Deep within the backwoods of various forests and mossy burrows, the growing gifts of consumable fungi await. Known to be high in vitamins and fiber, edible fungi are a great addition to your diet.
Some mushrooms have a high price tag for a variety of reasons. Much like the most costly coffees in the world, the most expensive mushrooms get their cost from their rarity and their difficulty of successful cultivation.
Mushrooms grow in dark damp places like caves or forests but they can be grown indoors on various substrates such as sawdust, straw and compost. They are a fun and tasty crop to grow at home as well.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great addition to any meal because they’re low in calories and high in protein. The majority of mushrooms may offer health benefits, particularly mushrooms that contain selenium.
This is an essential mineral which helps to support many different parts of the human body including brain function and thyroid gland activity. Mushrooms with selenium include Portobello mushrooms (0.04mg), oyster mushrooms (0.15 mg) and white mushrooms (0.08 mg).
Mushrooms are known to contain antioxidants, which have the ability to neutralize free radicals that damage cells. Mushrooms also contain vitamin D, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin and niacin (vitamin B).
Some mushrooms are thought to help decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. They may also reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.
Dangers of Mushroom Foraging
Firstly, foraging mushrooms is illegal in many areas, so be sure to check your local laws before taking mushrooms from the wild. Mushrooms found in the wild can be poisonous if not identified correctly.
It is best to go with a professional mushroom hunter or to buy mushrooms from grocery stores. This will ensure that the mushroom species has been and identified as an edible mushroom by experts in their field of study.
Where are Mushrooms Found?
Mushrooms are found growing in a variety of environments around the world, including forests, grasslands, and even some urban areas. They often grow in damp, shaded areas and can be found on the forest floor, on decaying wood, or even on living trees.
Additionally, some species of mushrooms are cultivated for commercial purposes in controlled environments such as mushroom farms.
The Most Expensive Mushrooms in the World in 2024
Let’s take a look at the wide variety of pricey mushrooms and see why they can be classified as edible diamonds of the ground.
While mushrooms are typically seen as a flavorful addition to meals, these rare and expensive delicacies are the star attraction on any plate. So prepare to salivate, because we’re taking you on a journey of the best examples of the mushroom world.
1. Yartsa Gunbu (Caterpillar Fungus) – up to $63,000 per pound
Priced at up to $63 000 dollars per pound, this caterpillar-fungus hybrid is the most expensive mushroom in the world. Also known as Ophiocordyceps sinensis or caterpillar fungus, this rare mushroom is believed to be a natural aphrodisiac. As it’s thought to be a medicinal mushroom with potential health benefits, Yartsa Gunbu is in high demand.
Found around the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, these mushrooms only occur in high altitudes which makes them difficult to acquire. In 2016, a district in Nepal claimed to have collected $4.7 million worth of this product, which makes it the world’s most valuable parasite.
The Yartsa Gunbu infects ghost moth caterpillars by eating them within, after which the caterpillars become mummified. When spring emerges, the time of rejuvenation and life, the fungus blossoms from their corpses.
2. European White Truffles – up to $10,000 per pound
Among the most expensive food in the world, the rare European white truffle is a refined and delicious morsel like no other. Found in the undergrowth of oak trees around Europe, these elusive white beauties are hard to spot and even harder to cultivate.
These fungi are detected by truffle-sniffing dogs or truffle pigs through the delectable aroma they exude that animals pick up easily. Truffle hunters often search at night rather than in the daytime, to keep their best finds secret.
These European white truffles can go up to $10 000 per pound and are a popular export on the black market due to their rarity.
3. Japanese Matsutake Mushrooms – up to $2,000 per pound
Matsutake mushrooms are native to Japan. These beloved fungi are mostly found on the forest floor under the roots of red pine trees in various regions. Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, this highly valued mushroom has a rich flavor with spicy and fruity undertones.
In recent years, the significant decrease of red pines led to the lower numbers of the cherished Japanese Matsutake mushroom. These fungi tend to go around $1000 to $2000 per pound as it is listed as a “near-threatened” species.
They’re not on this list due to over consumption, but due to changes in their habitat. The manmade pine forests where they thrive have been invaded by an invasive worm, the pinewood nematode.
4. Black Truffles – up to $900 per pound
The Black truffle is a rich delicacy that can be classified as nothing other than an underground gem. These truffles are found in Marche, Molise and Piedmont in Italy, as well as the Périgord region of France, parts of Spain and Oregon in the United States. Truffle dogs accompany the truffle hunters
With a subtler taste than their paler counterparts, these dark nuggets are often a prized menu item in the most lavish restaurants. This type of mushroom is usually priced around $800-$900 per pound, depending on the season.
5. Chanterelle Mushrooms – up to $225 per pound
With fleshy caps and elegant false gills, the Chanterelle mushrooms are the epitome of fine fungi dining. These golden beauties have a slight apricot smell and a distinct peppery taste.
Chanterelles are often found in the woodland areas in parts of North America and Europe. These mushrooms are in high demand and can go up to $225 per pound when dried.
6. Enoki Mushrooms – up to $108 per pound
Also known as Enokitake, Golden Needle, and Velvet Foot, the delicious flavor and velvety texture of these mushrooms feature in a wide variety of cuisines. The Enoki mushroom can be priced at around $108 per pound.
Enoki mushrooms are snowy, long-stemmed fungi and are often found in large bouquets that can grow up to 5 inches (12 cm). These mushrooms are also often linked to a number of nutritional and medicinal properties, such as a possible heart health contributor.
7. Morel Mushrooms – up to $100 per pound
Morel mushrooms are a highly prized edible fungi in the culinary world that are foraged in the wild. They emerge in early spring, often at the base of dying/dead trees like elm, ash and oak.
These highly prized wild mushrooms have a short growing season, so their availability fluctuates yearly. When supplies are scarce, prices can skyrocket due to high demand.
Prices tend to be lower in areas where morels are foraged locally compared to regions where they must be imported. Premium, limited supply morels from renowned regions can fetch $100 per pound or more.
Dried morels are available year-round and are generally less expensive, ranging from $10-$40 per ounce.
8. Gucchi Mushrooms (Yellow Morel) – up to $90 per pound
Found in the foothills of the Himalayas, as well as in Brazil and Bulgaria, this wild mushroom cannot be commercially cultivated. Therefore, these rare mushrooms are highly sought out.
Yellow Morels are also known as Gucchi mushrooms. These precious fungi can be priced around $20-$90 per pound when fresh.
9. Porcini Mushrooms (Boletus Edulis) – up to $55 per pound
This bulbous mushroom, also referred to as the Penny Bun, Cep or King Bolete, is fungi royalty and a highly sought-after specimen.
The name ‘Porcini’ is derived from Italian, which means piglet. With its oversized caps and stocky stems, this mushroom has a very fitting name.
These highly sought-after mushrooms are often served in the most expensive restaurants in the world and revered for their tasty nutty flavor. The Porcini mushrooms starting price, when sliced and dried, is around $55 per pound.
10. Black Trumpet Mushrooms – up to $40 per pound
Black trumpet mushrooms (Craterellus cornucopioides) are an edible wild mushroom species prized for their rich, smoky flavor and unique trumpet-like shape. They grow in clusters on the ground in forests across North America, Europe and parts of Asia, often near mossy areas or decaying wood.
When young, their flavor is mild, but as they mature they develop an intense, rich, smoky, umami taste. They are highly prized by chefs and foragers for their meaty texture and earthy, savory flavor that works well in soups, risottos, pasta dishes and sauces.
Black trumpet mushrooms generally cost between $30-40 per pound.
11. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms – up to $36 per pound
Aptly named for its long, hair-like structure, the Lion’s Mane mushroom is an edible fungus and a wonderful earthy treat.
This mushroom is often associated with a wide variety of health benefits, such as immune system boosting and helping to relieve anxiety. It can be often found in supplement form as well. This shaggy specimen can go up to $36 per pound.
12. Shiitake Mushrooms – up to $24 per pound
Originating from East Asia, these fungi can be a delicious addition to any meal which makes them one of the most popular mushrooms in the world. The Shiitake has a rich and meaty texture and is usually a deep brown or tan color.
These mouth-watering finds are usually priced around $7-$24 per pound, depending on their preparation and location.
13. Oyster Mushrooms – up to $8 per pound
Oyster mushrooms have various types and are popular fungi to add to dishes due to their meaty and mild flavor. These gilled stemmed gems are found in subtropical forests all over the globe and are easily cultivated.
This gourmet mushroom can go up to $8 per pound on wholesale prices, those who are able to get their hands on one with an oyster mushroom growing kit have the ultimate side hustle opportunity.
14. Kalahari Truffle – up to $4 per pound
Deep within the plains of the Kalahari Desert, lies a tasty Namibian treasure. While hunting down Kalahari truffles comes with a variety of obstacles, such as thorn trees and sleeping snakes, it is well worth the effort.
If you’re looking to enjoy the symphony of flavors of a truffle eating experience without the obscene price tag, this might be the truffle for you.
Final Thoughts on the Top Highly-Priced Mushrooms
Whether it’s your favorite pizza topping or you enjoy the delicate intricacies of harvesting these spore-bearing beauties, mushrooms are a delightful earthy splendor. These extravagant mushrooms are the perfect addition to any foodie bucket list.
While the most expensive mushrooms in the world may cost an arm and a leg, these different species will be sure to make any mushroom connoisseur blush with envy. Bon Appétit!
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