He found a giant mushroom in a Polish forest. He couldn’t believe his eyes
The mushroom season in Poland is in full swing. Rainy weather and slight warming have resulted in more and more unusual specimens appearing in the forests. One of them, near Kostrzyn, was found by Mr. Piotr Grześ, a well-known naturalist and author of the blog “Mushrooms expert”. The mushroom picker appeared in the photo with a giant skullcap measuring about a meter in circumference.
The giant skullcap is one of the largest species of mushrooms, reaching a diameter of about 60 cm, and sometimes even over a meter. Finds of this type are rare in forests, which is why they arouse the interest of both mushroom pickers and naturalists. The largest one, found in the 1950s in what was then Czechoslovakia, was 46 cm high, 212 cm in circumference and weighed 20.80 kg.
Giant mushroom found near Kostrzyn. This is a giant skullcap
The giant skullcap is an edible species, but only in the young stage, when its flesh is white and firm. In this state, the mushroom has a delicate taste, reminiscent of mushrooms. It can be prepared in many ways: fried, baked, and even breaded like traditional cutlets. Cranberry is rich in B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and selenium, which makes it a valuable culinary ingredient.
In countries such as the Czech Republic, this mushroom is very popular; it is prepared in many ways, including breaded and fried. In Poland, however, its popularity in cooking is limited. It is worth adding that until 2014 it was a protected species, which limited its collection.
Where to look for a skullcap?
The giant skullcap occurs in open spaces, on the edges of forests, and sometimes in meadows, where it can reach impressive sizes. However, it is worth remembering that some species similar to the skullcap, such as false puffballs, are toxic and may pose a health hazard, so the certainty of identifying the mushroom is crucial.
The huge size of this mushroom means that some people use it in unusual ways – it can even be grown in the garden, as suggested by Czech mycologist Jiří Baier. Just plant part of the mature fruiting body and water it regularly.
The giant skullcap is also used in natural medicine. It produces calvacin, which has antibiotic properties and was used by Native Americans and people in Germany as a means to stop bleeding.
According to the State Forests, picking mushrooms in Polish forests is generally allowed, but there are some exceptions. You cannot pick mushrooms in nature reserves, national parks and prohibited areas, such as military areas or seed stands. Picking mushrooms in such places may result in a fine of up to PLN 5,000.
