The autumn flavor is fully in the air at Woodosan Moutain in Geochang, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.
Walking through a desolate a mountain path in the heart of the mountain...
we see a hidden treasure of the season.
(SOV) “I found a pine mushroom ”
It’s pine mushrooms, also known as matsutake.
Let’s begin an intense aromatic adventure with autumn’s gift.
These guys are climbing a rugged mountain path, gasping for air.
They are hunting wild pine mushrooms in time for the harvest season.
The once-yearly harvest season begins around September 7th and lasts for 40 days.
(KOREAN, ) "Pine mushrooms only grow in the wild, so
they are affected by various uncontrollable environmental factors, including temperature,
climate, and humidity.
A single mushroom will not grow unless all the conditions are right."
Pine mushrooms grow only in optimal soil, not too moist or dry, and require humidity
at around 70% and a ground surface temperature of 19 degrees Celsius.
The hunter looks around the mountain forest and then gazes at one spot.
(SOV) “I see one here, but it’s small due to
the dry weather.”
Unfortunately, the crop for the year is not what they expected.
(KOREAN, ) "The best pine mushrooms have full veils,
so this one would fall into Grade 4.
Grade 1 pine mushrooms should be tall with their veils fully intact."
pine mushrooms are categorized into five grades based on their shape and size.
Ones with button tight buds, veils completely intact and over 8cm tall are the crme de la
crme.
Top-quality matsutake are true rarities even for these veteran hunters with 40 years of
experience under his belt.
The clock is ticking, but the hunters haven’t been able to achieve the desired results...
(SOV) “Foraging for pine mushrooms is a lot like
a treasure hunt.
Do you see anything there?”
They continue to search for the mushrooms deeper in the forest.
After a long while...
(SOV) “Is that a Grade 1 mushroom?
It’s huge.
Let’s pick it.”
Underneath a thick layer of pine needles is Pine mushrooms.
(SOV) “This is beautiful.
It’s Grade 1.”
(KOREAN, ) "Top-grade pine mushrooms should be clean
without worms and visually appealing.
This is the best quality."
The name of the mushroom came from where it grows: the soil beneath pine trees.
The spores are produced only around the roots of pine trees, therefore, they cannot be farmed,
making it more elusive.
pine mushrooms are famous for its signature spicy and intense flavor and surprisingly
firm texture.
So-called, the “truffles of Asia,” they are rich in anti-cancerous properties and
reinforce the immune system among many other health benefits.
The hunters take each and every step very carefully?
Because they can easily step on the mushrooms, which are hiding underneath pine needles.
(SOV) “Be careful not to step on the mushrooms.
Here is another one.”
“That’s right.”
With his careful touch, this hunter harvested three pine mushrooms from one place.
(KOREAN, ) "Pine mushrooms grow only in clean areas and
around the roots of pine trees.
This area is exceptionally clean, making it the perfect home for top-quality pine mushrooms
with their intense fragrance."
Pine mushrooms should be consumed raw for the best taste, texture, and flavor
So... how does it taste?
(SOV) “Do you like it?”
“The scent is absolutely amazing.”
That thrilling aromatic adventure keeps the hunters going back to the mountain.
The hunters have been on duty from early morning to late in the afternoon.
The work is exhausting, but they cannot give up on the Pine mushrooms that they dedicated
their lives to.
(KOREAN, ) "I feel completely refreshed every time I
discover a pine mushroom.
That moment is truly thrilling."
Pine mushrooms announce the arrival of autumn with its spicy odor.
And the season is working its magic with that irresistible scent.