Morels Mushroom

The Morchella Esculenta (Guchi) is a wild mushroom which grows in deep himalyan forests (Upper Himachal Region) .Morschella, the true Morels belong to the rare genus of mushroom family, which is found in upper Himalays in April to Sept Period.It grows naturally and has not been commercialy cultivated due to its rare and distinctive chracterstics .
In Himachal it is found in the hills of Shimla , Kinnaur , Kullu , Sirmaur , Chamba districts among other places.
Guchi finders set out in late March with sling bags looking for this wild mushroom . Some remain away for weeks and return with bags full .
Guchi is not immediately sold .The mushrooms are strung in a thread like necklaces and dried for a few days .This reduces the moisture and is now ready to be eaten .
Guchi is often bought by buyers directly from farmers in their villages who then sell it at a higher price in markets across the state and northern India .
The popular saying in the hills is if the spring in the hills is wet with frequent thunderstorms Guchi bursts in plenty .It is found only during a few weeks .
Besides its good taste experts say it is also rich in protein and other nutrients .