Chanterelles – a sign of high summer in Poland – and a favorite mushroom during summer mushroom picking.
High Summer is the peak of the Chanterelle season. This year, the Chanterelle season started a bit later because we only had a full harvest in mid-July. The Chanterelle harvest also lasted shorter than we expected because at the beginning of September, after two weeks without rain, the harvest ended – however, in August it can be considered abundant and fruitful – but definitely too short.
Hiking in the forests, the rustle of trees and the joy of every Chanterelle hidden in the grass or under the moss is what Chanterelle hunting is associated with for us. If you love mushroom picking, we invite you to read on. We present the most important information about the 2024 season: where we obtained our summer “Forest Treasures” – namely Chanterelles.
Where and When do we collect Chanterelles:
July and August are the peak of the Chanterelle season. Among the most fertile areas in 2024 were traditionally - Podlasie, Warmia, Mazury, Pomerania and Tuchola Forest. Such forests as Piska, Augustowska, Biała, Knyszyńska or Białowieska are every year areas where not only are there the most chanterelles, but the "Forest Treasures" obtained from these areas are considered the most beautiful and most appreciated by gourmets in the whole of Europe.
How do we collect chanterelles correctly and how do we clean chanterelles correctly?
Collecting and cleaning chanterelles requires delicacy so as not to damage their delicate structure and taste. Here's how to do it correctly:
How to collect chanterelles:
1. Find the right place - Chanterelles grow in coniferous and mixed forests, especially in damp places, under spruces, pines or beeches. In Poland, they can be found from June to October.
2. Collect in a basket - It is best to collect mushrooms in an airy basket. Avoid plastic bags, as the mushrooms can get steamy there, which negatively affects their quality.
3. Cut or twist – Chanterelles can be gently twisted out of the ground or cut with a knife right at the ground level. Twisting is safe for the mycelium, provided you do it gently.
4. Avoid small chanterelles – Leave small chanterelles in the forest so they can continue to grow and develop, allowing the mycelium to continue producing mushrooms.
How to clean chanterelles:
1. First cleaning on site – It is worth doing the initial cleaning in the forest, discarding visibly contaminated or damaged specimens.
2. Cleaning at home:
◦Removing sand and needles – Chanterelles are often full of sand and needles. To remove them, use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe the mushrooms. Avoid soaking them in water, as the chanterelles can absorb water, which spoils their taste and texture.
◦If necessary, a quick rinse – If the chanterelles are very dirty, you can quickly rinse them under running water, but you have to do it very briefly and immediately pat them dry with paper towels or place them in a colander to drain.
◦More thorough cleaning – Small knives can be useful for removing any remaining soil, as well as for cutting off dirty ends.
◦Large chanterelles cut in half – If some of the chanterelles are larger, you can cut them in half to check for insects or dirt inside. Well-cleaned chanterelles can be prepared for cooking immediately or stored for a short time in the refrigerator in an airy container or wrapped in paper.
Chanterelles – what can we make with them
Chanterelles are an extremely versatile mushroom that can be used in many dishes. Their delicate, slightly peppery flavor makes them perfect for both simple and more sophisticated dishes. Here are some suggestions for what you can make with chanterelles:
1. Baguette with bacon and chanterelles Forest Treasures:
Https://kulinarneskarby.pl/2023/09/26/bagietka-z-boczkiem-i-kurkami/
2. Cucumber rolls and chanterelles Forest Treasures
https://kulinarneskarby.pl/2023/04/25/rollsy-z-ogorka-i-kurek/
3. Quiche with chanterelles Forest Treasures and egg
https://kulinarneskarby.pl/2023/03/23/quiche-wielkanocne-z-kurkami-i-jajkiem/
4. Crispy mashed potatoes with tartar sauce and marinated chanterelles Forest Treasures Treasures
https://kulinarneskarby.pl/2024/09/09/chrupiace-gniecione-ziemniaki-z-sosem-tatarskim-i-marynowanych-kurkami/
5. Potato and pumpkin pancakes with chanterelle sauce
https://kulinarneskarby.pl/2023/11/03/placki-ziemniaczano-dyniowe-z-sosem-kurkowym/
Until when do we collect chanterelles
In Poland, chanterelles can be collected from June to October, and in some regions even until November, depending on the weather. The best time to collect chanterelles is summer and early autumn, i.e. the months from July to September, when optimal humidity and temperature conditions prevail.
The last chanterelles can be found in late autumn, especially if the weather is warm and humid and there are no frosts yet.
Chanterelles from forest treasures
"Leśne Skarby" is a place where you can buy fresh mushrooms, including chanterelles, for those who have not had the opportunity to pick them themselves. In our offer you can find various products based on chanterelles. Here are examples of items from the "Leśne Skarby" brand, if someone has not picked mushrooms themselves:
1. Fresh chanterelles Forest Treasures
• Freshly picked and cleaned chanterelles, ready to prepare at home. Perfect for frying, stewing or adding to dishes.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/24-swieze
2. Frozen chanterelles Forest Treasures
• An excellent option for those who want to have chanterelles all year round. Frozen chanterelles retain their taste and aroma, ideal for dishes such as sauces, soups or pasta.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/23-mrozone
3. Chanterelles in marinade Forest Treasures
• Chanterelles preserved in vinegar or brine. These types of products are great as an addition to salads, snacks or appetizers.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/w-zalewie-naturalnej/121-lesne-skarby-kurki.html
4. Marinated chanterelles Forest Treasures
• Marinated chanterelles are a classic appetizer, ideal for serving with cold cuts, cheeses, or as a stand-alone addition to sandwiches and dinner dishes. Available in classic, premium and Ukrainian flavor with added herbs.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/marynowane/8-lesne-skarby-kurka.html
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/marynowane-premium/26-lesne-skarby-kurka-premium.html
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/marynowane-na-ukrainski-smak/118-lesne-skarby-kurka.html
5. Chanterelle concentrate Leśne Skarby
• is an intensive product made from chanterelles, which can be used as a base for sauces, soups, or other dishes to give them a distinct, mushroom flavor.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/koncentraty/50-lesne-skarby-koncentrat-grzybowy-kurkowy.html
6. Dried chanterelles Leśne Skarby
• Dried chanterelles are an ideal option for people who want to use mushrooms all year round. After soaking in water or milk, dried chanterelles regain their texture and aroma. Ideal for soups, sauces, stuffings and other dishes.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/suszone/136-lesne-skarby-kurki.html
7. Mushroom stuffing with chanterelles Leśne Skarby
• The stuffing with chanterelles is a delicious and aromatic addition to various dishes, such as dumplings, pancakes, croquettes, pastries or tarts. The delicate taste of chanterelles combined with onion and spices creates a unique stuffing that can be used in many ways.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/farsze/147-lesne-skarby-farsz-grzybowy-lesny.html
8. Chanterelles in sunflower oil Leśne Skarby
• Chanterelles immersed in oil with the addition of herbs and spices. This type of product can be used as an addition to salads, pasta or grilled dishes.
https://lesneskarby.pl/pl/w-oleju-na-smak-francuski/112-lesne-skarby-kurki-w-oleju.html
Such products allow you to enjoy the taste of chanterelles even when you don't have the opportunity to pick them yourself, or when the season has already passed.