Mushroom season begins: where to find a bountiful harvest in the Carpathians

Every experienced mushroom picker knows where to find a basket full of chanterelles or boletus. Thus, we describe where exactly to find such forest gifts below.

Kryvopillia Pass

It is located within the Verkhovyna-Putyla lowlands in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. To get to your destination, take the P24 Vorokhta-Verkhovyna highway. The locals know where the best mushroom spots are. Thus, if you see parked cars, stop. By the way, you don't have to go far. Just a few meters from the road, there are buttercups, chanterelles, etc.

If you plan to stay for a few days, be aware that there are manors and mini-hotels nearby. You can stay in the Hutsul House, the Carver's House, or Svitlytsia Hotel.

Banhofa

Located near the Pip Ivan mountain. Start the route from Verkhovyna to the village of Shybene, and if you have enough strength, go up to 10 kilometers further. The local meadows are dotted with "white delicacies" everywhere.

You can spend the night in a hotel or in guest houses located in the village.

Polonyna Dukonia

It is located near Shybene at an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level. Here, among the dense forests, not only common porcini and king trumpet mushrooms are hidden, but also the Hutsul mushrooms, the only representative of the genus Catatelasma. It is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. By the way, the Tutshenians call it the Carpathian truffle.

Keep in mind that the nearest place to stay is in the village of Usteriky, 40 kilometers away. There are several estates and a hotel-restaurant here.

Tsarivka

First, you need to get to Dzembronia. Then head towards the mountains. Here you will find a simple hiking route. Porcini mushrooms, chanterelles, and others are immediately visible along the trails.

In the village itself, there are several cottages and villas where you can spend the night.

How to prepare for a mushroom hike?

• Choose comfortable, layered clothing that can be taken off and on depending on the weather. A tracksuit or pants with a T-shirt is best. Wear boots or sneakers. Also, take a hat.
• Take care of a knife, a basket, drinking water, a compass or a GPS navigator.
• A first aid kit is necessary in case of scratches, insect bites or other minor injuries. Be sure to include a band-aid, an antiseptic, and allergy medication.
• Before going, familiarize yourself with the types of edible and poisonous mushrooms.

How to collect the "harvest" correctly?

• The best time to hunt is in the morning, around 6:00-7:00.
• The mushroom can be either cut or twisted. Both methods do not harm the mycelium.
• Do not put wormy representatives or those with traces of mold in the basket as they may contain toxic substances.
• Do not eat raw mushrooms.
• If in doubt about the species, it is better not to take the "prey".

Additional tips

• Place the mushrooms with the cap down to prevent them from getting damaged.
• Also, add moss to the basket, so that the "harvest" is better preserved.

Transcarpathia has many other mushroom locations, including the villages of Rodnykova Huta, Solochyn, Mykulyntsi, Ilkivtsi, Shchaslyve, and Kryte. Thus, take your baskets and go hunting.

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