Stink horn is a stink horn fungus which grows in bamboo thickets in China. It is used as an ingredient in Chinese haute cuisine, particularly that of Yunnan and Canton. Previously only collected in the wild, where it is uncommon, it was rare and difficult to procure. In China, it grows among bamboo forest. However, it has been cultivated in China since 1979. It was previously reserved for special occasions, one such being a banquet for Henry Kissinger on his visit to China to reestablish diplomatic relations in the early 1970s. Since then, advances in cultivation have made it cheaper and more available. According to an article in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, the smell of this fungus when fresh can trigger spontaneous orgasms in human females.
Agaricus blazei is a choice edible, with a somewhat sweet taste and fragrance of almonds. This mushroom is also well known as a medicinal mushroom, for its purported medicinal properties, due to research which indicates it may stimulate the immune system. Agaricus blazei is a choice edible, with a somewhat sweet taste and fragrance of almonds. Due fact Agaricus blazei contains a high level of beta glucans, compounds known for stimulating the immune system, Agaricus blazei is used in oncological therapy in Japan and Brazil.
Sparassis (also known as cauliflower mushroom) is a genus of parasitic mushrooms characterised by their unique look. Its look can be described as similar to a sea sponge, a brain, or a head of cauliflower, from which it has been given its popular name. Sparassis crispa can be very tasty, but should be thoroughly cleaned before use as the folds can contain dirt and other material, as it grows and envelops objects around it such as pine needles. It is good for drying and reconstuting as it retains its cartilaginous texture and hence is good for soups. Experiments have revealed this mushroom naturally contains chemicals with may stimulate the immune system and have anti-tumor properties.
This species of mushrooms belongs to a group of fungi commonly called Termite Mushrooms. They are so named because they are cultivated by termites inside their nests or mounds in underground fungus forest. However termites grow and harvest the fungus in its minute mycelium stage without letting it develope into the umbrella-shaped fruiting bodies that we called mushrooms and which we eat. This particular is best known for its crunchy and sweet taste. The mushroom is rich in protein,carbohydrate, calcium,phosphate, iron, fibre and various transition elements.
Boletus regius is a beautiful, robust bolete with an aspect similar to Boletus edulis. A notable difference, however, is that Boletus regius has a rose-pink cap while Boletus edulis has a brownish cap. Like Boletus Edulis, when dried, boletus regius has more protein than all other commonly consumed vegetables apart from soybeans.
