Andhra Pradesh: Cost of wild mushroom soars as buyers seek to boost immunity

VIJAYAWADA: Wild mushrooms have become dearer this year as their price has surged to 2,000 per kg in local markets. The wild mushrooms, which are available in the market during the monsoon, have huge demand considering their taste and nutritional value.
Mushrooms rich in fibre and low in carbohydrates have become a part of every kitchen, however, the demand for mushrooms has increased after the pandemic as people are preferring mushrooms to boost immunity.Hundreds of mushroom farms are supplying button mushrooms throughout the year which costs 400 per kg. However, people are preferring wild mushrooms sold on the streets which costs five times more.
Wild mushrooms are procured from Prakasam, Ongole and forest lands in the Nuzividu regions. They are naturally available in wetlands and farmers strive for hours to pluck the fine quality mushrooms and bring them to the markets in Vijaywada within 24 hours. Around 100 gm bunches are sold for 200.
Despite the high price, wild mushrooms are in demand. “Wild mushrooms taste better than any non-vegetarian dish. We used to buy a bunch of it for 80 in 2019. But their demand and price have touched the sky,” said K Chandru, a private employee.