Vietnam's prized termite mushrooms fetch over $200/kg amid scarcity

Termite mushrooms, a highly prized delicacy in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, are fetching prices exceeding $200 per kilogram, yet supply remains critically low. These mushrooms, considered a "gift from heaven" by locals, are harvested only once a year for a brief two-month period, primarily in the coconut groves of Vĩnh Long province, which boasts the largest coconut cultivation area in the country.

According to 38-year-old Nguyễn Văn Triều from Phú Túc commune, Vĩnh Long, the mushrooms are a natural phenomenon, appearing only in May and June of the lunar calendar. Their growth is triggered by the first rains after a dry spell, with their emergence coinciding with the return of sunshine and strong winds. This year, Triều's family harvested only about 1kg, a significant reduction from previous years, largely attributed to an extended period of intense heat that preceded the rains.

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Termite mushrooms are a natural type of mushroom that only grows in May and June of the lunar calendar. The mushrooms only appear after a few rains, and when the sun returns and the wind blows strongly, it is time for the termite mushrooms to appear.

The unique habitat of termite mushrooms is closely linked to coconut trees. Fallen coconut leaves decompose, creating an environment where termites establish nests, and from these nests, the mushrooms sprout. This symbiotic relationship contributes to their rarity and distinct flavor.

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Last year, I could collect 50-100kg of mushrooms at the beginning of the season, but now the yield is only a little over ten kilograms per batch.

Currently, the premium "bud" variety of termite mushrooms is selling for $1.3 million to $1.5 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $50-$60 USD) per kilogram, while other types range from $800,000 to $1 million VND ($30-$40 USD). Demand is so high that purchasing more than 1kg often requires pre-ordering. The best mushrooms are harvested at night just as they begin to sprout; if picked too late, their caps open, diminishing their crispness and sweetness.

Local traders like Nguyễn Hoàng Giang, who specializes in sourcing termite mushrooms from Vĩnh Long and other Mekong Delta provinces, report a drastic drop in supply. Last year, he could collect 50-100kg per season, but this year, it's barely a dozen kilograms per batch. Giang explains that the high prices, coupled with the scarcity, are due to the delayed rainy season following a prolonged heatwave, which has disrupted the mushrooms' natural growth cycle and resulted in uneven, reduced yields compared to previous years.

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Termite mushrooms in the provinces of the Mekong Delta - especially provinces like Vĩnh Long and Đồng Tháp... - often have the highest prices on the market thanks to their characteristic sweetness and aroma. For beautiful bud-type mushrooms, the selling price can reach 1-1.5 million VND/kg, an increase of 7-8% compared to last year.