Chapter 1
The sacred mushroom ceremonies of Oaxaca
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Chapter 2
Edible forest gold and cornfield delicacies
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Chapter 3
Deadly lookalikes and fungal survival science
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Chapter 4
From ancient rituals to modern medicine
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Mexico's mushroom kingdom
Ch 2 · Edible forest gold and cornfield delicacies
choko Mexican Forest and Corn Fungi
Through the misty pine forests of Sierra Norte, and down in the green maize of the milpa fields, Mexico's wild mushroom gold is blooming!
choko The municipal markets of Toluca become vibrant hubs for diverse wild mushroom varieties every summer.
Fun Fact
Gourmet corn smut: While US farmers spend millions trying to eradicate corn smut, Mexican markets sell huitlacoche for higher prices than the corn itself.
choko Local foragers gather highly prized wild mushrooms from the temperate pine-oak forests of central Mexico.
Glossary
huitlacoche (noun)
An edible fungus that grows on ears of corn and is consumed as a delicacy. Mexican farmers have harvested this corn fungus since the Aztec era to flavor traditional quesadillas.
An edible fungus that grows on ears of corn and is consumed as a delicacy. Mexican farmers have harvested this corn fungus since the Aztec era to flavor traditional quesadillas.
Quiz
Why did American farmers historically reject the fungus huitlacoche while Mexican farmers embraced it?
choko Sort forest mushrooms to discover which Mexican species are sacred, edible, or deadly.
Quiz
Which Mexican city is famous for its large rainy-season markets where indigenous 'hongueras' sell wild mushrooms?
Quiz
What is the scientific name of the corn-attacking fungus known in Mexico as huitlacoche?
Quiz
Which traditional Mexican herb is most commonly paired with wild mushrooms in stews and quesadillas?
Quiz
Which prized, edible wild mushroom species is locally known in Mexico as 'yuyo' or 'tecomate'?