09-08-2013, 03:44 PM
Morchella esculenta (Guchhi): Mushrooms with versatile health bene
ABSTRACT
Morchella esculenta (honey comb shaped fungi) is an economically important wild species of wild mushroom belonging to the family Helvellaceae and is locally known as Guchhi. It is found in the forests between 1800 to 3600 masl. Morel mushrooms stand apart from other mushrooms because of the pitted surface of their caps, prized for their woodsy fragrance and delicate nut like flavour with short, thick stem that are hollow. The nutritional content of these mushrooms provides several health benefits, including cardiovascular and weight loss support. Fiber absorbs bile acids in the intestine and prevents them from re entering the blood stream and forming cholesterol. It also slows carbohydrate digetion along with protein. Together these macronutrients maintain a steady blood glucose level that provides consistent energy throughout the day. The vitamin and mineral in Guchhi mushrooms improves bone density, heart function and energy. Morel mushrooms provides antioxidants that protect healthy cells from disease formation. As an early fruiting fungus, the morel is distinctive and culinarily important. Its firm texture makes it excellent for pickling and preserving by drying and it also makes excellent mushroom powder if dried and ground. They also find its use as flavouring in soups and gravies. Thus there is a vast scope for utilization of Guchhi mushroom for food and nutraceutical purposes.