A hidden culinary gem: Rediscovering wood ear mushrooms

You can find the famous wood ear mushrooms in the forests, yet they don't attract much interest. They are used in numerous dishes in Asia, whereas we often opt for dried varieties. Perhaps it's time to change that and give these mushrooms a try.

These mushrooms got their name from the unusual appearance of their fruiting bodies, which, along with their cartilaginous texture, resemble an ear. The wood ear mushrooms include two closely related species: Auricularia auricula-judae and Auricularia polytricha. They grow on tree trunks, and their appearance is reminiscent of shelf mushrooms, making some hesitant to try them.

These mushrooms appear from autumn to late winter primarily on deciduous trees. Many people overlook them, assuming they are inedible, but this is a misconception. They are perfect for preparing winter dishes and Asian cuisine meals.

The Auricularia judge is commonly found in forests and can be spotted all year round. However, when venturing out to collect mushrooms, it's important to consider the weather conditions. The Auricularia judge doesn't thrive in low humidity. In such conditions, its fruiting bodies shrink, making them nearly invisible. After rainfall, they rehydrate and become visible again.

How can you recognize them? They are usually brown or dark brown, and their cap, covered with a delicate fuzz, is soft to the touch. Older specimens often change colour underneath to white. Wood ear mushrooms are also known as "Judas's Ear."

Wood ear mushrooms are a delicious addition to dishes and a source of numerous health-benefiting nutrients. They support immunity thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and contain B vitamins and minerals such as iron, selenium, calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc.

The mushrooms can be prepared in various ways. They are perfect for pickling in different marinades, especially spicy ones, in the style of Asian cuisine. They can also be fried or stewed and used as a base for sauces or salads. They complement dishes like pasta or casseroles and serve as an excellent substitute for button mushrooms.