Morel mushroom (Morchella esculenta) , one of the tastiest mushroom on the planet belonging to the fungi family. It’s a distinctive mushroom resembling the honeycomb structure. There are 15-18 species of morels growing on the grounds of United States, varying from black brown to yellow brown or green brown in color. Like all mushrooms poisonous or edible, morels are decomposers just like any other member of the fungi family.
Morel mushrooms are also referred to as ‘Gucchi’ in India, grown as the wild mushroom in some parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir can be seen generally in spring season. Commercial production of gucchi is quite influencing, therefore they are too expensive.
Let’s learn about some unique nutritional qualities of morels-
- Great source of vitamin D- Sunshine vitamin i.e. is essential for bone health. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light can produce more vitamin D than found in a glass of fortified milk.
- Immunity booster- These are rich in proteins and other body-building nutrients. They help to improve our immunity by strengthening liver of a human body.
- Rich in antioxidants- enhances our antioxidant defense system by directly scavenging free radicals
- Cancer-fighting – theyplay a significant role in preventing tumors and reducing thegrowth and development of colon cancer.
Amazing gucchi recipes –
Gucchi pulaoo-
- Wash gucchi well in warm and salted water.
- Add 2 tbsp of ghee in a heating pan.
- Then add 50gm of gucchi and don’t discard the nutritional rich washed water.
- Fry until the gucchis turn golden brown.
- Then add 1 inch cinnamon, 2-3 green cardamom, 2-3 cloves, 1 black cardamom, 1 tbsp of cumin seeds; stir them well with gucchis.
- Add the washed water of gucchis and then 1 cup of washed basmati rice and salt to taste.
- Cover & cook the pulaao, until the aroma arises.
- Serve the dish with coriander and lemon on the top.
The impressive nutritional and medicinal properties of morel mushrooms make them an ideal food supplement.
“Know your trees morels can be found near dead and decaying trees where the bark is falling off the trunk.”