An edible mushroom plantation in Changshan county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/app.qz123.com]

Changshan county in Quzhou, Zhejiang province has in recent years been making efforts to boost its hericium mushroom sector.

The efforts include cultivating new varieties, working towards year-round plantation, and engaging in deep processing of specialty mushrooms, particularly the Hericium erinaceus.

In 2022, the successful cultivation of the "Zhelin Monkey No 2" variety of Hericium erinaceus was achieved. This variety boasts a polysaccharide content of up to 6 percent, which is sometimes twice that of ordinary Hericium erinaceus, making it particularly suitable for deep processing, noted Mao Rongliang, a veteran in Hericium cultivation with over 40 years of experience.

Authorities are also drafting a three-year plan to further boost the industry, including rolling out a series of supportive policies, building an industrial park, and attracting industry-leading enterprises.

Known as the "Hometown of Edible Mushrooms" in China, Changshan boasts an ideal natural environment for mushroom cultivation, thanks to its lush green mountains and clean waters. Currently, the annual yield of edible mushrooms in the county reaches 7,800 metric tons, with an output value of 86 million yuan ($11.92 million).