Cep
Boletus edulis
Edible
★★★★★
Taste rating: 5 out of 5
How to identify it
Cap
The cap is convex, smooth to slightly uneven and light brown to dark brown. In wet weather it often becomes sticky.
Underside
The tubes are whitish at first and later yellow to yellow-green. The pores are small and pale when young.
Stem
The stem is white to light brown with a distinct white reticulation, especially towards the top.
Smell
Mild, pleasant and slightly nutty.
Occurrence and habitat
It grows in both coniferous and deciduous woodland and can occur across large parts of the country. In favourable years it can be abundant.
Look-alike species
These mushrooms can resemble Cep. Look closely at features, habitat and images to see the differences.

Velvety bolete
Boletus reticulatus
★★★★★
Excellent edible mushroom
Compare several characteristics and always verify the identification.
Read more about Velvety bolete ›
Red-brown cep
Boletus pinophilus
★★★★★
Excellent edible mushroom
Compare several characteristics and always verify the identification.
Read more about Red-brown cep ›
Brown bolete
Imleria badia
★★★★★
Very good edible mushroom
Compare several characteristics and always verify the identification.
Read more about Brown bolete ›Preparation
Suitable for almost all kinds of cooking and excellent for drying. Clean and remove damaged parts before cooking.
Recipe suggestions
Fry sliced Cep in butter with shallot. Add cream and parsley, or use the mushroom in risotto and sauce.
Images – study the mushroom from several angles
Click an image to display it as the main image.





⚠ Important safety information
The Bitter Bolete can resemble Cep but has a darker reticulation and a very bitter taste. Always check the stem reticulation, cap and tubes.
The Bitter Bolete can resemble Cep but has a darker reticulation and a very bitter taste. Always check the stem reticulation, cap and tubes.
Facts and sources
Sources
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken/Artfakta. Factual text compiled for Svampboken.
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken/Artfakta. Factual text compiled for Svampboken.
Checked batch 07 – factual text compiled against