Penny Bun / Cep

Boletus edulis

Must cookAug–OctFungi

Deciduous and coniferous woodland, under oak and beech

Find on Map

All Identification Points

Smooth bun-shaped cap, tan to mid-brown, often paler at margin

White to cream pores beneath — do not discolour significantly when pressed

Pale bulbous stem with fine white net reticulation on upper portion

Solid dense white flesh does not change colour when cut or bruised

Pleasant nutty mushroom smell

Harvest Notes

Cut at base. Check for maggot tunnels. Older specimens often holed. Brush clean — do not wash.

Uses

The king of edible fungi. Pan-fried in butter, risotto, pasta, dried for intense flavour.

Equipment Needed

Knife, paper bag, soft brush.

Storage

Use within 3 days. Slice and dry for exceptional shelf life — flavour intensifies dramatically when dried.

Lookalikes

Satan's Bolete — red/orange pores, strong blue-staining flesh, under lime trees. Bay Bolete (edible) stains faintly blue. RULE: avoid all boletes with red pores or strong blue staining on cutting.

Spore Print

Olive-brown

Relative Nutrition

Protein

Vitamin C

Iron

Personal foraging permitted under the Theft Act 1968. Never uproot plants without landowner permission. Always use multiple identification methods before consuming any wild food.

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