Vijayawada: Wild mushrooms are experiencing a surge in demand despite a significant price hike. The cost of premium wild button mushrooms have risen by 20% in city markets compared to 2023. The increase in price hasn’t deterred buyers, who are drawn to its superior taste and high nutritional value.
The wild mushroom season coincides with the monsoon, and farmers from the Nuzividu region harvest these mushrooms from nearby forests, and sell them in Vijayawada city.Currently, around 20 stalls are selling wild mushrooms along the city’s roads, and they have seen brisk business so far.
A bunch of wild mushrooms that costed ₹90 in 2023 is now priced at ₹120. Similarly, the price for one kilogram of wild mushrooms has increased from ₹2,000 in 2023 to ₹2,400 this year. Traders attribute the price hike to demand being more than supply. Wild mushrooms are sought by many not just for their culinary appeal but also for their health benefits.
“They are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. It is good to include this seasonal fungi into the diet,” said Dr. Jahnavi, a city-based dietitian and Ayurvedic physician.
A few hotels in the city are offering a variety of dishes made of wild Mushrooms to attract foodies.
“We sell dishes made of cultivated mushrooms throughout the year at a cheaper price. But they never received huge demand when compared to the wild mushrooms,” said B Vamsikrishna, who runs a cloud kitchen in the city.
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