Hello to all the friends of Bhavani Wellness!
Today we want to share with you a wonderful Mexican tradition that celebrates the abundance and diversity of mushrooms: Hongosto . If you have never heard of this term, get ready to discover why the month of August is so special for mushroom lovers and how this season can enrich your well-being with our mushroom supplements and adaptogens.
What is Hongosto?
“Hongosto” is a compound word combining “mushroom” and “August,” reflecting the abundance of wild mushrooms during this month in Mexico. The climatic conditions of the rainy season create the perfect environment for the growth of a wide variety of edible mushrooms. This phenomenon is not only a feast for the senses, but also a tradition deeply rooted in the culture and economy of many Mexican communities.
The Magic of the Season
During Hongosto, local markets and rural areas are filled with fresh and exquisite mushrooms. The diversity of mushrooms at this time is impressive, from the popular champignon to the more exotic huitlacoche, passing through lesser-known but equally valuable gems such as Clavulina , Amanita cesarea and Lactarius indigo . Mushrooms harvested in this season are not only delicious, but are also packed with health benefits. Many of these mushrooms have adaptogenic properties, meaning they help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.
Health Benefits
Mushrooms are true wonders of nature, with a long list of health benefits. During Hongosto, you can find these natural gems in their freshest and most nutritious form. Here are some of the most notable benefits of the most appreciated mushrooms in Mexico:
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) : Known as the "mushroom of immortality," it helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and strengthen the immune system.
- Cordyceps : Increases energy, improves respiratory function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) : Promotes cognitive health, improves memory and may aid in neuronal regeneration.
- Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis) : This parasitic corn fungus is a culinary delight that also provides protein, essential amino acids and antioxidants.
- Clavulina : Rich in vitamins and minerals, this mushroom is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support the immune system.
- Amanita caesarea : Also known as "egg yolk", this mushroom is appreciated for its flavor and its content of essential vitamins and minerals.
Mushrooms and Mexican Cuisine
Mushroom season is also a perfect opportunity to experiment with new flavors in the kitchen. Fresh mushrooms this season are used in a variety of traditional dishes such as huitlacoche quesadillas, mushroom mole, and nutritious soups. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and health! Here are some ideas for incorporating these delicious mushrooms into your diet:
- Huitlacoche Quesadillas : A Mexican classic that combines the rich flavor of huitlacoche with melted cheese and corn tortillas.
- Mushroom Mole : A sophisticated dish that blends the depth of mole with the texture and flavor of fresh mushrooms.
- Mushroom Soup : A comforting and nutritious option, ideal for taking advantage of the freshness of seasonal mushrooms.
How to Incorporate Mushrooms into Your Life
Although not all of us can go mushroom picking in the woods, there are many ways to take advantage of the benefits of Hongosto:
- Visit local markets : Buy fresh seasonal mushrooms and support local harvesters.
- Try new recipes : Incorporate fresh mushrooms into your daily meals.
- Bhavani Wellness Supplements : If you can't get your hands on fresh mushrooms, our high-quality supplements are a great way to enjoy the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms all year round.
References
- Mao, Y., Zhang, X., & Zhou, T. (2023). "The Immunomodulatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum." Journal of Ethnopharmacology .
- Wachtel-Galor, S., & Benzie, I.F. (2016). "Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi)." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects .
- Holliday, J., & Cleaver, M. (2008). "Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungal species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes)." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms .
- Das, S.K., & Wang, Y. (2016). "Cordyceps, a Treasure in Chinese Medicine." Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine .
- Saito, T., et al. (2023). "Effect of Hericium erinaceus on cognitive function in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial." Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience .
- Kawagishi, H., & Zhuang, C. (2008). "Compounds for dementia from Hericium erinaceum." Drugs of the Future .