Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
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.
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Delta Gamma | San Diego CA | 916 847 9896 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5221 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Nate's Garden Grill | San Diego CA | 619-607-0117 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Wood Ear Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.
