Gucchi mushrooms served to Putin: Health benefits

No, it has no connection with the luxury Italian fashion house. However, the rare Gucchi mushrooms are fitness superstars in their own right. Most recently, they found a place in the spread served to Russian President Vladimir Putin who recently visited India. The mushrooms also made headlines in October 2020, when they were served to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Himachal Pradesh to inaugurate Atal Rohtang, the longest tunnel road in the world. The organisers ensured the Prime Minister had a chance to try some of the rare and indigenous dishes and flavours of Himachal Pradesh. Gucchi mushrooms are rare wild morel mushrooms that grow naturally in remote, high-altitude forests of the Himalayas. Not just the PM, these mushrooms are a favourite of many celebrities too. 

The Gucchi mushrooms are found in the wilderness at around 6000 feet above sea level in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. They aren’t commercially farmed; they're naturally grown in specific natural environments, such as forests. Gucchi mushrooms are primarily found in Kulu-Manali, Chamba, Kangra, and the Pangi Valley. They have also been discovered in the snow-clad regions of Shimla. The rare mushrooms cost up to Rs 40,000 per kilo, making them one of the most expensive mushroom varieties in the world. Villagers trudge through rugged terrains to collect the mushrooms, as they are primarily found in remote forests in higher altitudes. These fungi mushrooms are usually found under leaf litter, near decaying wood. Sometimes, they may naturally grow in fertile soil, too. 

What are morel mushrooms?
The scientific name of gucchi mushrooms is Morchella esculenta, and they are also called morel or sponge morel mushrooms. Although they are expensive, they enjoy high demand in the market. However, there is a limited supply of these mushrooms as they are rarely found. The mushrooms often appear after the winter season in Himachal Pradesh. The locals collect them from March to May. People usually have to wander around the forests in high-altitude areas for an entire day before they can spot a few mushrooms. 

Gucchi mushrooms are so unpredictable that they may or may not appear in the same spot every year. It would take months to collect the gucchi mushrooms, dry them and then sell them in the market. As the mushrooms are expensive, locals do not use them in their cooking. Instead, they would collect the mushrooms to sell them for high prices. There are countless theories and myths related to the gucchi mushrooms. Local people believe that lightning bolts double them as the mushrooms grow easily in 'post-fire' soil. However, these theories lack scientific backing. 

Health benefits of gucchi mushrooms
People who can afford them, including celebrities, love gucchi mushrooms for their health benefits. They are a storehouse of potassium, vitamins and copper. Besides the essential B vitamins, gucchi mushrooms are also an excellent source of vitamin D. Their antioxidants neutralise reactive oxygen species that are harmful to the body, reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Gucchi mushrooms are mainly used in gourmet cooking. Gucchi pulao made using these mushrooms is widely popular. Besides, gucchi mushrooms could be cut into small pieces and fried. 

Gucchi mushrooms are cholesterol-free and low in calories, sodium, and fat. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin D. Moreover, specific vitamins and amino acids make these mushrooms a fantastic ingredient. Gucchi mushrooms are known for boosting immunity, fighting disease and significantly reducing the side effects of certain medicines.

Why mushrooms are good for health
All mushrooms are fungi and stand apart from other flora. Mushrooms are low in fat and energy and contain less sodium. Moreover, they contain no cholesterol, making them among the healthiest foods. Button, oyster and straw varieties of mushrooms are primarily grown in India. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid promotes hormone production and the health of nerves, while riboflavin helps produce healthy red blood cells. Besides, niacin is excellent for the skin and stimulates the digestive and nervous systems. 

Selenium is an antioxidant that boosts immunity and reduces the risk of severe diseases like heart disease and cancer. Ergothioneine is another antioxidant that can boost immunity and prevent infections. Meanwhile, most mushroom varieties contain an antioxidant called beta-glucans that increases immunity, prevents infections, and fights certain diseases. 

Mushrooms abundantly contain vitamin D, which is barely seen in vegetables. So, they are great for bone and dental health. The potassium in mushrooms is adequate to reduce blood pressure and protect the heart. Besides these, mushrooms also contain copper, calcium, protein, and a few amino acids that are beneficial to the body. Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants that could be included in your regular diet to boost immunity and reduce infection.

A few studies have proven that mushrooms can fight diseases like cancer. Mushrooms could be added to the diet of those who struggle with obesity and diabetes, as they do not have cholesterol and are a low-calorie food item. Certain fibres and antioxidants in mushrooms can reduce the harmful cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, a few components in them can stimulate brain activity. Many edible mushrooms naturally grow in forests and farmlands across the country. The nutrients in mushrooms get enhanced when cooked.