A fine example of a podgrzybek forest mushroom growing in the forests near Zdroisko in Lubuskie, western Poland.

Podgrzybek (English: Bay Bolete, Latin: Boletus Badius / Xerocomus) are a type of wild forest mushroom closely related to Borowik (Boletus Edulis). They are found in forests throughout Poland. Podgrzybek mushrooms have a unique taste and flavour, which is not dissimilar to Borowik and as such are much prized by Poles. They can be eaten fresh but most are dried for use throughout the year. Traditionally this is done by threading twenty or so mushrooms caps on a piece of string suspended in a warm place. Over the course of several weeks the stringed mushrooms will dry out and as a result be available to eat all year around in dishes like Bigos and Polish Wild Mushroom Soup. Podgrzybek can also be pickled, but this is something that is more often done commercially rather than at home.

Strings of wild Podgrzybek mushrooms being dried above a wood burning stove.

One of our favourite ways to use Podgrzybek mushrooms is to make a tasty and traditional Polish Wild Mushroom Sauce. Follow the link to make your own using Podgrzybek or Borowik mushrooms.

Related content on Polish Poland: Dried Wild Mushrooms.