With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
- It is a fungus.
- It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas.
- It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north- eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Explanation
The correct answer is (c) 1 and 2. Here’s why:
- Gucchi is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota.
- It grows in some Himalayan forest areas, particularly in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Gucchi is not commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India. It is a wild mushroom and is not cultivated commercially.
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- Gucchi, also known as Morel Mushrooms or Morchella Esculenta, is prized for its spongy, honeycomb texture and unique flavor.
- It is one of the most expensive mushrooms, with prices ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000 per kilogram.
- Gucchi mushrooms grow in clusters on logs of decaying wood, leaves, or humus soil.
- The growing season of Gucchi mushrooms is from March to July, and they are commonly found at a height of 2500-3000 meters in Himalayan forests.
- These mushrooms are rich in potassium, vitamins, copper, and vitamin D.
- Gucchi mushrooms have various health benefits, including being rich in minerals, iron, and copper.
