Food & Receipts

The Elusive Mushroom of Lang Son: A Twice-Yearly Treat for Foragers

The elusive and rare 'red gold' mushroom has sparked a frenzy among foragers in Lạng Sơn. This sought-after fungus is the star of our feature, as we delve into its unique appeal and the reasons behind its coveted status.

Administrator

25 July, 2024

The Crooked Mushroom, or Boóc Pào, is a rare and exotic mushroom variety found in Lạng Sơn, Vietnam. This unique fungus, which grows under the shade of chẹo or chestnut trees, is distinguished by its vibrant red color and umbrella-like shape. With a delicate flavor and medicinal properties, it is considered a delicacy and highly prized by connoisseurs.

1What is the Crooked Mushroom?

The Crooked Mushroom, named for its distinctive shape, is a wild mushroom that thrives in the lush forests of Lạng Sơn. It is identified by its vibrant red hue and its cap, which resembles a closed umbrella. This mushroom is a true delicacy, known for its exquisite taste and medicinal value. It typically grows under chẹo trees, hence its name, and occasionally under chestnut trees.

This elusive mushroom only fruits twice a year, and its appearance is fleeting. It has a very short life cycle, lasting only about 1–2 days before it starts to decay. It usually appears in the early morning, when its cap is still closed and covered with a fine layer of spores, resembling a delicate powder.

The Crooked Mushroom

Harvesting the Crooked Mushroom requires a gentle touch and some important considerations:

Grasp the stem gently and lift or twist lightly to detach the mushroom without damaging it.
Leave the roots intact to allow for regrowth.
Only harvest mushrooms found under chẹo trees to avoid confusion with poisonous varieties.
Bend down to pick the mushrooms instead of sitting, as local belief holds that the mushrooms will stop growing if they sense human presence.

2How Much Does the Crooked Mushroom Cost?

The price of the Crooked Mushroom varies depending on the time of harvest and the condition of the mushrooms. When picked early in the morning, while the caps are still closed and covered in spores, they can fetch a premium price of 300,000–350,000 VND per kilogram.

If harvested later in the day, when the caps have opened or the mushrooms are damaged, the price drops to 150,000–200,000 VND per kilogram. A successful harvest of 20 kilograms per day can result in a daily income of 4–5 million VND, a significant sum for local pickers.

Price of the Crooked Mushroom

Drying the mushrooms is a common practice to preserve them for storage and sale. On average, 5–6 kilograms of fresh mushrooms will yield 1 kilogram of dried mushrooms after about 6–7 hours of drying. Dried Crooked Mushrooms are highly sought-after, with traders often paying as much as 1.5 million VND per kilogram. The demand for this mushroom is high, especially in traditional medicine shops in China, leading to a thriving trade. Traders often reside in local villages, ensuring a steady supply, and villagers earn a good income from their daily harvests.

This article has provided an insight into the rare and valuable Crooked Mushroom of Lạng Sơn. We hope you now have a deeper understanding of this fascinating fungus and its place in the local culture and economy.

Frequently asked questions

The mushroom, known as ‘limoncello yellow’ or ‘milk mushroom’, is a rare variety that grows wild in the forests of Lang Son, Vietnam. It is sought-after for its delicate flavor and texture, and it is considered a delicacy by locals and chefs alike. This mushroom only fruits twice a year, making it a highly anticipated treat for foragers and food enthusiasts.

The limoncello yellow mushroom is elusive due to its short fruiting season and its tendency to grow in remote, hard-to-reach areas. It also has a very short shelf life, so it is rarely found in markets. Identifying this mushroom can be tricky as it has look-alikes that are poisonous. Only experienced foragers and mycologists can distinguish it from its toxic counterparts.

Locals typically prepare this mushroom by stir-frying it with garlic and wood ear mushrooms, or using it as a key ingredient in hot pot. It is also commonly served with rice or noodles, and paired with local herbs and spices to enhance its flavor.

The forest of Na Lay is known for its diverse mushroom species, including the limoncello yellow mushroom. It offers the right combination of humidity, temperature, and soil conditions that these mushrooms need to thrive. The forest’s remoteness also adds to its allure, providing a sense of adventure for foragers willing to make the journey.

Yes, there are safety concerns due to the presence of poisonous look-alikes. It is crucial to properly identify the mushroom before consuming it. Over-foraging and unsustainable practices can also impact the mushroom’s population and the forest ecosystem. Responsible foraging practices, such as only taking what you need and leaving the forest undisturbed, are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of this delicacy.