India, Oct. 23 -- Most of us think of mushrooms as that earthy topping on pizza or the trusted sidekick in a stir-fry. But in some parts of the world, mushrooms aren't just food; they're treasure. We're talking about fungi that fetch prices higher than gold per ounce, sourced from the deep forests of Japan, the snowy Himalayan slopes, and even the roots of ancient European trees. What makes them so valuable? Rarity, flavour, mystique, and sometimes, pure hype.

The most expensive mushrooms in the world are hunted by truffle dogs, found clinging to caterpillars, and sold in back-alley deals as if they were luxury narcotics. It's not just about taste; it's about tradition, ritual, health benefits, and exclusivity. In today's fine dining sce...