Introduction to Morels
Rangmoch (scientific name Morchella sp.) is one of the most prized delicacies across Kinnaur. Commonly called Guchhi in Hindi and Morels in English, these delectable mushrooms are found in high-altitude alpine regions across the globe. As the snow melts and spring breathes new life into the mountains, Rangmoch emerges from the earth, starting from March all the way to June. Locals say that they spring out, particularly after fresh rainfall. Morels (the mushrooms that we see above the soil) are the fruiting bodies of a hidden network called mycelium that lies beneath the soil. While the fruiting body is important to spread spores as a reproductive event, the mycelium ensures the survival of the mushrooms for the next year if the weather conditions are not optimal for reproduction.
Rangmoch and the people of Kinnaur
In Kinnaur, the local lifestyle and livelihood are deeply connected to forests. People who frequent the forests to collect firewood, fodder and other things are apt at finding morels during the season. Young men and women often visit forests to forage Rangmoch and earn some income by selling them. Traditionally, the morels are sewed in garlands and kept on window sill for drying. This ensures proper aeration and thus avoids any other fungal growth on the morels.
For cooking, dried morels are soaked in water for about an hour to remove any soil. The morels are then used in the curry while the water is allowed to settle. The upper layer of water free from dirt particles is added to the curry and the soil/debris that settles at the bottom is poured into the moist backyard as these soils are known to contain spores which allow morels to grow again.
Rangmoch curry with potatoes is a cherished dish in Kinnaur and is sometimes served at weddings and special occasions. Beyond its culinary delights, Rangmoch holds medicinal properties. The dried mushrooms are roasted with Kala Zeera (scientific name Bunium persicum (Apiaceae)) and ground into a powder, which, when consumed with warm water at night, offers relief from cold and respiratory ailments over a span of 2-3 days. Some people also boil Rangmoch in water and consume the water over a span of 2-3 days to treat colds and pneumonia.
Interesting facts
It is also believed that the morels are higher in the first year after the fire. Research shows that the wood ash and calcium-rich substrates in the soil may promote the growth of some morels. In Himachal Pradesh, morels are abundantly found across Kinnaur except in the desert region. According to HFRI (Himachal Forest Research Institute), there are at least 7 species of Morchella in Himachal Pradesh and all are available in Kinnaur.
Sources for Interesting facts: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0953756206001134
Contributors: Preeti Saryan, Pramiti Negi, Tanisha, Kamaljeet Tharangzag, and more
(Note : Some of the indigenous knowledge of Kinnaur may not have been proven scientifically. For the scientifically researched information links are provided in the article. )
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