Because lion’s mane mushrooms are sensitive to heat and humidity, the cold climate of Yunlin’s high-altitude mountains provide the perfect environment for their growth. Once the mushrooms are harvested, the farmers promptly begin a labor-intensive drying process. The mushrooms are smoke-dried over a low-temperature longan wood fire, fueled by wood from the pruning of fruit orchards. This smoke imbues the mushrooms with the lightest touch of smoke, almost a coffee-like aroma. The layers of mushrooms must be rotated in the smoker for an even exposure, and the low, slow fire is watched for 48 hours to make sure the flame persists. Because the fire is so delicate, the farmers sleep next to the smoker, taking turns stoking it.