Wild Boletus (Ganbajun)

Wild Boletus (Ganbajun)

　　Boletus, or Ganbajun, is a rare and precious wild edible mushroom unique to Yunnan Province. Its scientific name is Sparassis crispa, and it is also referred to as "flower-facing mushroom" or "horse-tooth mushroom." It grows among pine trees in the forests of central and western Yunnan. It is produced during the rainy season of July and August and has not yet been successfully cultivated artificially. Though unimpressive in appearance—dark with a layer of white—it boasts an incredibly rich and delicious flavor, making it one of the finest wild edible mushrooms. Stir-fried with green chili peppers or eggs, its taste is simply extraordinary.

Boletus has a unique flavor and is a highly popular and delicious edible mushroom in central and western Yunnan. It features a richly aromatic scent, tender and crispy texture, endless chewy richness, and exceptionally fine taste. When stir-fried with green chili peppers and lean meat, its aroma becomes even more intense, rivaling that of shredded chicken. It can be dried for preservation or made into uniquely flavored canned products.

It is distributed across most parts of Yunnan and grows under Masson pine trees from July to September each year.