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Peru: Andean mushroom helps fight against malnutrition in Cusco

16:37 | Paruro (Cusco region), May. 13.

The Morchella mushroom —edible species featuring high nutritional value— has become an ally to fight malnutrition in Cusco region's Paruro Province, the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) has informed.

This mushroom grows in Andean forests and extraordinarily in the aforementioned area.

According to laboratory studies, it contains over 30% of protein, more than beef and vegetables.

The project "Recovery of the Andean cedar and expansion of Tayanka forests for the production of Morchella mushrooms," carried out by SGP Peru, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support of the Environment Ministry (Minam).

Within this framework, community members provide assistance.

Over 200 ha are being preserved and reforested with native species such as Andean cedar, tayanka, queuñas, tastas (Escallonia myrtilloides), and chachacomas (Escallonia resinosa).

New Markets

These mushrooms are commercialized with great success in haute cuisine restaurants —based in Cusco and Lima regions— due to their valuable nutritional properties and rich flavor.