Various mushrooms Photo: VCG

In Southwest China's Yunnan Province, locals like to gather various seasonal ingredients  and enjoy their unique flavors from the region's mountains and forests. Every year from July to August, local mushrooms grow well due to the high temperatures and abundant rainfall, so eating mushrooms has gradually become a summer tradition for people in Yunnan.

According to Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals (Lü Shi Chun Qiu), an encyclopedic Chinese classic text compiled during the Warring States Period (475BC-221BC), "the most delicious mushrooms are those from Yue and Luo." These words make this ancient text the earliest written record of mushroom consumption in China, dating back over 2,000 years.

Data from the Health Commission of Yunnan Province shows that currently, there are over 2,500 known species of edible wild mushrooms worldwide, of which about 1,000 species are present in China. And Yunnan Province alone counts nearly 900 species, accounting for about 36 percent of the edible mushroom species in the world and 90 percent in  China.

While getting to know the extensive variety of local mushrooms appears to be a complex mission, the cooking methods are usually not complicated. Mushrooms with a chewy and rich texture are suitable for stir-frying, while those with a relatively crisp and light taste are better suited for being stewed with chicken soup. Additionally, fresh mushrooms that are difficult to store can be fried and sealed in jars.

A culinary gamble

The people of Yunnan share a popular joke about their favorite local delicacy: "When eating mushrooms, you need to make sure of three things: the mushroom species you are going to eat, that the mushrooms are cooked thoroughly, and that you know the route to the nearest hospital.

During Yunnan's mushroom season, cases of mushroom poisoning are not unusual. Symptoms may include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hallucinations.

Some netizens question whether it is illegal to drive after eating mushrooms. In response, the Department of Public Security of Yunnan Province published an article on its WeChat public account, clarifying that driving after eating mushrooms is not illegal, but driving after mushroom poisoning is considered driving under the influence (DUI).

The article also provided information on how to respond if symptoms of food poisoning suddenly occur while driving, along with a series of educational mushroom-themed posters released by the Traffic Management Bureau of the department aimed at providing information about  safe driving.

The Yunnan Provincial Consumer Association also issued a warning on July 11 to prevent wild mushroom poisoning. With the "mushroom-eating season" upon us, the association reminds everyone to be cautious when picking, purchasing, and eating wild mushrooms to avoid incidents and raise awareness. Proper processing of edible wild mushrooms is essential, and businesses should pay particular attention to food safety.

Despite the potential yet manageable risk, mushrooms are not only beloved by the people of Yunnan but are also winning hearts across China. Besides their usual cooking methods, mushroom hot pots are always a great option for a large party of people. On Dazhong Dianping, a widely used crowd-sourced review platform for local businesses in China, a ranking list is especially dedicated to mushroom hot pots in Beijing.

Chinese mushrooms have conquered the palates of overseas food enthusiasts as well. During US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's visit to China in July 2023, her first meal shortly after her arrival in Beijing was at a popular Yunnan restaurant named Yizuoyiwang in the capital. The restaurant owner shared pictures of Yellen and several other people enjoying a meal on Sina Weibo, saying that Yellen liked one of the mushroom dishes very much, which turned out to be jian shou qing, a highly sought-after wild mushroom species native to Yunnan.

A plate of stir-fried mushrooms Photo: VCG

More than tasty

Whether stir-fried, deep-fried, sautéed, braised, roasted, steamed, or made into soup, mushrooms are all delicious. However, beyond their delectable taste, many mushrooms boast a remarkably high nutritional value. For example, termite mushrooms, a staple of Yunnan restaurants,  contains protein, various vitamins, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. 

Another example is the porcini mushroom, also known as the penny bun, which is rich in mushroom polysaccharides, sulfur-containing volatile flavor compounds, and non-volatile flavor compounds like umami amino acids and nucleotides, which give it a unique taste.

Local tourism has also benefited from the popularity of mushrooms. In recent years, many places in Yunnan Province have successfully promoted the local mushroom industry through gastronomical activities such as  food festivals. For example, Yuxi's Xinping Yi and Dai autonomous county just kicked off the first Forest Mushroom Cultural Festival on Saturday. During the event, visitors can pick mushrooms, and taste mushroom-based barbecue and hot pots, while enjoying traditional dances performed by local troupes.

As the summer rains continue to bring forth these natural treasures, it is a pleasure to join fellow food enthusiasts to embrace the rich flavors and nutritional benefits that mushrooms bring to the table. With their unique flavors, versatility, and numerous health benefits, it's no wonder that mushrooms have become a beloved ingredient for many. Whether you're a seasoned forager or a culinary newcomer, the world of mushrooms has something to offer everyone.