“Chicken Mushrooms” saying Thanksgiving to…well...Termites! #mushrooms #thanksgiving #biodiversity
Channel: Indigenous people and culture世界民族部落与历史文化
Date: 2022-11-25

Do you know there is a delicacy that coexists with termites? Known as the crown of the fungi, the Collybia albuminosa should be a super unique type in the edible fungi category. When termites build their nests in the soil, they will, at the same time, provide nutrition to the mushroom. Therefore, the termite-growing fungus is a symbiont of termites. As a type of fungi, the Collybia albuminosa seems to have nothing to do with chicken, but its inner structure is very similar to that of chicken and smells like chicken. Therefore it has been entitled “Chicken mushroom” in Chinese. With abundant rainfall and less pollution, Yunnan province is the main place for fungi production. Collybia albuminosa can be cooked in many ways, such as fried, stewed, and boiled. Paired with fillets and after simmering them for a couple of hours, you will get a pot of delicious delicacy, even without any condiments. The Compendium of Materia Medica records that the Collybia albuminosa can aid digestion and refresh the body and mind. As a medicinal fungus, the great value of Collybia albuminosa draws attention to the world. But if you want to taste it, do remember that Collybia albuminosa is forbidden to eat with wine!