Wandering through the forest in search of porcini mushrooms is the ultimate anti-stress therapy. Do you know what reactions happiness can trigger in your body when you find a porcini? Some people describe their feelings when they find their first porcini after wandering through the woods as follows: "I felt a surge of indescribable joy, a literal tsunami of endorphins. A beaming smile from ear to ear appeared on my face, akin to reuniting with the best of friends. A feeling of complete fulfillment. It’s pure zen."
All this, along with numerous other physical sensations and emotional states, can be triggered by just one glance at a porcini in the solitude of the forest. This is why mushroom gathering is a true passion for many. It is the ideal combination of physical activity, being in nature, meditation, and an escape from the stress of everyday life.
The ancient native forests at the Two Owls Estate, as well as the surrounding forests in Blatuša, are rich in porcini and other edible mushrooms. The mushroom picking season in Blatuša lasts almost all year round. Not all mushroom species appear in the same season; some, like morels (Morchella sp.) and St. George's mushrooms (Calocybe gambosa), only appear in the spring. Others, like Caesar's mushroom (Amanita caesarea) and the parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), appear from mid-May to late autumn. Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) usually appear in two waves – one in May and another in September and October. Saffron milk caps (Lactarius sp.), St. George's mushrooms (Clitocybe geotropa), and grey knights (Tricholoma terreum) appear only in the autumn. Field mushrooms (Agaricus sp.), porcini (Boletus sp.), and oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.) appear from spring until the autumn frosts, provided the conditions are right.
Mushroom picking at the Two Owls Estate is not just a hobby but a profound experience that reconnects you with nature and brings unparalleled joy and peace.