The cap of a Cep is usually 5-40 cm in size, in wet weather it becomes glum, dark or light brown to white-brown, rarely also in a yellowish or reddish-brown tone. A layer of tubes, on the underside of the cap with a deep depression, near the stem. The tube layer easily separates from the cap. The tube layer is light, young mushrooms white, as the mushroom matures it becomes yellow, later olive brown. Tubes 1-4 cm long, pores small, round. The flesh of the mushroom is firm, meaty!

At the cut site, the mushroom does not change color, in rare cases it acquires a rosy hue. Stem 4-25cm long, 2-15cm in diameter. Can be both straight and with an extension at the base. The stem is covered with a light mesh relief.

Cep likes to grow in coniferous and mixed forests. The fungus forms a mycorrhizal association with more than twenty tree species - most often with birch, pine, spruce and oak. Cep is found both as a solitary mushroom and as a mushroom forming large stands. Remember that Cep appears in forests with trees at least 30 years old, young forests do not have Cep !

Cep grows quickly and the most valuable ones are 150-300gr in size, they contain the most various active and valuable elements. These species grow relatively quickly for 10-12 days, during these days the mushroom matures and ripens. When ripe, it becomes worthless.

When walking through the forest, you can often meet Cep with such neighbors as red flycatchers, silage heather, red ant colonies, blueberry mint, sedges, two-leaved thistles. The period of activity of Cep is quite long, starting from May to late autumn.

Cep has no poisonous counterparts! In appearance, the inedible counterpart is the common gall-back, but it has pinkish tubes and a very bitter taste. There are other boletus similar to Cep , but their properties are equivalent!

Cep contains tonic substances with antitumor effects. Juice of fresh pine cones suppresses the development of 180 sarcosome and Ehrlich carcinoma completely.

Science has also studied this mushroom and tried to determine its medicinal value, and science indicates 5 directions where this mushroom can be useful for prevention: colon oncology (adenocarcinoma), prevention of malignant tumors, prevention of diseases of the digestive system, prevention of various types of inflammatory diseases (starting with asthma to rheumatoid inflammations) to increase the amount of protein in the cells.

The polysaccharides present in Cep have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, for example polysaccharide A (glucans) and B (glucogalactomannans) have a stabilizing effect on the cell membrane and prevent the formation of inflammatory secretions in the lungs. Research conducted in Poland proved that the polysaccharides in Cep have a capillary-strengthening effect.

Spruce boll contains biogenic aminocholine, betaine and hercenine, which is used in angina pectoris.

This mushroom contains vitamins B1, C, D, as well as carotene and riboflavin. Riboflavin is used to ensure the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, as well as in the care of nails, skin and hair.

In terms of nutrients, the Cep does not stand out among other mushrooms, and some even surpass it, for example, in terms of proteins, or chanterelles, bear's nose, in terms of the content of trace elements, such as potassium and phosphorus.

The most pronounced nutritional value of Cep is due to its ability to promote digestive processes - it promotes the development of digestive secretions! While conducting research among different mushrooms to find out their digestive properties, it was found that Cep is the leader and even more capable than meat broth.

Nutritional value of Cep per 100 gr. mushroom:

This mushroom can be used medicinally:

• to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract;
• mushroom settlements help treat tissue frostbite;
• antitumor effect due to polysaccharides and sulfur;
• thanks to a substance such as lecithin, this mushroom prevents cholesterol from settling and blood vessel walls, which is important in cases of atherosclerosis;
• amino acids help cell regeneration;
• the mushroom also acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps the body resist bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances;
• also in traditional medicine. It is particularly effective in cases of tuberculosis, reduced metabolism, and body weakness.

Cep must be dried and then ground, so we get the opportunity to absorb up to 80% of the valuable substances from the Cep . Without drying and grinding, the content of valuable substances that we can absorb does not even reach 20%.

In ancient Latvian folk medicine, Cep preparations are used against stomach aches, frostbite and angina pectoris.

For medicinal purposes, only young fruiting bodies with a white tube layer are collected. Dry not exceeding 40-45C. Store in a closed container no longer than two years!

Also, the mushroom has strong absorbent properties, such as lead and mercury. Therefore, it is recommended to collect this mushroom only in clean places that are far from pollution sources - roads, industry, etc.