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 http://www.goldthread2.com/newsletter

If you liked this video, we have more stories about seasonal Chinese delicacies, including:

Hong Kong’s Last Shrimp Paste Makers
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7ue7gx

Fishermen Risk Their Lives for This $80 Shellfish
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7tvdh9

Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: http://instagram.com/goldthread2
Stay updated on Twitter: http://twitter.com/goldthread2
Join the conversation on Facebook: http://facebook.com/goldthread2
Have story ideas? Send them to us at hello@goldthread2.com

Producer: Jessica Novia
Videographer: Wu Congwen
Editor: Hanley Chu
Animation: Annie Hall
Mastering: Victor Pena

Music: Audio Network