always and exclusively imported.
🍽️ PORTION SIZE
The standard serving per person is about 50–60 grams — more than enough when prepared as a salad.
🧼 CLEANING
Closed ovolus mushrooms must be slightly peeled, removing the outer volva that also covers the cap (a very thin layer). The part with soil should also be removed. Only then should they be rinsed under water. After drying them carefully, they’re ready to use.
🚫⏱️ COOKING — BETTER AVOID IT
Cooking is not recommended. They’re best eaten raw. If you wish to cook them, it's better to use opened ovolus mushrooms, which are also more affordable.
🧊 STORAGE
Though they can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days, closed ovolus mushrooms should be eaten quickly — once they wilt, it becomes difficult to cut them into very thin slices.
❄️ FREEZING
Absolutely not recommended! They should be bought and consumed as soon as possible.
👑 FOOD FOR KINGS
The closed ovolus is so renowned that its pairing with fresh white truffle is referred to as food for kings. The combination of these two fungi is truly one of the most delicious and refined dishes.
🚫🍄📜 COLLECTION BAN AND WHY TO AVOID HARVESTING IT
As already mentioned, the collection of closed specimens is prohibited because they have not yet allowed for the reproduction of the species and, in the ovolus state, they can easily be mistaken for other Amanita species classified as poisonous or even deadly. From both a moral and ecological standpoint, it is clear that harvesting this mushroom massively while still closed prevents spore production. The absence of spore dispersal will naturally lead to a halt in the reproduction process and, ultimately, to the inevitable extinction of the species.
🛑 IMPORTANT!! Due to the high number of deaths caused by so-called mushroom experts collecting poisonous ovolus-like specimens thinking they had found this renowned mushroom, it was first recommended and then deemed necessary to ban its collection.
🍽️ RAW OVOLO MUSHROOMS
To best enjoy them, simply season them just before serving with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If desired, you can add a few shelled almonds or some Edam cheese (but these are optional ingredients — for example, I personally prefer them plain).
We have been passionate about mushrooms and truffles for over 80 years
We have been selling mushrooms since 1943