Gutian Bamboo Fungus

Gutian Bamboo Fungus

　　The scientific name of bamboo fungus is Dictyophora indusiata (Vent. ex Pers.) Fisch, and it is commonly known as bamboo ginseng, bamboo flute, veil mushroom, net veil mushroom, or bamboo maiden.

　　　　Bamboo fungus belongs to the class Gasteromycetes, order Phallales, family Phallaceae, and genus Dictyophora. It is a highly valuable edible and medicinal fungus. Due to its snow-white fresh appearance, beautiful fungal skirt, and enticing fragrance, it is hailed as the “Queen of Fungi.”

　　Historically, bamboo fungus was listed as a “tribute to the imperial court,” and in modern times, it has become a renowned dish served at state banquets, as well as a health food. It is rich in nutrients. According to analysis, dried bamboo fungus contains 19.4% crude protein, 2.6% crude fat, and 60.4% total soluble nitrogen-free extractives, including 4.2% fungus sugar, 8.4% crude fiber, and 9.3% ash. It has significant therapeutic effects on conditions such as high blood pressure, neurasthenia, and gastrointestinal diseases. It can also help prevent and fight cancer, aid in weight loss and body strengthening. Additionally, it possesses unique preservative properties—dishes and meats cooked with bamboo fungus in summer remain unspoiled for many days.

　　　　The cultivation of bamboo fungus is the third major development product in Gutian County, following silver ear fungus and shiitake mushrooms. In 1981, the Gutian Fungus Factory successfully cultivated long-skirted bamboo fungus indoors. In 1989, Gutian mushroom farmers achieved success in cultivating bamboo fungus using raw materials—harvesting could begin just 60 days after inoculation, yielding 250–350 grams of dried bamboo fungus per square meter annually, increasing productivity tenfold and reducing the growth cycle by two-thirds. This new technology rapidly spread both within and outside Fujian Province. After over twenty years of technical research, variety domestication, and breakthroughs in cultivation environments, Gutian bamboo fungus now leads in both quality and yield, with products sold worldwide. In 2000, the county cultivated bamboo fungus on 1.5 million square meters, producing 300 tons (dried). Bamboo fungus cultivation has achieved multiple technological advancements. The paper “Preliminary Exploration of Open-field Cultivation of Bamboo Fungus in Forest Land” was included in the book Chinese Bamboo Fungus Domestication and Cultivation Panorama. The “Three-dimensional Cultivation Method of Interplanting Bamboo Fungus with Shiitake Mushrooms in Beds” passed the appraisal organized by the Regional Science and Technology Commission, reaching an advanced domestic level, and the paper was serialized in the Fumin Daily in 1990. “Preliminary Exploration of Interplanting Bamboo Fungus in Oil Nai Orchards” was selected for inclusion in the 1997 proceedings of the China Edible Fungi New Technology and Product Exchange Conference. "Gutian Bamboo Fungus" won the gold award at the First China Agricultural Expo.