Yunlong Wild Black Fungus

Yunlong Wild Black Fungus

　　Yunlong wild black fungus was once one of the county’s major agricultural and sideline products. It is known for its thick, plump, and sugar-rich lobes, making it a famous specialty of Yunlong County. The black fungus has a delicious taste and high nutritional value, rich in protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, as well as various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It offers benefits such as moistening the lungs, cleansing the intestines, as well as replenishing qi, enriching blood, stopping bleeding, and relieving pain.

The Yunlong County area features dense forests, a 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 a logging ban in the forests, production has decreased somewhat, although it is still harvested. The fungus grows on the trunks and branches of chinaberry trees that are just beginning to decay. Newly felled tree trunks and branches usually do not produce fungus in the first year, but growth begins in the second year. It grows faster in shaded areas and among grass, and can also be found on partially decaying water pear trees. Generally, when summer rains arrive and rainfall reaches a certain level, the fungus begins to grow and continues until the end of the rainy season. When harvesting, pick the larger pieces and leave the smaller ones, as the smaller ones can grow significantly again after just one or two days of rain—so they can often be harvested throughout the rainy season. Locals in Yunlong sometimes deliberately cut down some chinaberry branches, leaving them in spots exposed to rain. Within two rainy seasons, these can be harvested, either for home use or for sale at markets. Thanks to its superior quality, Yunlong’s black fungus has become a well-known local specialty.