The Ultimate Delicacy: A Seasonal Treat Found Only in the Rainy Season, Adventurers Flock to the Pine Forests of Dalat in Search of This Elusive Fungus.

The captivating experience of mushroom foraging. Image credit: Ngọc Lệ

“Leaving Ho Chi Minh City behind and venturing into the pine forests of Da Lat felt like stepping into a massive air conditioner. With guidance from a local expert, I was able to find plump and beautiful mushrooms, free from any toxins.

It was an exhilarating adventure to immerse oneself in nature and come away with a basket full of delicious local specialties,” shared Ngọc Lệ, a thrilled visitor from Ho Chi Minh City.

Ngọc Lệ thoroughly enjoyed her mushroom foraging expedition in the pine forests. Image credit: Ngọc Lệ

Nguyễn Tiến Đạt, an experienced guide, has been leading visitors on mushroom foraging trips for the past five years.

Đạt shared that he often encountered locals venturing into the pine forests during the rainy season to collect mushrooms. Intrigued, he joined them to gain first-hand experience, capture stunning visuals, and learn how to distinguish edible mushrooms from their toxic counterparts.

“Initially, I would take my friends on hikes through the pine forests, and we would forage mushrooms for hot pot or as gifts. In recent years, this activity has gained popularity among tourists,” he recounted.

Nguyễn Tiến Đạt, an experienced guide with a passion for mushroom foraging in the pine forests. Image credit: Tiến Đạt

According to Đạt, the natural pine forests of Da Lat are home to a variety of edible mushrooms, including the gan bò, kaki red, kaki yellow, and mushroom-shaped mushrooms. The most abundant areas include the pine hills near Suối Vàng Lake, Tuyền Lâm Lake, and the regions around Cầu Đất and Prenn Pass.

“A typical mushroom foraging trip lasts around three to four hours. It involves walking through the forest and traversing hills, requiring a good level of fitness and endurance. Prior to taking guests into the forest, I conduct a survey to identify areas with a high concentration of mushrooms,” Đạt explained.

Foraging for mushrooms in the forest demands a certain level of physical fitness.

Visitors are provided with essential knowledge about the different types of mushrooms found in the pine forests, along with tips on identifying edible varieties and proper post-harvest handling.

Toxic mushrooms often exhibit vibrant colors. A helpful rule of thumb is that mushrooms that do not attract insects are likely to be toxic. However, there are exceptions, such as the brightly colored mushroom trứng gà (chicken egg mushroom), the dẻ mushroom with its red, green, and purple hues, and the gan bò mushroom, which boasts a deep red color.

The dẻ red mushroom stands out with its vibrant red color. Image credit: Ngọc Lệ/Tiến Đạt

Participants are advised to wear comfortable and protective clothing, suitable for physical activity and insect protection. Given the rainy season, it is essential to bring rain gear and non-slip footwear.

“To ensure proper mushroom preservation during harvesting, I instruct visitors to clean and prepare the mushrooms on-site, placing them in bamboo or rattan baskets. Plastic bags are not ideal for storage.

When dealing with unfamiliar mushrooms, it’s best to avoid direct contact. Use a stick to turn the mushroom over and examine its underside. Once identified as edible, it can be safely picked,” Đạt shared, imparting his knowledge.

Bamboo or rattan baskets are ideal for storing freshly foraged mushrooms. Image credit: Tiến Đạt

Foragers can process their harvest by soaking the mushrooms in salted water for over 30 minutes, then rinsing and cooking them on-site if desired. The pine forest mushrooms possess a unique aroma and a sweet taste, with some varieties offering a mild bitterness. The firmer, younger mushrooms provide a chewy texture, while more mature specimens resemble jelly.

These wild mushrooms are versatile and can be prepared in various ways, including in soups, hot pots, grilled dishes, or stir-fries.

“Tasting the freshly foraged pine forest mushrooms helped me understand why locals in Da Lat are willing to trade several pounds of beef for these delicious fungi,” enthused visitor Ngọc Lệ.

Foragers can opt for a combination tour, including mushroom foraging and camping in the forest, weather permitting. Image credit: Tiến Đạt

The cost of a mushroom foraging tour ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per person, depending on group size. There are also exclusive tours available for up to 2,000,000 VND per person.

Đạt advised that visitors should always opt to forage with local experts or guides to minimize potential risks, such as getting lost or accidentally consuming toxic mushrooms.

Consuming large quantities of wild mushrooms may cause dizziness or vertigo for those unaccustomed to them. Image credit: Ngọc Lệ

Mushroom foraging in the pine forests of Da Lat is not currently an official tourism product due to potential health risks. While it offers a novel and captivating experience, visitors are advised to thoroughly research and understand the associated risks before participating.