Summertime in Poland: A Festival of Herbs

Summer 2025 Sokol Polski Sneak Peek

By Lawrence Kozlowski, Cultural Commissioner 

In Poland, summer marks the beginning of an abundant harvest—fruits, vegetables, and especially herbs. On August 14th, the Feast of “Our Lady of Herbs” (Matka Boska Zielna), aromatic herbs are gathered in the early morning and brought to church for a special blessing. 

These fragrant bundles, often referred to as “Holy Herbs,” are hung upside down in kitchens to dry. Common herbs include parsley, chives, lovage, dill, basil, garlic, hemp, mint, chamomile, sorrel, and many others depending on local tradition. 

Once dried, the herbs were used for culinary, medicinal, and even magical purposes—ground, brewed, toasted, baked, or crumbled. They were believed to bring healing, flavor, protection, and blessing to the food, drink, home, and people they touched, invoking the grace of the Virgin Mary on the day of her Assumption into Heaven. 

Why not try this beautiful Old World tradition yourself? Use herbs—homegrown or store-bought—to bring a unique Polish flavor to your cooking, baking, or brewing. 

 Quick & Easy Polish Herbal Peasant Bread
Three Ingredients – No Knead – No Yeast – No Rise – No Eggs 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups self-rising flour* 
• 1¼ cups whole milk 
• 2 teaspoons herbs (dried or fresh) 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 
2. In a bowl, gently mix the self-rising flour, chopped or crushed herbs, and milk until just combined. Do not overmix. 
3. Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan (greased or lined with parchment paper) and spread evenly. 
4. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. 
5. Let cool before removing from pan. 
6. Store covered. Serve sliced, buttered, toasted—or as a rustic sandwich bread. 

Perfect as a gift for family gatherings, friends, bake sales, or holidays. Create your own signature “Polish-Style Family Bread” by experimenting with herbs and mix-ins. 

Homemade Self-Rising Flour:
Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. 

Optional Add-ins:
Dill, garlic, onion, bacon bits, parsley, chives, cheese, or a combination.
For a sweet version, add berries, raisins, prunes, sugar, and a splash of vanilla.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
“Chleba naszego powszedniego daj nam dzisiaj.”