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Wood Ear mushrooms are brown to dark brown and can be anywhere from two to 8 inches in size. The gill-less mushrooms are somewhat cup-shaped, with a thick, smooth, wavy cap and almost no stem. The color of the skin often takes on the color of the tree that it grows on. With age, the mushroom darkens and the skin can turn black. The texture of the Wood Ear mushroom is crisp and crunchy. Not big on flavor, the Wood Ear mushroom tends to take on the flavors of other ingredients in the dish.
Wood Ear mushrooms are available year-round.
The mushrooms commonly known as Wood Ear or Cloud Ear mushrooms are actually two identical species of jelly fungi, Auricularia Polytricha and Auricularia auricula-judae, respectively. The main difference between the two species is size. The Asian fungus is also called Tree Ear, Black Fungus, and Judas' ear. Wood Ear mushrooms received their common name from their odd shape, which is very similar to that of a human ear.
Wood Ear mushrooms are a source of iron and protein and are high in fiber, providing almost half the recommended daily fiber intake for adults. Wood Ear mushrooms are also a good source of vitamins B1 and B2.
Wood ear mushrooms are popular for their ability to add texture to soups and stir-fry and absorb other flavors. The Asian fungus is often added to Chinese hot and sour soup to add texture and to Szechwan and Hunan cuisine to soak up their spicier flavors. Rinse fresh Wood Ear mushrooms and remove any remaining piece of stem. Slice Wood Ear mushrooms and add to soups, stir fry and other dishes at the end of preparation. Outside of China, Wood Ear mushrooms are most commonly found in their dried form. Easily reconstituted, the Black fungus’ exterior color may lighten and its size will double.
In Asia, the Wood Ear mushroom is known as Yung ngo, Kikurage, Mokurage and aragekikurage. The Chinese call it "Hei mu-er,” and consider the Wood Ear mushroom to be both edible and medicinal. The Chinese add Wood Ear mushrooms to dishes to improve breathing, circulation and wellbeing.
Wood Ear mushrooms are said to have been cultivated around 600AD, meaning they were the first recorded cultivated mushroom. They are native to China, and also grow in the Pacific Islands and in humid areas around the world. Most major Asian countries cultivate Wood Ear mushrooms today. They grow in the wild on rotting and decaying wood. Wood Ear mushrooms can be found at most Asian markets.
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.
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Wood Ear Mushrooms using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Mushrooms | Listen |
Description/Taste
Wood Ear mushrooms are brown to dark brown and can be anywhere from two to 8 inches in size. The gill-less mushrooms are somewhat cup-shaped, with a thick, smooth, wavy cap and almost no stem. The color of the skin often takes on the color of the tree that it grows on. With age, the mushroom darkens and the skin can turn black. The texture of the Wood Ear mushroom is crisp and crunchy. Not big on flavor, the Wood Ear mushroom tends to take on the flavors of other ingredients in the dish.
Seasons/Availability
Wood Ear mushrooms are available year-round.
Current Facts
The mushrooms commonly known as Wood Ear or Cloud Ear mushrooms are actually two identical species of jelly fungi, Auricularia Polytricha and Auricularia auricula-judae, respectively. The main difference between the two species is size. The Asian fungus is also called Tree Ear, Black Fungus, and Judas' ear. Wood Ear mushrooms received their common name from their odd shape, which is very similar to that of a human ear.
Nutritional Value
Wood Ear mushrooms are a source of iron and protein and are high in fiber, providing almost half the recommended daily fiber intake for adults. Wood Ear mushrooms are also a good source of vitamins B1 and B2.
Applications
Wood ear mushrooms are popular for their ability to add texture to soups and stir-fry and absorb other flavors. The Asian fungus is often added to Chinese hot and sour soup to add texture and to Szechwan and Hunan cuisine to soak up their spicier flavors. Rinse fresh Wood Ear mushrooms and remove any remaining piece of stem. Slice Wood Ear mushrooms and add to soups, stir fry and other dishes at the end of preparation. Outside of China, Wood Ear mushrooms are most commonly found in their dried form. Easily reconstituted, the Black fungus’ exterior color may lighten and its size will double.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Asia, the Wood Ear mushroom is known as Yung ngo, Kikurage, Mokurage and aragekikurage. The Chinese call it "Hei mu-er,” and consider the Wood Ear mushroom to be both edible and medicinal. The Chinese add Wood Ear mushrooms to dishes to improve breathing, circulation and wellbeing.
Geography/History
Wood Ear mushrooms are said to have been cultivated around 600AD, meaning they were the first recorded cultivated mushroom. They are native to China, and also grow in the Pacific Islands and in humid areas around the world. Most major Asian countries cultivate Wood Ear mushrooms today. They grow in the wild on rotting and decaying wood. Wood Ear mushrooms can be found at most Asian markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| Buona Forchetta (Liberty Station) | San Diego CA | 619-458-9231 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Wood Ear Mushrooms. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Citron & Vanille |
|
Coconut Crêpes Stuffed with Shrimps, Wood Ear Mushrooms and Spinach |
| Tasty Kitchen |
|
Sliced Pork & Wood Ear Mushroom Stir Fry |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Wood Ear Mushrooms using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
|
Asian Food Center
Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 198 days ago, 4/30/18 Spotter's comments : Wood Ear Mushrooms spotted at Asian Food Center. 
99 Ranch Market
Near San Diego, CA, United StatesAbout 517 days ago, 6/15/17 Spotter's comments : Wood Ear Mushrooms spotted at 99 Ranch Market. Greenville South Carolina Near Greenville, South Carolina, United States About 540 days ago, 5/23/17 |
