Morchella Mushroom

Morchella esculenta ( Gucchi)

Morchella esculenta, also known as Gucchi mushrooms are an economically beneficial wild mushrooms possessing a plethora of health benefits

It is known by different names such as morels, true morels, yellow morels and sponge morels. These fungi have generally been found to have a mycorrhizal or saprobic relationship with coniferous trees and hardwood.

Gucchi mushrooms can grow at higher altitudes and at colder temperatures only . Due to the restrictions being their growth taking place in mainly high altitude areas where the temperatures are low has led them to be made available mainly in the Himalayas

Gucchi mushrooms are commonly seen in the forests of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which are used by tribal communities for medicinal purposes.

These mushrooms were found to be the most expensive ones in the world.

Morels carry high amount of Vitamin D, approximately 206 IU in 100 g of the sample. Gucchi mushrooms exhibits antioxidant activity. The presence of β-carotene and linoleic acid shows its antioxidant properties. Bioactive components such as tocopherols, organic acids, phenolic compounds and carotenoids are present in these wild mushrooms. Anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities of these mushrooms are well known.

They also possess anticancer and antihypertensive properties. The conventional method of its cultivation is impractical and since they are a rare wild species of nutrient rich source, submerged fermentation has been developed. Polysaccharides present in these mushrooms showed potential anti-tumour activity. The antibacterial properties of Gucchi mushrooms as against Salmonella typhimurium, E-coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacter cloacae was also noted. Evidences revealed that it is useful in the treatment of head ache, cold, stomach ache and Hepatitis B sleeplessness and blood cholesterol level .