What kind of mushroom is Rugda

Experiencing the Rare Rugda Mushroom 

Rugda is a rare mushroom that sprouts naturally during monsoon in areas enclosing Ranchi, the state capital of Jharkhand. It is found in the local markets from mid June to mid August. It’s an underground mushroom that sprouts close to trees of which the roots, along with the soil, is said to help them sprout. As per the locals, it contains many rich nutrients and leaves a taste that lasts throughout the year.

The most common tree said to contribute its sprouting is Sal. Sal tree is called Shorea Robusta in English. It is natively called Sakhua in states of Jharkhand and Odisha. It’s also been declared as the state tree of these two states. These two Indian states hold the majority population of indigenous (Adivasi) people. Sal tree, in Jharkhand, grows primarily on red soil that is said being rich in iron ore mineral. The forest of Saranda in Jharkhand is the biggest Sal tree forest located in the western part of the state. This tree holds many medicinal properties and also, a sacred place in the cultural practices of the indigenous people.

People of Jharkhand may escape the other regularly available mushrooms throughout the year but they never miss enjoying this secret as well as rare mushroom delight. As such, it is even bought with joy at prices being as high as Rs.400. It is much like a gift of nature to the people of Ranchi. In tastes it resembles much like the meat and in many ways even outperforms it. A specialty of Rugda is that while most people admit the spices enriching the tastes of other similar delights, it is Rugda that is said to enrich the taste of the spices mixed in it. It is popularly prepared similar to a dry chicken recipe and is prepared almost the same in most local kitchen.

In terms of appearance, Rugda closely resembles the Tuber fungi. From this fungi family relates several species of truffles which is also a very popular edible mushroom.

Rugda gives a lasting taste and being seasoned to the rains it vanishes from the local market as the rains decline. It is said to have been located accidentally while some village women were collecting some herbs from the forest. Checking its popularity among the locals it is closely being researched by Birsa Agricultural University that is expecting to reveal its more profound secrets. Until then, the people of Ranchi will continue to enjoy and share stories of the secret Rugda Mushroom delicacy that just proves being a pure gift of nature.

How to buy Rugda? Not meaning any business here. Rugda hits the local market during the monsoon season. The monsoon rains not only ignites the Rugda sprouting but it also provides it a specific experience. Weekly markets or the Haat Bazars are popular spots for buying freshly collected Rugda. Often one gets the chance of visiting these markets during mild showers of rain. Buying fresh Rugda during mild rains from the local weekly markets make it both unique as well as a delightful experience.

Another exciting fact which the local elders (along with my parents) reveal about Rugda sprouting is that lightning contributes to the growth of Rugda. So, does it really? Lightning during rainstorm discharges high electrical potentials that separate the nitrogen atoms present in the air. These separated nitrogen atoms along with water molecules form nitrogen compounds that include nitrogen atoms, oxygen and hydrogen. When it reaches the soil they serve purposes of effective fertilizers. A fungus, like the Rugda mushroom, depends on nitrogen compounds for its fruiting.

Rare Rugda Mushroom

Related Questions and Answers

What are mushrooms?

Mushrooms are fungus fruits. Edible mushrooms are fleshy in nature and are found to grow both below and above the ground surface. Mushrooms commonly grow in moist environments and sprout either with or without their stem part which typically depends on their species. Mushrooms are known to grow overnight but it takes several days for a fungus to form its fruit body. Mushrooms, as being a fungus, are classified as organisms separate than the plant and animal kingdoms. A fungus does not photosynthesize and absorbs dissolved molecules as its food. They play an important role in decomposing organic matter and are crucial for exchanging and cycling nutrients in the environment. Mushrooms are also popular for their benefits in traditional medicine. 

Where do mushrooms commonly grow?

Mushrooms thrive in moist environments. When the surface or soil becomes moist it activates the decomposition process that further begins cycling and exchange of molecules and nutrients in the environment which contribute to the sprouting of fungus. Mushrooms or fungus do not photosynthesize and hence do not depend directly on light for their growth. Also, the temperatures play a crucial role for supporting the growth of fungus. 

How many types of edible mushrooms are there?

Ironically there are no exact figures available. But, for enthusiasts who really admire mushroom cuisines there are around 50 species that one can easily enjoy during their trip around the world.

संबंधित प्रश्नोत्तर

 

मशरूम क्या है ? 

मशरूम को हिन्दी में कवक या कुकुरमुत्ता कहते हैं । हम जिस मशरूम को खाते हैं वे मशरूम के फल होते हैं । मशरूम मांसल किस्म के कवक होते हैं जो कि जमीन के अंदर वा ऊपर दोनों जगहों पर उगते हैं । मशरूम नमी वाले स्थानों में उगते हैं और तने के साथ या बिना तने के उगते हैं जोकि उनकी जाति पर निर्भर करता है । आमतौर पर कहा जाता है कि मशरूम रातों-रात उग आते हैं, लेकिन ऐसा नहीं है क्योंकि उनके उगने में कुछ दिनों का समय लगता है । मशरूम को जीव श्रेणी में पादप व जन्तु श्रेणी से अलग वर्गीकृत किया गया है । ये कार्बनिक पदार्थों को मृदा में घुलने की प्रक्रिया में अहम योगदान करते हैं और धरती व वातावरण के बीच चलने वाले वाले पोषक तत्वों के महत्वपूर्ण चक्र को जारी रखते हैं जिससे पृथ्वी पर जीवन विभिन्न स्तरों पर कायम रह सके । मशरूम पारंपरिक औषिधि में उपयोग के लिए भी काफी प्रचलित है । 

मशरूम कहां उगते हैं ?

मशरूम आमतौर पर नम स्थानों पर उगते हैं । मृदा जब नम हो जाती है तो यह मृदा की घुलन प्रक्रिया को तेज कर देती है जिससे वातावरण और मृदा के बीच पोषक तत्वों का आदान-प्रदान का चक्र चल सके । यह चक्र पृथ्वी में जीवन को विभिन्न स्तरों पर बनाए रखने में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान करता है । मशरूम प्रकाश संश्लेषण की प्रक्रिया नहीं करते और वे अपना भोजन घुलनशील अणुओं को सोखकर करते हैं । मशरूम के उगने के लिए तापमान की भी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका होती है । 

खानेवाले मशरूम की कितनी प्रजातियां हैं ?

खानेवाले मशरूम पूरी दुनिया में विभिन्न स्थानों में पाए जाते हैं । मगर इनकी कोई तय गिनती नहीं है । लेकिन यदि आप मशरूम खाने के शौकीन हैं तो थोड़े प्रयास से आप कम-से-कम 50 अलग-अलग तरह के मशरूम पकवानों का लुत्फ जरूर उठा सकते हैं । 

Also read: How to prepare delicious Rugda recipe

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Posted by Words That Matter on Thursday, July 18, 2019