Top 9 Edible Mushrooms Popular in Shanghai

In the bustling cityscape of Shanghai, an intriguing variety of edible mushrooms find a home, thriving in lush gardens, parks, and even cultivated farms. These top 9 types share unique characteristics in terms of appearance, taste, and culinary dominance. As Shanghai delivers a diverse microclimate, it becomes a perfect settlement for various mushroom species. From the hearty, robust flavor of the cordyceps to the delicate whisper of enoki, each mushroom introduces a distinct gastronomical entry steeped in local tradition and innovation. Read on to relish the mushroom world of Shanghai, illustrated through vivid descriptions and insightful culinary uses.
* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.

Most Popular Edible Mushrooms

Shaggy mane

1. Shaggy mane

The shaggy mane mushroom is commonly found in North American and European grasslands. Some peoples foraged for its young egg-shaped caps, but it has more recently been found to be a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, meaning it pulls toxic metals up from the soil where it grows. As a result, shaggy manes should not be eaten. The mushrooms usually appear in clusters or “fairy rings.”
Wood ear

2. Wood ear

The fuzzy surface of the wood ear (Auricularia cornea) is a distinguishable characteristic of this wood-loving mushroom. The hairy, ear-shaped body transforms in color when exposed to moisture and can range from chocolate brown to dull gray.
Fan-shaped jelly-fungus

3. Fan-shaped jelly-fungus

Just as its Latin and the common English names suggest, the fan-shaped jelly-fungus (Dacryopinax spathularia) is a fan-shaped or spatula-shaped jelly-like mushroom. It commonly grows in wood cracks and it sometimes even appears in the cracks of the processed wood and lumber. Despite the word "jelly" in its name, the fan-shaped jelly-fungus is not considered edible.
Shaggy mane

4. Shaggy mane

The shaggy mane mushroom is commonly found in North American and European grasslands. Some peoples foraged for its young egg-shaped caps, but it has more recently been found to be a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, meaning it pulls toxic metals up from the soil where it grows. As a result, shaggy manes should not be eaten. The mushrooms usually appear in clusters or “fairy rings.”
Wood ear

5. Wood ear

The fuzzy surface of the wood ear (Auricularia cornea) is a distinguishable characteristic of this wood-loving mushroom. The hairy, ear-shaped body transforms in color when exposed to moisture and can range from chocolate brown to dull gray.
Fan-shaped jelly-fungus

6. Fan-shaped jelly-fungus

Just as its Latin and the common English names suggest, the fan-shaped jelly-fungus (Dacryopinax spathularia) is a fan-shaped or spatula-shaped jelly-like mushroom. It commonly grows in wood cracks and it sometimes even appears in the cracks of the processed wood and lumber. Despite the word "jelly" in its name, the fan-shaped jelly-fungus is not considered edible.
Shaggy mane

7. Shaggy mane

The shaggy mane mushroom is commonly found in North American and European grasslands. Some peoples foraged for its young egg-shaped caps, but it has more recently been found to be a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, meaning it pulls toxic metals up from the soil where it grows. As a result, shaggy manes should not be eaten. The mushrooms usually appear in clusters or “fairy rings.”
Wood ear

8. Wood ear

The fuzzy surface of the wood ear (Auricularia cornea) is a distinguishable characteristic of this wood-loving mushroom. The hairy, ear-shaped body transforms in color when exposed to moisture and can range from chocolate brown to dull gray.
Fan-shaped jelly-fungus

9. Fan-shaped jelly-fungus

Just as its Latin and the common English names suggest, the fan-shaped jelly-fungus (Dacryopinax spathularia) is a fan-shaped or spatula-shaped jelly-like mushroom. It commonly grows in wood cracks and it sometimes even appears in the cracks of the processed wood and lumber. Despite the word "jelly" in its name, the fan-shaped jelly-fungus is not considered edible.
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