The season has begun when the forest shares its most precious treasures with us – fresh mushrooms, which we long for all year round.
They delight not only with their taste but also with their aroma, regardless of the species. Porcini, bay boletes, chanterelles, or slippery jacks – each has its own unique character. Fresh mushrooms are an exceptional ingredient that enriches both traditional and modern dishes. They offer not only a distinctive flavor but also bring the essence of nature to your plate.
The Fresh Mushroom Season Has Just Begun!
Although for many, mushroom picking is mostly associated with autumn, nature gifts us with mushrooms for many months – you just need to know when and where to look. Each species has its own moment, its special season – and we keep track of them to bring you mushrooms at their peak freshness and quality.
When to pick mushrooms?
The mushroom season in Poland lasts several months, but September and October remain its heart. That’s when the forests are alive, and the forest floor is full of prime specimens. However, seasoned foragers know that the first mushrooms can appear as early as late spring – although patience is key, as their numbers are limited and fickle weather can make harvesting difficult.
Mushrooms need specific conditions to grow – primarily moisture and warmth. Rain combined with moderate temperatures is the recipe for a successful harvest.
When to pick chanterelles?
They are among the first to appear – already in June you can spot them in the forests. The highest yields come from July to August, which is their peak season.
When to pick porcini?
The king of Polish forests, most abundant in August and September. It loves mixed and coniferous forests, especially sunny spots with soft moss and ferns. It often appears a few days after significant rainfall.
When to pick saffron milk caps?
A real delicacy among mushrooms. Saffron milk caps begin to appear at the turn of August and September, and their season usually lasts until November. They mainly grow in pine forests, often on sandy soil.
When to pick slippery jacks?
Popular and well-liked mushrooms, especially by beginner pickers. The season for slippery jacks starts in summer and lasts until the end of October. They are most often found in pine forests, frequently near young trees.
When to pick bay boletes?
These are some of the most sought-after mushrooms of late summer and autumn. Their peak comes in September and October, though some varieties grow until the first frosts. They especially thrive a few days after rainfall followed by a warm spell.
When to pick green-gills (tricholoma)?
Green-gills, also known as “gąski,” are picked from August to November, mainly in pine forests on sandy soils. Their peak comes in September and October.
When to pick honey mushrooms?
Honey mushrooms are picked from August to November, most often after rainfall, when the temperature drops to around 10–15°C. They usually grow in deciduous and coniferous forests, on trunks, roots, and at the base of trees.
What time of day is best for mushroom picking?
The best time to go mushrooming is early in the morning, just after sunrise, especially after a few humid days with nighttime rainfall and moderate temperatures. Morning ensures freshness – mushrooms are then firm, juicy, and less likely to be affected by insects or slugs. Early harvesting also lets you find mushrooms before others do, which is especially important in popular spots. Additionally, morning dew makes it easier to spot young fruiting bodies, and lower temperatures ensure a comfortable forest walk.
What forests are best for mushroom picking?
Mushrooms can be picked in various types of forests, but the best ones are mixed and coniferous forests, especially with pine, spruce, and oak. In coniferous forests, you’ll often find porcini, bay boletes, and slippery jacks, while in deciduous and mixed ones – birch boletes, chanterelles, and honey mushrooms. The most mushrooms grow in areas that are moist, but not swampy, with light and well-ventilated forest litter.
What to remember when picking mushrooms?
Mushroom picking is a pleasant and relaxing activity, but it requires some basic knowledge to be safe and effective. Here’s what you should remember:
pick only species you are 100% sure of – leave uncertain ones
avoid mushrooms that resemble toxic ones
if unsure, use a mushroom field guide
examine the whole mushroom – not just the cap, but also the stem and any ring
If you're not very familiar with mushrooms, it’s worth going mushroom picking with an experienced forager.
How to pick mushrooms correctly?
gently twist mushrooms out of the ground or cut them at the base with a knife
don’t damage the mycelium – this allows mushrooms to regrow in the future!
don’t pick old, decaying, or very small mushrooms
collect them in a breathable basket – not a plastic bag, as mushrooms may steam and spoil
if you find one mushroom, look around – there are often more nearby
The fresh mushroom season is a special time for all lovers of nature and unique flavors.
It’s worth remembering that each species has its own time – some appear in early summer, others not until autumn. That’s why it’s important to follow nature and know the mushroom calendar.
Let’s pick mushrooms responsibly – only those we know well, and always with respect for the forest.
Let’s enjoy the gifts of the forest!