From June 25 to 26, 2024, DETAN Three Good Mushrooms (德添三好菌菇) hosted its inaugural Wild Mushroom Festival in Wuding County, Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province (云南楚雄武定县). This event was a delightful blend of nature exploration, cultural immersion, and culinary enjoyment.
Participants had the chance to visit the bustling Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Market, explore the scenic beauty of Dianchi Lake (滇池), and delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Yunnan’s Ethnic Village (民族村). The experience continued with a thrilling mountain mushroom picking adventure, followed by a live-streamed wild mushroom feast, where a variety of mushrooms were cooked and enjoyed in the great outdoors.
The Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Market (水木花野生菌市场), China’s largest, is renowned for its extensive variety, including porcini, termite mushrooms, matsutake, and black truffles. This market plays a crucial role in making these wild delicacies accessible nationwide.
At Dianchi Lake, known as the “Pearl of the Plateau”, participants enjoyed the serene landscape and crystal-clear waters, a beloved local pastime. The Ethnic Village offered a comprehensive experience of Yunnan’s diverse minority cultures, featuring 26 indigenous ethnic villages with authentic architecture, dances, costumes, and customs.
The mountain mushroom picking segment was a highlight, allowing participants to connect with nature and enjoy the unique joy of discovering wild mushrooms. The live-streamed cooking session showcased various mushrooms prepared in simple yet delicious ways, highlighting the fresh ingredients’ natural flavors.
Yunnan cuisine, with its rich and diverse flavors, was also a focal point, featuring dishes like Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (过桥米线), Dai hand-grabbed rice (傣族手抓饭), Naxi clay pot chicken (纳西土锅鸡), wild mushroom hotpot, and bamboo rice (竹筒饭). These dishes, rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, epitomize the essence of Yunnan’s natural and cultural bounty.
The festival, embodying DETAN’s philosophy of “embracing simplicity and returning to nature,” was a resounding success, offering a feast for both the palate and the soul. We look forward to next year’s Wild Mushroom Festival for another delightful journey from the mountains to the table.