Morchella esculenta Fr. – A Growing Gold of Mountains, its Nutritive Value and Cultivation

Saroj Belbase¹, Jiwan Paudel¹, Shradha Subba², Surush Das²and Shrvan Kumar^1*

¹Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, I. Ag. Sc., Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, (Mirzapur), India

²Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, I. Ag. Sc., Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, (Mirzapur), India

Corresponding Author E-mail: shrvank@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.13.1.03

Article Publishing History

Received: 24 Jan 2025
Accepted: 22 Mar 2025
Published Online: 08 Apr 2025

Review Details

Reviewed by: Dr. Summuna Bhat
Second Review by: Dr. Harshvardhan Markad
Final Approval by: Dr. Aristidis Matsoukis

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Abstract:

Morchella esculenta Fr., known as Guchi in India, is an edible mushroom from the Ascomycota group. It is nutritious, economically and scientifically valuable. Traditional cultures have long used this mushroom both as food and as a remedy for various health issues. This mushroom is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and aromatic compounds. Its unique taste, flavor, and texture make it a popular ingredient in recipes around the world. In addition, Morchella esculenta has several medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, and it is used to aid digestion, act as a body tonic, soothe the skin, and help heal wounds. Research on morel cultivation spans over a century, with China leading the way in large-scale outdoor cultivation. The life cycle of the mushroom involves two main stages: the formation of sclerotia and the production of conidia. Cultivating these mushrooms involves making the spawn, introducing it to a growing medium, adding extra nutrients, managing the fruiting phase, and finally harvesting. The application of exogenous nutrition bags facilitates robust mycelial development. Naturally, Morchella esculenta thrives in cold, hilly regions and is commonly found near hardwood and coniferous trees in a saprobic or mycorrhizal association. Its peak growing season is from March to July, and it is native to the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh, located in the western Himalayas.

Keywords:

Cultivation; Exogenous nutrition; High price; Morchella esculenta; Pharmacological properties

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