Top 10 Most Expensive Mushrooms in the World
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Health Benefits |
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Risks of Mushroom Foraging |
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Most Expensive Mushrooms |
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If you enjoy specialty and gourmet mushrooms, then you’ve most likely noticed the price of these mushrooms can get extremely high, especially if they’re difficult to cultivate. So, are you curious as to what the 10 most expensive mushrooms are worldwide?
In our guide, we’ll discuss the most expensive mushrooms, their health benefits, the risks of foraging mushrooms, and where they can be located.
Here’s our list of the 10 most expensive mushrooms in the world.
1. Oyster Mushrooms
Known as one of the top three cultivated mushrooms in the world, oyster mushrooms represent a significant amount of edible mushrooms in the world. Even though oyster mushrooms have increased in popularity all around the world, this variety of mushrooms is still more expensive than an Agaricus bisporus mushroom.
Compared to the Agaricus bisporus’ retail price per pound of $1.50, oyster mushrooms sell for a shocking $10 to $12 per pound.
The genus Pleurotus contains approximately two hundred species and is represented by oyster mushrooms. Every one of these species are edible, though some are considered extremely popular. Some of the most popular oyster mushrooms are the pink oyster, king oyster, and pearl oyster.
Many people love oyster mushrooms for their seafood-like flavors and meaty textures. Oyster mushrooms are easily cultivated on logs such as aspen, poplar, oak, and maple. Additionally, you can also grow oyster mushrooms in at-home grow kits.
2. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are very popular worldwide and used for medicinal and culinary purposes. You can find these in many grocery stores around the United States for approximately $16 to $18 per pound. These mushrooms have a shaggy toothed shape, have a hint of sweetness, mild flavors, and texture that resembles lobster and shellfish.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be found in various areas of the northern hemisphere. They can easily be grown using at-home grow kits or by using oak and walnut trees. For medicinal purposes, some scientists use Lion’s Mane mushrooms for diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. French Black Truffles
French Black Truffles are one of the most expensive mushrooms, and grow in various regions of France. However, you can also find French Black Truffles growing in southern areas of Europe. Currently, these mushrooms are sold in United States retail markets and go for $1,000 to $2,000 per pound.
For people who can afford to try this mushroom, it’s considered a delicacy with an earthy and musky taste. So why are these so popular and why are they one of the most expensive mushrooms? These mushrooms have a short-lived foraging season and are difficult to locate and grow.
In addition, because of scarcity, this keeps the French Black Truffle with high prices.
4. Alba White Truffles
While French Black Truffles are one of the most expensive mushrooms, Alba White Truffles can go for a shocking four times the amount of Black Truffles. These mushrooms are grown in the Alba township in Italy and currently sell in a retail market in the United States for $4,000 per pound.
So, why are Alba White Truffles more expensive than the French Black Truffles? This is because Alba mushrooms are more rare and more limited in their growing regions. In addition, the flavor of the Alba White Truffle is more rich and complex.
5. Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms have a rich, meaty texture and are currently sold in retail markets in the United States for approximately $40 to $70 per pound. Although you can’t find them fresh online, you can find them frozen or dried. As one of the most expensive mushrooms, these mushrooms aren’t difficult to find because of their thickness.
In Italy, many people enjoy Porcini mushrooms, as they are highly favored in pasta dishes, stews, and as a gourmet side dish. These mushrooms are difficult to grow due to their market value.
6. Beech Mushrooms
One of the most expensive mushrooms and one of the most popular in its region of East Asia is the Beech mushroom. The Beech mushroom has become quickly cultivated and sold in many areas among Australia, North America, and Europe. This mushroom can be found in many retail markets in the United States for approximately $13 to $16 per pound.
The Beech mushroom has a firm and nutty flavor, and is crunchy in texture. Beech mushrooms have brown-capped and white varieties and are commercially grown. The mushroom has a long stalk and is very popular for cooking use.
7. Shiitake Mushrooms
Known as one of the most cultivated mushrooms in the world and the most expensive is the Shiitake mushroom. This is a highly-favored mushroom that has a buttery, meaty, smoky, and nutty flavor. The average price of the Shiitake mushroom in the United States is approximately $15 to $20.
Shiitake mushrooms can be found in regions of Japan, China, and East Asia. Shiitake mushrooms can be easily grown on logs and inoculated bags of sawdust. Many people also consume Shiitake mushrooms for their medicinal properties, as they can help with immune stimulation and viral infections.
8. Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world and can be found in regions of Asia, Central America, Europe, and North America. Many people enjoy this mushroom for its nutty, earthy, and meaty flavors. In the United States, you can find Morel mushrooms sold fresh for approximately $35 to $50 per pound, depending on its species.
One of the reasons why Morel mushrooms are known as one of the most expensive is because they are challenging to cultivate. While outdoor cultivation is known to occur in China, it is not known as being widespread.
9. Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms are a favorite among those who enjoy nutty, sweet, and fruity flavors. In the United States, Chanterelle mushrooms sell for approximately $30 to $40 per pound, with its price varying depending on its species. You can purchase Chanterelle mushrooms fresh during foraging season and are commercially cultivated.
The reason why Chanterelle mushrooms are the most expensive on our list is because they can’t be cultivated because of their plant-fungi relationship. Chanterelle mushrooms are known for growing in clusters in areas of Asia, Europe, Central America, and North America.
10. Japanese Matsutake
Japanese Matsutake mushrooms are considered an animal delicacy and are one of the most expensive mushrooms worldwide. These mushrooms have a rich flavor and sweet aroma which make them highly desirable among famous chefs.
If you want to enjoy this highly popular mushroom, you’ll need to shell out cash. While they may not be as expensive as other mushrooms, they sell for approximately $1,000 per pound. Demand for Japanese Matsutake mushrooms have continued to grow, which is one of the reasons why they’re so expensive.
Additionally, their habitat has come under attack, meaning their fungi supply has been diminishing. Since these mushrooms have a unique profile, they are typically enjoyed thin sliced.
Top Benefits of Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a great addition that can be used in the majority of meals, mushrooms are just what you’re looking for. Most mushrooms have several amazing health benefits, especially those that include selenium. Selenium is an essential mineral that can help with body support functions, more importantly the function of the thyroid gland.
A few mushrooms that contain selenium are oyster mushrooms, white mushrooms, and portobello mushrooms. Mushrooms are also an excellent source of antioxidants which can help eliminate free radicals that damage cells. Additionally, many mushrooms can help minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and minimize metabolic disorders.
Tips for Mushroom Consumption
When consuming mushrooms, you can enjoy them either raw or cooked. One of the best methods to cook mushrooms is by grilling to help maintain its nutrients compared to microwaving or deep frying. Grilling mushrooms has also been proven to increase its antioxidants profile.
Some ways that you can enjoy mushrooms are by adding them to smoothies, adding to breakfast omelets, on top of avocado toast, sautéed, or as a side dish.
Risks of Mushroom Foraging
In most areas, mushroom foraging is illegal so you’ll want to check your local laws and regulations regarding the collection of mushrooms. There are also many mushrooms in the wild that are poisonous and considered dangerous if they go unidentified. It’s best to purchase mushrooms from your local grocery store or to contact a foraging professional.
This will ensure that you’ve properly identified the mushrooms as edible by a professional who has knowledge in the field.
Poison Prevention Tips
If you’re going to eat a wild mushroom, ensure that it’s properly identified first. If you’re unsure if the mushroom is edible, when in doubt, throw it out. Cooking mushrooms also doesn't make them safe to eat, in fact, some mushrooms are poisonous just by inhaling the fumes.
Children should also never eat or touch wild mushrooms, so always check your backyard if you suspect mushroom growth. If you have any questions regarding the ingestion of poisonous mushrooms, contact your state’s poison center.
Where Can You Find Mushrooms?
Mushrooms can be found in many environments worldwide which include urban areas, grasslands, and forests. Mushrooms grow in shady and damp areas and can be found among trees, decaying wood, and forest surfaces. Additionally, some varieties of mushrooms are used for commercial reasons in controlled areas like mushroom farms.
Climates and Conditions
Mushrooms can grow in various temperatures between forty and ninety degrees. You’ll notice their growth in the spring, but they thrive in temperatures around seventy degrees. Since mushrooms don’t have skin, it’s difficult for them to contain their moisture.
Moisture is essential for mushroom growth, which means it’s essential for them to grow in a moist environment to prevent the fruiting bodies from becoming dry. To reach their maximum potential, mushrooms need the right temperature and right sunlight amount.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to enjoy these mushrooms on your favorite pizza or for harvesting purposes, the mushrooms on our list are some of the most expensive mushrooms in the world. These mushrooms have many health benefits and can be found in grasslands and urban environments.
These rare and extraordinary mushrooms are a great addition for any foodie or harvester to experience. While these expensive mushrooms may break the bank, these species are sure to impress!
Most Expensive Mushrooms: FAQ
1. What is the most expensive mushroom in the world?
The most expensive mushroom in the world is the Yartsa Gunbu mushroom because of how rare it is and the belief that it’s an aphrodisiac.
2. What are the rarest mushrooms?
One of the rarest mushrooms is also the Yartsa Gunbu not only because it’s found growing out of caterpillars, but because it only grows in specific areas.
3. What mushrooms make the most money?
The mushrooms that make the most money are lion’s mane mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, morel mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms.
4. Why are morel mushrooms so expensive?
Morel mushrooms are so expensive because they can only be found between the months of March and May.
5. What is the tastiest mushroom in the world?
Some of the tastiest mushrooms in the world are shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, chanterelle mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms.
6. What is a rare, expensive mushroom?
Matsutake is a rare, expensive mushroom because of its availability, demand, and challenging cultivation.