Cameroon isn’t the first place you think of for mushroom recipes, but as one of the most widely cultivated produce in the world, you can find the fruity fungus in most (if not all!) culinary cultures!

See which varieties might be growing in your part of the world, and tag us if you try out a recipe!

1. Black Fungus

This wild mushroom is sometimes known as tree ear or cloud ear fungus, thanks to its dark, ear-like shape. It is predominantly grown in tropical climates, and because it usually comes dried, many cultures have specific methods of rehydration before cooking. 

Dish to try: Diri djondjon (Black Mushroom Rice) 🇭🇹 

2. Morel

Morels are usually found across East & West Asia, Europe, & North America, and are regarded as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. The fungus is believed to help reduce phlegm and boost one’s immunity by regulating the body’s qi (vital energy). 

Dish to try: Morel Chicken Soup 🇨🇳

3. Portobello

Portobello is not a variety of mushroom, but rather the mature state of the white, button, or champignon mushroom. It is cultivated in more than seventy countries, and can grow as large as a dinner plate! 

Dish to try: Chutta Kumme (Kodaga-Style Portobello Mushrooms) 🇮🇳

4. Shiitake

Mainly grown in East Asia, but available worldwide (usually dried), shiitake mushrooms are now the third most cultivated mushroom in the world. They have a meaty, chewy taste, and are perfect additions to soups, broths, and stews. 

Dish to try: Mo’Amar rice with mushrooms 🇪🇬

5. King Oyster

These mushrooms go by many names, like king trumpet mushrooms, French horn mushrooms, or king oyster mushrooms. They are native to regions of North Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Europe, and are known for their tall, thick appearance. 

Dish to try: Suya-Spiced King Oyster Mushroom Kebabs 🇨🇲

6. Champignons

Regarded as the most widely cultivated mushroom in the world, Champignons, or white or button mushrooms, are the baby version of cremini and portobello, and are sold all year round thanks to their easy growing conditions.

Dish to try: Selsko Meso (Macedonian Country Meat) 🇲🇰

7. Porcini

Identifiable by their brown caps and thick, white stalks, these mushrooms are prized in French and Italian cooking, and are found all over Europe, North America, and areas of Asia. They are seasonal mushrooms, so outside of Autumn, you may only be able to find them dried. 

Dish to try: Mushroom ​​Sofficini 🇮🇹

8. Straw

Used extensively in dishes all across Asia, they are grown on rice straw beds and are most commonly picked when immature. They are as common in Taiwanese cuisine as button mushrooms are in the United States!

Dish to try: Tom Yum Goong (Creamy Tom Yum Soup) 🇹🇭

9. Enoki

The enoki mushroom has a long, thin, white stem topped with a small white button. They aren’t very meaty in flavor, so are perfect subtle additions to many recipes like soups, stir fry, stews, and much more. 

Dish to try: Jamur Enoki Goreng (Deep Fried Enoki) 🇮🇩