An exciting experience on the Mahseer trip.
**Termitomyces albuminosus**, commonly known as termite Nấm Mối, is a species of fungus belonging to the Lyophyllaceae family. Termite mushrooms are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, protein, and other nutrients beneficial for health. They only grow once a year at the beginning of the rainy season in areas with plenty of decaying leaves, moist and loose soil, near termite mounds in the forest. The growth period of these mushrooms is very short. They sprout overnight, and by around 5-6 AM, they begin to flourish, fully blooming within 3-4 hours. Therefore, mushroom harvesting usually occurs in the early morning. When picking the mushrooms from the ground, it is essential to use a sharpened twig to lift them or to dig them out by hand; metal tools should not be used as the termites will abandon the area, and no mushrooms will appear the following year.
In terms of medicine, termite mushrooms have high nutritional value and are considered a medicinal ingredient that can help prevent cancer. They have a sweet taste, and when cooked, the mushroom stems are both crunchy and chewy, while the caps are very soft.
