Estado de Hongos

A leading Mexican forager of culinary mushrooms takes us on expeditions to some of the country’s most fascinating regions and introduces us to people who help preserve ancient traditions of preparing them.

Nanae Watabe supplies mushrooms to restaurants in Mexico City. Searching the forests of Oaxaca, Puebla, and the state of Mexico, she has befriended local guides, teachers, and activists, to whom she introduces us in the early chapters of this dramatically photographed book.  

Of particular interest is the time she spends in the volcanic regions which straddle Puebla and Mexico, where mist-shrouded forests contrast with sweeping plains and soaring mountains.

Watabe has also collected recipes from her many contacts, including local chefs, and shares them along with some dishes inspired by her own mixed Japanese-Mexican heritage.

Fascinating and personal.

Hardcover. Color photographs. Black-and-white maps. In Spanish.