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The Ultimate Delicacy: A Rare Mushroom with a Caviar-like Appearance Priced at a Whopping $26 Million

Introducing a peculiar mushroom that resembles a century egg and boasts an astonishing price tag of 700 million VND. This mysterious fungus, with its unique appearance and rare qualities, has captured the attention of many. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets behind this extraordinary mushroom and explore why it commands such a hefty price.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

The name “Lingzhi mushroom” may be unfamiliar to most, as it is an extremely rare and elusive species among the myriad of mushrooms. With its peculiar growth pattern and distinctive appearance, resembling a prized delicacy, this mushroom is considered a gourmet ingredient with an exorbitant price tag of up to VND 700 million. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of this extraordinary fungus.

1What is the Lingzhi Mushroom?

The Lingzhi mushroom, a precious black fungus with a round shape akin to that of a century egg, is found in the provinces of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, including Đăk Lăk, Kon Tum, Lâm Đồng, and Gia Lai. However, its discovery is a rare occurrence due to its scarcity and challenging harvesting process.

Lingzhi Mushroom

This unique mushroom features a top portion that develops into velvety antler-like strands, while its underside resembles a century egg with a spherical shape, approximately 7 cm in diameter, and a deep black hue. It is this distinctive feature that makes it so valuable.

Lingzhi Mushroom with a Black Shell and Ivory Flesh

The Lingzhi mushroom boasts a thick and sturdy black shell, approximately 1 mm in thickness. Within lies a soft, ivory-colored flesh that is highly nutritious. However, some poorly developed specimens may only have the outer shell, lacking the nutritious inner flesh, rendering them less valuable.

The Lingzhi mushroom’s growth habit is equally intriguing, as it thrives deep within ant colonies, making it extremely challenging to locate and requiring a digging depth of at least 2 meters. The intricate network of ant tunnels further complicates the quest for this elusive fungus.

Lingzhi Mushrooms Growing in Ant Colonies

2The Price of Lingzhi Mushrooms

Not only is the Lingzhi mushroom rare, but it is also highly nutritious and possesses medicinal properties, including the ability to treat insomnia, hematemesis, hypertension, and improving the immune system. Consequently, this fungus commands a staggering price. Premium-grade mushrooms can fetch a price of VND 400-700 million per kilogram.

Premium Lingzhi Mushrooms Priced at VND 700 Million per Kilogram

The quality and density of the mushroom’s inner flesh directly influence its value. When submerged in a basin of water, top-grade mushrooms will sink to the bottom, second-grade will float in the middle, and third-grade will float to the surface.

In conclusion, we hope you found this article intriguing, shedding light on the rare and nutritious Lingzhi mushroom. It is our pleasure to introduce you to this extraordinary fungus and its unique characteristics.

Frequently asked questions

The rare mushroom, known as ‘Eggs of the Sun’, scientifically named Pisolithus arhizus, is a type of fungus that grows underground and resembles a cluster of golden eggs.

Due to its rarity and unique appearance, this mushroom fetches a staggering price of 2.6 million yen per kilogram, which equates to approximately $26 million per pound.

This exotic fungus is native to the old-growth forests of Hokkaido, the second largest island in Japan. It thrives in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of trees, particularly oak and beech species.

The ‘Eggs of the Sun’ mushroom is renowned for its striking visual resemblance to caviar. Each ‘egg’ is enclosed in a thin, delicate membrane, and they are packed together in a cluster, resembling a golden egg sac. This mushroom also has a distinctive earthy aroma and a complex, savory flavor with nutty undertones.

The exorbitant price tag of this mushroom can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is an incredibly rare find, and the process of locating and harvesting it is painstaking and time-consuming. Secondly, the mushroom has a unique and exquisite flavor that is sought after by gourmet chefs and enthusiasts of exotic cuisine. Lastly, the mushroom’s resemblance to caviar adds to its allure and exclusivity.

This rare delicacy is typically prepared by skilled chefs who understand how to showcase its unique flavor and texture. It can be gently pan-fried, baked, or even grilled, enhancing its nutty aroma and flavor. The mushroom is often served as a luxurious side dish or incorporated into gourmet recipes, adding a touch of elegance and rarity to any meal.