Matsutake tourism

1 September: The Sangay shamu (masutake), which Genekha farmers call their source of happiness – because of the good price it fetches – is indeed a source of happiness, says a group of Japanese tourists, who came to enjoy the flavour at the Amankora lodge, Thimphu.

The white bulbous head mushroom, grown mostly in the wild pine forests of Thimphu and Bumthang, attracts over 30 to 40 Japanese tourists every year to Bhutan. The pine (matsu) mushroom (take) is the most anticipated of autumn flavours and greatly cherished as a gift and symbolises fertility, good fortune and happiness by Japanese, said Japanese guest assistant and sales manager of hotel Amankora in Thimphu, Sakiko Okazak.
This month alone, Amankora lodge will host a group of 20 Japanese tourists, who came to enjoy the flavour and freshness of matsutake. The group will stay for around two weeks, spending USD 4,000 to 4,800 for three-night in the hotel.

Low in fat, high in protein and rich in vitamin B, the highly prized fungi is believed to have many health benefits. The matsutake gastronomy dinner costing USD 70 per person is being served at Amankora, prepared by a Japanese chef, Hiroyuki Asano. The meal is also made affordable for Bhutanese with Amankora charging only USD 20 for locals. Chef Hiroyuki Asano has come from Japan to prepare matsutake meals for Japanese and other tourists. During a weeklong stay in Thimphu, Hiroyuki will also train Bhutanese chefs.

In Bhutan, Sangay shamu is mostly found at Genekha, Thimphu. It grows under trees and is usually concealed under fallen leaves or duff layers. It forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of a limited number of tree species.

The mushroom became popular after Japan started importing it at a very good price. According to the agriculture ministry, matsutake was the highest priced of all the mushrooms in Japan. Good quality matsutake fetched about Nu 3,000 a kg in Japan. Bhutan has been exporting the mushroom to Japan since 1991.

source: kuensel