As seasonal rains soak the forests around Dalat each June, hundreds of mushroom species begin emerging beneath the pine canopy.
For 36-year-old Kieu Nha Phuong, a resident of Xuan Truong Ward, mushroom hunting has been part of life for two decades. She said she learned to identify, collect and prepare wild mushrooms from her parents and grandparents.
During the rainy season, Phuong regularly visits pine forests in areas such as Xuan Truong, Hon Bo, Dan Kia-Suoi Vang, Langbiang and Tuyen Lam Lake in search of edible varieties.
"I've been collecting mushrooms since I was 16. For many local people, they are a gift from nature,” she said.
Popular edible species include boletes, pine mushrooms and egg mushrooms, which are commonly used in soups, hotpots, grilled dishes and stir-fries.
Pham Van Thin, 64, from Xuan Huong Ward, said mushroom gathering had been a family tradition for decades. He and his family typically collect boletes, egg mushrooms and turmeric mushrooms for home cooking during the rainy season.
Locals warn that mushroom hunting requires experience, as poisonous species often resemble edible varieties. Foragers are advised to collect only familiar mushrooms and avoid consuming unidentified species.
Dalat's wild mushrooms have become increasingly popular among tourists, selling for VND 100,000-150,000 per kilogramme fresh and up to VND 250,000 per kilogramme when frozen.
The growing popularity of wild mushrooms has boosted foraging tours, with visitors paying VND 800,000-2 million per person for guided forest experiences, local tour operator Hoang Ha said.
According to mycologist Truong Binh Nguyen of Dalat University, nearly 300 mushroom species have been recorded in Dalat's pine forests, including both edible and poisonous varieties.
He urged residents and visitors to exercise caution when collecting mushrooms, warning that some toxic species closely resemble edible ones and can pose serious health risks.
