These delicious, earthy treasures are members of the Boletus edulis species of wild mushroom. They are pale brown in color and range from a mere ounce to over a pound in weight, with caps varying in size from one to ten inches in diameter. Porcini mushrooms have a smooth, meaty texture and a pungent, woodsy flavor that is much regaled. They can be preserved indefinitely when carefully dried, as these are, and must be softened in hot water for about 20 minutes before using. One ounce of dried porcini can serve up to four people when used in soups, stuffing, stews, and the like. Collected with great care, these gems explode with flavor and are an indispensable ingredient for the gourmet cook.