Mexico showcases wild mushroom diversity and tradition

Mexico holds the second-highest global diversity of wild mushrooms, with thousands of species distributed across its regions. The rainy season, occurring primarily between July and October, facilitates the emergence of these organisms in forests.

In states such as Estado de México, Oaxaca, and Michoacán, there is a deep-rooted tradition of collecting and consuming wild mushrooms like gachupines, duraznillos, and escobillas for traditional dishes. While these species are vital to local gastronomy and cultural heritage, experts warn that many species are toxic and require specialized knowledge for identification to avoid serious poisoning.

To highlight this biological and cultural wealth, the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx) is organizing a series of exhibitions in Toluca from August 27 to 29 at the Parque Metropolitano Bicentenario. The event includes the XXXVI Mushroom Exhibition, the XXII Biodiversity Exhibition, and the III Ethnobiology Exhibition. The program features conferences, workshops, a photography contest, and scientific illustration to explore the relationship between humans, culture, and nature.