Published: 25th Jan, 2021
A geographical indication (GI) tag has been sought for one of the costliest mushrooms in the world that grows in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.
Context
A geographical indication (GI) tag has been sought for one of the costliest mushrooms in the world that grows in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.
About
- Also known as Morel Mushrooms or Morchella Esculenta scientifically, these mushrooms command a huge demand despite their high price tag. It is a forest produce collected by local farmers and tribals.
- Locally called Gucchi, the mushroom is priced at over ?20,000 a kg.
- Family: Gucchi mushroom is a species of fungus belonging to the family Morchellaceae.
- They are pale yellow in color with large ridges and pits on their cap. They are raised on a large white stem.
- Region: The mushroom grows in conifer forests across temperate regions, and the cool foothills of the Himalayas, in Himachal, Uttaranchal and Jammu & Kashmir are ideal territory for them.
- Soil type: The Gucchi mushrooms prefer soil with limestone base. They also grow in acid soils.
- Cultivation: The Guchhi mushrooms cannot be cultivated commercially for their nature of germination.
- They germinate and grow in low temperature soil. They usually appear after fires.
- The fruiting of Gucchi mushrooms require alkaline conditions produced by wood ash mixed with water.
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Properties
- The spongy, edible fungus is said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The mushrooms are cherished for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They are also considered a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and Vitamin B.
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