Matsutake in Bhutan is known as Sangay Shamu meaning Buddha or the enlightened Mushroom. It grows sparsely over the Pine Mountains of Bhutan at the altitude of above 2800 m and below tree line. Its seasons usually begin in mid-July and ends in September.

Modern medicine found these mushrooms to be excellent sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals. They are full of vitamins A, B6, C and also thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. What's more, these pine mushrooms also contain plenty of minerals such as potassium, sodium, iron, copper, calcium and phosphorus. They are completely without cholesterol and contain just traces of fat, and because of that they are considered to be very healthy.

On every mid of August Bhutan hosts annual matsutake mushroom festival in the capital Thimphu and Bumthang in central Bhutan.

You can identify them by their smell, which has an organic aroma. The white surface has brown stains that make it look grimy. Taste-wise, it has a meaty texture and is juicy.

Matsutake has been used for the medicine/health wise for a long time.