In nature, there are so many different shapes and colors that nothing surprises us anymore, does it? It could happen to us that while walking in a forest, we do not find an ear attached to a trunk. Rest assured, this is not a horror movie. It’s the ear fungus. This curious living being attracts a lot of attention due to its particular shape and, in addition, it is edible!
If you haven’t heard of ear fungus yet, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will tell you what it is and where to find it. So feel free to read on if you’re curious.
Contents
What is an ear fungus?
When we talk about ear fungus, we are not referring to a fungal pathology that affects our ears (although it also exists, of course). It is a fungus which receives the scientific name of Auricularia auricula-judae. Other more common names in Spain are ear of Judas, ear of Jew and ear of wool. Although it is also known in other places as Wood Ear, Banyi Yun Er Seaweed, and Bear Ear. The Auricularia auricula-judae It belongs to the order Auricularia and It is an edible basidiomycete mushroom.
But why is it called an ear? It receives this curious name due to its appearance, which It is very similar to that of a human ear. This mushroom is born in the form of a shell and has a dark brown color. Normally, the inner side is usually a little darker than the outer side. To the extent that Auricularia auricula-judae as it grows, it acquires more and more a striking resemblance to an ear due to the irregular folds. The margin is usually pleated. As for the sporocarp, also called fruiting body, it has a rather gelatinous consistency. It has the ability to dehydrate when the environment is dry, but with humidity it regains its elasticity.
While it is true that the ear fungus has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, it is used more at the gastronomic level. This member of the Fungi kingdom is edible. In fact, in oriental cuisine it is highly valued, which is why it is grown on dead logs. In fact, in Chinese restaurants they call it “black mushroom”. Although it does not have much flavor, it is usually eaten raw to garnish salads, as its curious appearance does not go unnoticed. It can also be prepared in soups or fried. When it comes to storing it, it is usually done dry. If then soaked, the ear fungus regains its gelatinous consistency.
What are basidiomycete fungi?
As we have already mentioned, it is a basidiomycete fungus. What does it mean? Well, it’s a division belonging to the Fungi Kingdom in which are found all the fungi which have basidiospores with which they produce basidia. This includes poisonous mushrooms, hallucinogenic mushrooms, edible mushrooms, gelatinous mushrooms, phytopathogenic fungi (those that attack plants) and fungi that cause dandruff and certain skin diseases like tinea versicolor.
This division is the best known of the Fungi kingdom and also the most evolved. We find there three different clades:
- Agaricomycotin: It contains about 20,000 species. It includes almost all edible fungi, basidiomycete lichens, gelatinous fungi, and some small groups of yeasts. This clade includes the ear fungus.
- Pucciniomycotin: It contains about 8400 species. Almost all of them are dimorphic fungi.
- Ustilaginomycotin: It contains about 1700 species. They are usually parasites of vascular plants and mammals. They are also known as burns.
Where is the ear of Judas?
Now that we know what ear fungus is, you might be curious to know where to find it. It must be said that it normally grows in groups, so its observation will be easy. While it is true that it usually appears in humid places in autumn, after the rains, it can also be seen occasionally in summer or spring, but much less frequently. It grows on dead branches and trunks. of different trees such as hardwoods and conifers, some of the most common being:
- cork oaks: Also known as cork oak. They are evergreen and native to the western Mediterranean region. See file.
- Bananas: Banana trees are native to Asia and America. Its use is generally mainly ornamental. See file.
- Elders: It is a deciduous shrub native to Asia. Due to its medicinal properties, it is used to create infusions. See file.
- Pins: Who doesn’t know pine trees? There are many different types of these fast growing trees. See file.
- Ash trees: Capable of reaching twenty meters in height, ash trees are trees with high ornamental value. See file.
- negundo maples: It is also known as American maple, which indicates its origin. It is very popular for the decoration of parks and gardens. See file.
Knowing the appearance, name and location of ear fungus, I recommend you look the next time you go on an excursion, to see if you see any. I also recommend you try it the next time you go to a Chinese restaurant.