Have you ever heard of mushroom hunting? In Poland, it is called ‘grzybobranie‘ and it is one of the most popular things to do for families in the summer, especially in the countryside.
When I was a kid, I was picking mushrooms in the forest almost every week. It was a way to spend time with my parents and brother during the weekends. In this post, I will tell you a little bit more about mushroom hunting in Poland.
You can also watch the video of me and my family picking the mushrooms in the Polish forest (see below):
Table of Contents
About Mushroom Hunting in Poland
In Poland and many other European countries, people go to forest on July, August and September only to pick mushrooms. Many traditional Polish dishes include mushrooms, here are some examples:
- grzybowa (mushroom soup)
- żurek
- pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms
- sos grzybowy (mushroom sauce that can be added to meat)
- pickled mushrooms
- bigos
When you are picking mushrooms in Poland, you don’t necessarily need to eat them right away. Most people dry them and use them in December to prepare traditional Polish Christmas dishes.
Poles are crazy about mushrooms. There are many people who make money on this. They wake up every morning at about 4 or 5 AM and go to the forest before other people will do the same.
Then they are standing next to the road and sell all these mushrooms to the drivers. It is quite a good business for people who need money. New mushrooms usually appear every day. And those who are hunting every day know how to find them fast.
Mushroom hunting is not so easy… You need to know exactly what to take. Some mushrooms are toxic and eating them can kill you.
But the rule of this hunting is simple: pick only mushrooms with a sponge under the hat. The others are usually poisonous and you may even die after eating a little bit of them. Most poisonous mushrooms are very sweet which is very confusing.
The Most Popular Polish Mushrooms
Leccinum, Kozak
Xerocomus, Podgrzybek
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13 Responses
It’s interesting to read this. I'm from the South of Italy and we do exactly the same thing but more during the autumn season. I used to go hunting for wild mushrooms with my dad when I was a kid and loved it 🙂
That’s great! what dishes did you make from this? maybe past with mushrooms? that would be delicious 🙂
I think so, I’m not sure my mum did the cooking I was only a kid 🙂
OK. We’re sure it was tasty just like every other Italian food 😉
Looks like a lot of fun guys! I’ve never done it. Hate mushroom! 🙂
Yup, it was really fun! 🙂
Hello Karolina Patryk!
Very interesting read! All types of edible mushrooms contain varying degrees of protein and fibre. They also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues. That’s why, I love mushroom. Thanks for sharing this great info!
“There are many people who make money on this. They wake up every morning about 4 or 5 AM and go to forest before other people will do the same.”
Hello Patryk and Karolina,
I’m a photographer living and working in Central Pennsylvania. I work for Town&Gown Magazine in State College PA, freelance and pursue personal projects. I would love to travel to Poland and photograph mushroom hunters, local cooking and culture. I’m looking for non-touristy experience, to follow locals hunting mushrooms, cooking, etc. I read the above excerpt and was wondering if you know people who do this? I can send samples of my work. Please let me know who to reach out to, or who to contact with questions.
Thank you very much!
Darren Andrew Weimert
Hi Darren,
There are no specific organizations specialized in mushroom hunting. It’s just a hobby for some, and a way to make money for others (especially poor families who need extra cash).
If you come to Poland, you can photograph mushrooms and people picking them all over the country.
Let me know if you have further questions or need any help!
Hello,
Do you know of any groups that go mushroom hunting? I would like to follow along and learn.
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for your comment! I don’t think there are any official mushroom hunting groups in Poland. However, you will easily find a “guide” when in Poland.
Loved your article. When I was a child my Grandmother who came from Lithuanian use to take us into the woods and we would collect mushrooms then she would inspect them when we got back to our car and she would cut up the good ones to take home and cook. My Mother would take my daughters also when they were small. I have wonderful memories of these times. We live In Massachusetts. Thank you again.
Thanks for sharing, Maureen 🙂