Making a list of the most expensive mushrooms in the world is not very difficult. Everyone knows truffles rightfully occupy a leading position. But there are other fungi that may well compete with this representative of lower spore plants. And this is Matsutake, as well as Yarsahumba. Today we find out where these mushrooms grow, and also what is their cost. We also learn many interesting facts about truffles known all over the world.
Valuable Samurai Delicacy
Matsutake are the most expensive mushrooms in the land of the rising sun, as well as some of the most valuable in the world. They are loved for rarity. After all, this mushroom grows only on the intact trunks of red pines, the number of which is sharply reduced due to harmful insects that kill these trees. The price of a matsutake is about $ 500 for only half a kilogram. Such a high cost of the fungus is due to the fact that so far no one has managed to artificially grow it. Therefore, because of its rarity, the price of a Matsutake sometimes reaches unthinkable numbers.
This mushroom has a specific aroma, as well as an exquisite taste. The matsutake has a long and thick leg, and the hat itself is small.
Useful properties of the samurai delicacy
In addition to great taste and smell, these mushrooms are very useful. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, folic acid. Matsutake prevent the development of diabetes, as well as cancer. These mushrooms lower cholesterol, and they are also an excellent way to maintain the body's defenses. With them, your immunity will be in perfect order. Mature matsutake mushrooms do an excellent job of eliminating carcinogens and radionuclides from the body.
Lower spore plants growing in the Tibetan Himalayas
The most expensive mushrooms in the world that are harvested in the mountains are called Yarchagumba (yarsahumba). They grow at an altitude of 3 to 5 km above sea level. These most expensive mushrooms, which can be harvested in the mountains, were practically never eaten until the 90s of the 20th century. And only at the beginning of 1991 they began to be given to Chinese athletes before the competition, so that athletes showed better results and set new records.
The cost of this mushroom in recent years has increased tenfold. Today, the price of 1 kg is approximately 1 thousand dollars. The Chinese use these mushrooms as a natural product to increase potency. Yarsahumba grows like a parasite on dead caterpillars. The Chinese, Indonesians, Malaysians sprinkle their food with this chopped mushroom in order to get a miraculous effect. Rich people who can afford to eat a whole yarsahumba give 500 dollars for 1 piece. It is not in vain that the Chinese call them the most expensive mushrooms in the world. Truffles can be compared with them. True, the appearance of the yarsahumba is not very attractive, but his taste is excellent.
Where do truffles grow? How do they look?
To the question: “What are the most expensive mushrooms?” - many will answer: “Of course, these are truffles.” And it really is. Although now at a cost they are being replaced by other representatives of lower spore plants. But still, while truffles do not give the palm for the price to anyone. These mushrooms grow in the southern lands of France and Italy in oak and beech groves. The depth of their growth is 20 cm underground. They are hiding in the roots of trees. These are the most expensive mushrooms in the world, photos of which can be seen below, often people collect in the summer. These mushrooms can be black and white. They have no roots or legs, they resemble a fleshy round root crop with small tubercles. Truffles can be of various sizes - from very small, the size of a hazelnut, to a huge one weighing about a kilogram.
It is large mushrooms that are sold at auctions at incredible prices.
How to collect truffles?
This representative of lower spore plants has a mushroom taste, combined with notes of roasted sunflower seeds and walnuts. The aroma of truffles resembles the smell of pigs. And it is these animals that are considered leaders in the search for these mushrooms. However, in Italy, for example, dogs were taught to search for truffles. And people themselves often roam in the forests from morning to night in order to find these most expensive mushrooms in the world.
Truffle price
The cost of this representative of lower spore plants is truly amazing. The price per 1 kg can reach 2 thousand dollars. However, this mushroom, like, in principle, others, can be bought, and then regret the purchase, throwing money away. This is exactly what happened with one millionaire who at the auction laid out over 30 thousand for the truffle. However, by the time trading ended, the mushroom had deteriorated. The unfortunate owner of the rotten truffle had no choice but to get rid of it. This happened in 2004. And in 2007, three millionaires from Hong Kong came together and bought one black mushroom, giving about $ 200 thousand for 750 g.
It turns out that the larger the truffle, the higher its value.
Is it possible to find this delicacy in Russia?
Mostly these most expensive mushrooms are harvested in Europe, but they grow not only there. You can meet this delicacy in Russia. In fact, there are many types of truffles, but only 3 can be found here - steppe, black and white. Finding them, of course, is difficult. Russian white truffle, for example, is found in the middle Volga region, in the Tula, Vladimir, Moscow, Smolensk, Oryol regions. The most expensive mushrooms in Russia, and throughout the world, can be found in coniferous and deciduous forests, in moist, well-warmed soil. By the way, in our country, black truffle is listed in the Red Book.
And some Russians try to grow this mushroom themselves. However, they will not be able to harvest the first crop soon - only after 5 years.
Interesting Truffle Facts
- There is an opinion that this mushroom contains a substance with a psychotropic effect.
- Previously, truffles were grown in the Moscow province, and they were collected by bears, whose teeth were torn out.
- The Italian company ISHI-Dafla Group makes cosmetics from these mushrooms. Manufacturers claim that a few drops of truffle extract can reduce the depth of wrinkles and also perfectly tighten the skin.
- Previously, it was believed that this mushroom is a powerful aphrodisiac, forcing a true gourmet to plunge into the pool of love joys. Napoleon, Byron, Madame de Pompadour - this is not a complete list of famous people whose menu could not do without truffles.
A few tricks to cook real delicacy masterpieces
- To enjoy the true taste of the mushroom, it is necessary to serve dishes from it as quickly as possible after cooking. Since it is very important to convey to the guests exactly the aroma of truffle.
- Save the most expensive mushrooms, whose names are truffles, should be in a container with sand. In this case, do not greatly clear them from the ground.
- A delicacy such as truffle oil is also considered very tasty. It is obtained after storing these mushrooms in a glass bottle with olive oil.
- White truffles cannot be cooked for a long time. For excellent taste and aroma, it is enough to warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
