Wild Black Fungus

Wild Black Fungus

　　Wild Black Fungus

　　Yunlong wild black fungus was once one of the county’s major agricultural and sideline products. Known for its thick, plump lobes and rich sugar content, it is a famous specialty of Yunlong County. Black fungus has a delicious taste and is highly nutritious, containing protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, as well as various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It helps moisten the lungs, cleanse the intestines, and also offers multiple benefits such as replenishing qi, enriching blood, stopping bleeding, and relieving pain.

　　The mountainous areas of Yunlong County feature dense forests, mild climate, and moderate rainfall, all of which are conducive to the growth of wild black fungus. Historically, the yield was abundant, but in recent years, due to logging bans, production has declined somewhat, though it is still harvested. The fungus grows on the trunks and branches of chinaberry trees that are just beginning to decay. Trees and branches that have been cut down generally do not grow fungus in the first year, but start producing in the second year. It grows faster in shaded areas and among grass, and can also be found on partially decayed water pear wood. Generally, when summer rains arrive and precipitation reaches a certain level, the fungus begins to grow and continues until the end of the rainy season. When harvesting, pick the larger ones and leave the smaller ones, as the latter can grow to a harvestable size again within a day or two after rain—so they can often be picked throughout the rainy season. The mountain dwellers of Yunlong deliberately cut off some branches of the chinaberry tree, leaving them in spots exposed to rain. Within two rainy seasons, these can be harvested, either for home use or for sale at local markets. Thanks to its superior quality, Yunlong black fungus has become a well-known local specialty.