Ukhrul: Wild edible mushrooms have long been a vital food source for the people of Manipur, especially those residing in the hills, due to their rich nutritional content. The monsoon season heralds the sprouting of various delicious wild mushrooms, and the hill areas of Manipur, including Ukhrul, are no exception. Gathering wild mushrooms is cherished not only for their taste but also for their medicinal value, as believed by the locals. Moreover, during this season, collecting wild edible mushrooms becomes a significant income-generating activity for many tribal people in the state.
On Saturday, this EastMojo correspondent joined a group from Ukhrul town to gather mushrooms from the woods and learned how locals identify edible mushrooms from the poisonous ones.
According to locals, they usually carry either a knife or a stick as a precaution against snake or insect bites while collecting wild mushrooms from the forest floor.
“There is an abundance of mushrooms found in Ukhrul district, and this is the right season for gathering wild edible mushrooms. However, there are also different varieties of mushrooms that are not edible,” said Dr. Aran.
While preparing edible mushrooms, it is crucial to be careful with the ingredients used for cooking, she advised.
“As a precaution, we traditionally use ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and fermented fish when consuming wild edible mushrooms,” she added.
Once collected, locals ensure that the mushrooms are cooked promptly as fully grown mushrooms spoil easily.
“If we collect wild mushrooms in large quantities, we either sun-dry them or use firewood to dry them to prevent spoilage,” said Ashem, another local.
By preserving these traditional practices, the people of Ukhrul continue to enjoy the nutritional and medicinal benefits of wild mushrooms while ensuring their safety.
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