Cordyceps Season: Hunt for the World’s Most Expensive Fungus - In Season (S1E4)

Caterpillar fungus, or cordyceps, is the most prized ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Worth three times its weight in gold, the fungus appears every year around May and June on the Tibetan Plateau, where families pack their bags and head to the mountains to harvest this valuable remedy. Summertime in Tibet is caterpillar fungus season. Don’t miss our stories, what’s buzzing around the web, and bonus material. Get GT in your inbox! Sign up at If you liked this video, we have more stories about seasonal Chinese delicacies, including: Hong Kong’s Last Shrimp Paste Makers Fishermen Risk Their Lives for This $80 Shellfish Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: Stay updated on Twitter: Join the conversation on Facebook: Have story ideas? Send them to us at hello@ Producer: Jessica Novia Videographer: Wu Congwen Editor: Hanley Chu Animation: Annie Hall Mastering: Victor Pena Music: Audio Network