Mushrooms are renowned for their unique texture and flavours, capturing the culinary enthusiasts. Mushrooms, a kind of fungi, can decrease the risk of cancer, maintain cholesterol, and help stimulate a healthier gut. A major source of vitamin D is obtained by consuming different types of mushrooms.
There are up to 10 million mushroom varieties worldwide, which makes them one of the most diverse groups of organisms across the globe. You must have seen and tasted different types of food mushrooms like button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and beech mushrooms.
But did you know that while there are types of mushrooms that can be foraged anywhere, there are also types of food mushrooms that have to be extensively cared for, and cost a bomb? Among so many mushroom varieties, come explore with us the 7 most flavourful and most expensive mushroom varieties that money can buy. An expensive mushroom can go upto thousands of dollars, and these types of mushroom varieties are often only used in Michelin starred restaurants by super skilled chefs.
Here are some expensive mushrooms you should know about
Chanterelles are one of the most expensive mushroom varieties, also known as Girolles, and are popular and delicious types of food mushrooms. This expensive mushroom is prized for its distinct flavour and unique experience. These types of mushroom grow in clusters during the early autumn in some regions of North and Central America, Europe and Asia. Chanterelles are rich in nutrients and people have been using these in medicine for several centuries.
Price: Rs 2,489- 3,319 ($30-$40) per pound
2. Morel
Also known as sponge mushrooms, Morels are highly expensive types of food mushrooms. Morel mushrooms, which contain a texture like a honeycomb, have an earthy flavour and are an expensive mushroom variety. China is the only country which has grown this expensive mushroom which makes types of mushroom rare to find globally.
Price: Rs 2,904 - 4,152 ($35-$50) per pound
Porcini, also known as Punny Buns, is the most expensive mushroom in the world as they are renowned for their earthy, nutty flavour and meaty texture. These types of food mushrooms grow in forests across the world during summer and fall in association with trees like oaks and pines. Favoured by chefs all across the world, Porcini are also some of the most famous mushroom varieties.
Price: Rs 3,319 - 5,808 ($40-$70) per pound
4. French black truffles
French Black Truffles also referred to as Perigord Truffles is an expensive mushroom which is native to southern Europe. Black truffles are one of the most expensive mushroom varieties, which symbolises luxurious dining around the world. These types of food mushrooms are expensive and are known for their intense flavour and aroma. Chefs use Perigord Truffles in pasta, risottos, and scrambled eggs worldwide.
Price: Rs 82,980 - 1,24,470 ($1000-$1500) per pound
Matsutake Mushrooms, also known as Pine Mushrooms, are the most expensive types of food mushrooms which are found in East Asia, Europe and North America. These mushroom varieties are famous for their spiced aroma and meaty texture.
The unique flavour and aroma of Matsutake mushrooms make them particularly valued in Japan and some of the most expensive mushroom you can anywhere in the world.
Price: Rs 82,980 - 1,65,961 ($1000-$2000) per pound
6. White truffles
Known for its culinary treasures in the world, white truffles are some really expensive mushroom varieties, revered for their intense flavour and aroma. These types of mushroom are also called Alba truffles. The intense garlicky and earthy aroma of white truffles is what makes them considered some of the most luxurious types of food mushrooms.
Price: Rs 3,31,922 ($4000) per pound
The Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau are home to Yartsa Gunbu, also referred to as caterpillars infected by fungus, which possess highly medicinal properties making sure it becomes the most expensive mushroom in the whole world. These types of mushroom are parasitic mushrooms which are grown by infecting caterpillars.
Price: Rs 16,59,610 - 41,49,025 ($20,000-$50,000) per pound
Photo: Shutterstock
