Termite mushrooms, named for the mounds created by termite colonies, typically appear around the 10th lunar month when the weather turns damp. When they first emerge from the ground, these mushrooms resemble tiny, delicate straw mushrooms. But, magically, overnight their caps grow to a diameter of about 3 cm. The tops of the caps are jet black, fading to a creamy color towards the edges, creating an elegant appearance. The stems are ivory, tinged with yellow near the base, and stand about 5-6 cm tall.
The life cycle of these mushrooms is incredibly brief. From the moment they push through the soil, they only flourish for about 24 hours. If not harvested promptly, they quickly wither away, returning the land to its wild state. Termite mushrooms can be found in most localities, but the timing of their appearance varies by region. In some places, they emerge during the dry season, while in others they appear after the summer rains. In Hue, they usually grow when there is continuous rain and a chill in the air, signaling the start of mushroom season.
As the first rains fall and a chilly wind blows, the locals of Kien Phuoc village in Trieu Ai commune, Trieu Phong district (Quang Tri province) prepare for their “mushroom hunt.” Around 3 am, they wake up and form groups, shining their flashlights into the dark night as they venture into the deep forests, searching under every leaf and bush until dawn breaks.
This journey demands patience and experience. When the nearby forests yield fewer mushrooms, they don’t hesitate to wade through muddy terrain and climb distant hills to continue their search. Ms. Bong, an experienced mushroom forager, shares her secret: termite mushrooms often hide under piles of decaying leaves at the base of trees and grow in large clusters. It’s rare to find a solitary mushroom; if you spot one, look around within a few square meters, and you’re likely to find more. Those with a keen sense of smell can even detect the mushrooms’ distinctive odor, a strong, unique tang.
In Cam Chinh commune, Cam Lo district, an area known as the “mushroom capital” of Quang Tri, people also begin their hunts in November. They walk along fences and rows of trees, carefully turning over damp mounds of leaves in search of this “heavenly gift.” Experienced foragers in Quang Tri reveal that after a few dry days followed by rain and a change in the wind, the “experts” quietly prepare their tools. The ideal time to find these mushrooms is at dawn, when they first sprout from the ground. This requires agility, as the mushroom buds (before they unfold) are worth 50% more than those that have opened. They even have to race against insects, as termites and other bugs consider these mushrooms a delicacy.
Despite the competition and occasional risks, the hunt for termite mushrooms isn’t always arduous. A successful hunt can bring in millions of dong, and even if they don’t find any, they still enjoy a delicious meal and a good morning workout.
Termite mushrooms are considered the “queen” of mushrooms due to their exquisite flavor and high nutritional value. They are priced several times higher than pork or chicken per kilogram. With their delicious taste, rarity, and limited growing season, usually in the 10th-11th lunar months, it’s no wonder that when they’re in season, people flock to fields, gardens, and forests to find them.
After harvesting, the mushrooms are cleaned, rinsed, and then used for cooking. Unlike other wild mushrooms that need to be soaked in brine and boiled to reduce bitterness, termite mushrooms require no such treatment as they are neither bitter nor slimy. This further enhances their value and appeal.
In Quang Tri, termite mushrooms are priced between 150,000 and 250,000 VND per kilogram, depending on the time of purchase. However, in the southern market, the price soars even higher. In Hue, customers readily pay 300,000 VND per kilogram, while in Da Nang, the price ranges from 400,000 to 500,000 VND. A restaurant in Binh Duong Province even offers them at 600,000 VND per kilogram. However, due to their perishable nature and difficulty in long-distance transportation, trading termite mushrooms also entails significant risks.
At the beginning of the season, when the first buds appear in Quang Tri markets, sellers set the price at 150,000 VND per kilogram and firmly refuse to haggle. Even during the peak season, when supply increases, the price remains unchanged. In fact, it’s common to see customers scrambling for baskets of these mushrooms in the markets. Many “mushroom enthusiasts” buy as much as they can get their hands on, regardless of the price.
With their sweet and delicate flavor, termite mushrooms are a favorite ingredient for many dishes. Simply trim the stems, give them a quick rinse, and they’re ready to be cooked in a variety of ways. In Quang Tri, they are often stir-fried, grilled, or used in a savory porridge with tapioca pearls. They also pair well with pork and goat meat, creating unique and memorable flavors in stews and braised dishes.
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