Gucchi Mushroom

Subject: Economy / GI tag

Context: GI tag has been sought for India’s costliest mushroom ‘Gucchi mushroom’.

Concept:

It grows in J&K’s Doda district.
On the back of saffron from state receiving GI tag, now the demand is for Gucchi to be given GI tag.
Locally called Gucchi, or Morel, the mushroom, priced at over ₹20,000 a kg, is a forest produce collected by local farmers and tribals in region.
It is a spongy, edible fungus that is said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties is found in the temperate forests of the Doda district.
They also have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They are also considered a rich source of protein, carbohydrates and Vitamin B.