Produce Briefs...
Maui Onions
Two characteristics set the Maui onion apart from other yellow onions: the high sugar and high moisture content of its flesh.
Cantaloupe Melon
The cantaloupe is defined by two elements: its roughly netted stone and green colored skin and its aromatic orange-coral colored flesh. When perfectly ripe, the flesh is juicy, unctuous and sweet.
Seasons/Availability
Wood ear mushrooms are available year round.
Current Facts
Wood ear mushrooms, Auricularia Polytricha, have numerous aliases include tree ear, black fungus, Judas' ear, jelly fungus, yung ngo, mu-er, ear fungus, kikurage, mokurage and aragekikurage. Wood Ear mushrooms received their given name because they look like ears growing out of trees.
Description/Taste
Fresh wood ear mushrooms are thick and smooth-skinned, though wrinkly, resembling the shape of an ear. The mushroom's skin resembles the color of the tree bark it inhabits, turning darker, near black with age. Its texture is rubbery and gelatinous. Though it offers earthy aromas it is nearly void of flavor. Its culinary virtues are its springy chewy texture that becomes crunchy when cooked.
Nutritional Value
Wood Ear mushrooms have long been used for their medicinal benefits. They are used in Oriental medicine to prevent heart disease. They also contain anticoagulant substances that act like blood thinners creating effects similar to that of aspirin.
Applications
Wood ear mushrooms may be sauteed, braised, baked or roasted. Add to soups, stews, risotto or grilled meats. Pair wood ear mushrooms with other wild mushrooms, mild cheeses, fresh pastas or steamed vegetables so as not to overwhelm its flavor. To store fresh mushrooms, place in paper bag or between paper towels; refrigerate. Do not store in plastic. Use within two to three days for optimum quality.
Geography/History
Wood ear mushrooms are most often found in Asian markets. Because of an increase in population of Asian communities, wood ear mushrooms can be found both fresh and dried throughout the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Wood Ear Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Wood ear mushrooms are available year round.
Current Facts
Wood ear mushrooms, Auricularia Polytricha, have numerous aliases include tree ear, black fungus, Judas' ear, jelly fungus, yung ngo, mu-er, ear fungus, kikurage, mokurage and aragekikurage. Wood Ear mushrooms received their given name because they look like ears growing out of trees.
Description/Taste
Fresh wood ear mushrooms are thick and smooth-skinned, though wrinkly, resembling the shape of an ear. The mushroom's skin resembles the color of the tree bark it inhabits, turning darker, near black with age. Its texture is rubbery and gelatinous. Though it offers earthy aromas it is nearly void of flavor. Its culinary virtues are its springy chewy texture that becomes crunchy when cooked.
Nutritional Value
Wood Ear mushrooms have long been used for their medicinal benefits. They are used in Oriental medicine to prevent heart disease. They also contain anticoagulant substances that act like blood thinners creating effects similar to that of aspirin.
Applications
Wood ear mushrooms may be sauteed, braised, baked or roasted. Add to soups, stews, risotto or grilled meats. Pair wood ear mushrooms with other wild mushrooms, mild cheeses, fresh pastas or steamed vegetables so as not to overwhelm its flavor. To store fresh mushrooms, place in paper bag or between paper towels; refrigerate. Do not store in plastic. Use within two to three days for optimum quality.
Geography/History
Wood ear mushrooms are most often found in Asian markets. Because of an increase in population of Asian communities, wood ear mushrooms can be found both fresh and dried throughout the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Wood Ear Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.
