Top 10 Most Expensive Mushrooms Around the World

Stacked Mushroom has a unique appearance resembling a lady's headscarf, which is how it got its name. This mushroom primarily grows in regions such as South Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. The cap of the stacked mushroom contains a slimy substance filled with brownish-green spores that attract insects, helping to spread the spores. It is edible and commonly found in dishes in China, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the Great Lakes region of North America.

Known for its delicate preparation, cooking Stacked Mushrooms requires skilled chefs, as it is considered a rare and potentially dangerous delicacy, much like Fugu (pufferfish). The mushroom has been commercially cultivated and is mainly sold in Asian markets. Its price is quite high, with 500g of dried Stacked Mushroom costing nearly 3 million VND on the market.

Unlike other mushrooms that grow above the ground, the White Truffle Mushroom grows underground. It has a spicy taste and a unique aroma reminiscent of fried walnuts. In culinary applications, white truffles are often sliced thinly to garnish dishes, enhancing their elegance and flavor. This mushroom can also be soaked in oil, which is then used to make truffle oil for dressing salads, adding an irresistible taste. White truffles can be sold for up to $3,600 per pound, making them one of the most expensive foods in the world. Recently, a two-pound truffle sold for $300,000. The high value of these mushrooms has attracted organized crime groups, creating a black market and leading to mushroom thefts, often involving trained dogs to sniff out these precious fungi.

Just a couple of thin slices of black truffle from France, known as 'black diamonds,' can cost hundreds of dollars at restaurants in Paris. White truffles from Italy can be three times more expensive. Truffles are considered a delicacy and are highly sought after – some even claim they are an aphrodisiac. In terms of weight, they are the most expensive food on earth. If you visit France or Italy, you'll quickly realize that truffles are becoming increasingly rare. Nutritionally, white truffles contain a higher concentration of minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, carbohydrates, protein, and organic nutrients compared to other mushrooms. Because of these benefits, it is dubbed the perfect, rare, and most expensive nutritious food in the world.

Trametes Versicolor Mushroom is a rare medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries. It grows in concentric rings on the trunks of dead trees, with the mushroom cap curling slightly, resembling the shape of ear mushrooms, but without a stem. The outer edge of the cap is white, and the top surface is marked with alternating brown and white veins. This mushroom typically grows in clusters, and its surface is covered with a fine, silky texture.

Known scientifically as Coriolus Versicolor or Trametes Versicolor, this forest mushroom thrives on various hardwood tree trunks across the globe. It has been used worldwide for many centuries as a natural remedy with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor properties. The mushroom is often referred to as the Turkey Tail Mushroom due to its distinctive shape and colorful bands that resemble a wild turkey's tail feathers. Trametes Versicolor is one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms because of its impact on enhancing both primary and secondary immune functions. It contains two specific polysaccharide molecules, PSK and PSP, which have been shown to help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It has long been used as a cancer treatment support in Japan. In fact, PSK extract (also known as Krestin) has been used since the 1980s as a natural therapeutic approach for various types of cancer.

Phellinus Linteus, also known as the Royal Sun Mushroom, is renowned for its ability to help prevent the growth of cancer cells, particularly breast cancer in women, as well as lung and prostate cancer. Beyond its anti-cancer properties, this mushroom is also known for its ability to cleanse the blood, reduce excess fat, detoxify the body, and regulate blood pressure. It is an extremely rare mushroom that is safe for people of all ages as it has no side effects. The Korean variety, scientifically named Phellinus Linteus, has become famous for its wide array of health benefits, all of which have been supported by scientific research and consumer experiences. In today's world, maintaining good health and preventing diseases has become a top priority, and Phellinus Linteus offers an optimal solution for improving well-being.

This mushroom is also widely used as a gift, especially during holidays, as it symbolizes meaningful wishes and sincere care for the recipient. The golden variety of Phellinus Linteus is especially treasured for its remarkable health benefits. It typically grows on mulberry trees and has been scientifically proven to help prevent skin tumors, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, Phellinus Linteus has been revered for centuries as a life-extending medicinal herb. Emperors of ancient China and the Japanese imperial family have used Phellinus Linteus to promote longevity and vitality.

The Matsutake mushroom is found in various regions around the world, including China, Finland, Canada, and the United States. It is commonly used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Known for its distinctive aroma, this mushroom is considered one of the finest spices in the world today, though its preparation is labor-intensive and its price is extremely high. Currently, Japan imports Matsutake mushrooms at around $90 per kilogram, but after processing, the price can soar to $2,000 per kilogram. Despite its high cost, Matsutake remains the second most expensive mushroom in the world, attracting gourmets worldwide, though it is primarily consumed by the wealthy. The mushroom contains 18 different vitamins, including B1, B2, and E, which are known to help fight cancer, slow aging, and regulate blood sugar levels.

The taste of Matsutake is truly unique, with an enchanting blend of pinewood aroma and a hint of earthy fragrance, accompanied by a naturally sweet and delicate flavor. Its dense, meaty texture also sets it apart from other mushrooms, making it highly sought after, despite the steep price tag. Matsutake mushrooms grow exclusively on the roots of rare red pine trees, buried 10 centimeters underground in August. However, to ensure their growth, the pine forests must be free of impurities, and these areas must be strictly managed. The fact that Matsutake cannot be artificially cultivated on pine trees, combined with the rigorous conditions required for its growth, is what makes this mushroom so rare and costly.

The Mycena Chlorophos mushroom thrives in subtropical environments found in parts of Asia, Australia, and Brazil. This mushroom is remarkable for its bioluminescence, glowing a vivid green in the dark. The light is most visible when the mushroom is one day old, and the surrounding temperature is around 27°C. It emits this glow continuously for 24 hours, though the glow is most striking at night.

As the mushroom matures, the intensity of the light decreases, and eventually, the glow fades to the point where it can no longer be seen by the naked eye. The Mycena Chlorophos has the unique ability to illuminate both its cap and stem. With the discovery of Mycena Kentingensis, the total number of bioluminescent mushroom species worldwide has risen to 74. The glowing Mycena Singeri is another species that evokes the image of glowing octopuses deep in the ocean.

The Lactarius Indigo mushroom, part of the Russulaceae family, is predominantly found in regions of Northeast and Central America, East Asia, and southern France. It typically grows in the forest floor of coniferous and deciduous woodlands. This mushroom is notable for its color, which ranges from deep blue to pale bluish-gray in older specimens. The cap of the mushroom can range in size from 5 to 15 cm in diameter, with stems that measure 2 to 8 cm and a height of around 1 to 2.5 cm. Today, this mushroom is commonly sold in markets in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and China.

The mushroom exudes a milky sap when its tissues are cut or damaged, a characteristic shared by all members of the Lactarius genus. The sap starts as a blue-indigo color but gradually shifts to green when exposed to air. The cap typically ranges from 5 to 15 cm in width, with stems measuring 2–8 cm in height and 1 to 2.5 cm in thickness. The Lactarius Indigo is an edible mushroom, and it is sold in rural markets in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, and China.

Among all the edible mushrooms, the Truffle is the rarest and most precious. Unlike many other mushrooms, it cannot be cultivated or mass-produced through artificial methods. There are two main types of truffles: black and white, and their prices fluctuate based on annual production. Before 1914, the Perigord region of France harvested up to 1,740 tons of black truffles annually, but today the yield has dropped to just 200 tons per year. Premium truffles are currently priced between $12,000 and $20,000 per kilogram, though the price can range from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on location.

Known as the 'king of mushrooms' or 'black diamonds,' truffles have long been a favorite of aristocrats due to their unique flavor and nutritional value. Considered the most expensive mushroom in the world, truffles are a delicacy enjoyed by the elite and are commonly used in high-end restaurants and hotels. Although their rough, unattractive exterior might not catch the eye, the truffle’s distinct flavor, sweet like honey, is unparalleled. Unlike most mushrooms, truffles grow underground, developing beneath the roots of trees like hazel, pine, and oak. They are typically harvested between October and December each year. There are approximately 63 types of truffles worldwide, with the black and white varieties being the most common. White truffles, often found in Alba, Piedmont, Italy, have a strong aroma and a peculiar sweet taste, sometimes with hints of garlic, though their fragrance fades quickly.

Egg Mushroom is found across continents, from Africa to Europe, Central America, and North America. It is a very small mushroom, with an average diameter of only about 2.5 cm, surrounded by tiny spines. Scientists have confirmed that this mushroom has the ability to combat various harmful bacteria. It can be eaten when young, with a firm white stem. Known as a rare delicacy, this mushroom is also called the "chicken egg" due to its outer white membrane that resembles an eggshell. When consumed, it has a fragrant, delicious, and crispy taste. The Caesar mushroom, also known as the "egg mushroom," is extremely rare worldwide. Its name comes from the Roman Emperor Caesar, who was very fond of this mushroom in the 17th century, prompting the Italian mycologist Scopoli to name it after the emperor.

The Caesar mushroom has an egg-like shape, with a white outer layer and a yolk-like interior. This variety is packed with nutrients and can be used in various dishes like porridge, stir-fries, and hot pots. It is considered one of the rarest edible mushrooms in the world. Despite its prestigious name, the locals in Cat Tien have been collecting it from the forests for everyday meals, calling it "egg mushroom" or "chicken egg mushroom" because of its yellowish appearance. In Cat Tien, two subspecies of Caesar mushrooms are known: César Amanita caesarea (Scop.:Fr.) Grev. var. caesarea and César Amanita caesarea (Scop.:Fr.) Grev. var. alba Gill. In the past, this mushroom was only found in the northern regions of Vietnam, according to the research of mycologist GS Trinh Tam Kiet, with no records from the southern regions.

Lion's Mane Mushroom has a distinctive sweet taste and fragrance when cooked. If dried, it initially has a slightly bitter taste, which later turns sweet. Dried Lion's Mane can be steeped to make a nutritious drink. Typically, this mushroom is used in powdered form, packaged in tea bags, making it easy for users to brew it as tea or infuse it into liquor. Lion's Mane is rich in minerals and vitamins, and it has been shown to help fight Alzheimer's disease, inhibit tumor growth, prevent stomach ulcers, and block the spread of stomach cancer cells. It also boosts the immune system, helping to prevent fatigue. Additionally, it can enhance vitality in men and alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation during cancer treatment.

Lion's Mane is a temperate mushroom that thrives only in cooler climates, with an ideal growing temperature of 16-20°C, and the highest suitable temperature being 19-22°C. Currently, this mushroom is cultivated widely in China, Japan, and South Korea. Nutritional analyses from Professor Mizuno's team at Shizuoka University (1998) show that Lion's Mane mushroom is a highly nutritious food, offering a balanced nutrient profile, rich in minerals and vitamins. This mushroom also contains Germanium (Ge), a rare metal with anti-cancer properties, which is being researched for fortification into Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum). It is rich in amino acids, particularly glutamic acid and tryptophan. It also contains notable levels of vitamins, especially B1 and B2, and has Niacin. Vitamin A content is low, but Vitamin C has not been detected. Provitamin D, particularly abundant in dried Japanese Lion's Mane, can convert into vitamin D2 when exposed to light or dried, helping to process calcium and prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis.