Wood ear: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:07, 15 February 2025

An article about the Wood Ear mushroom

Wood Ear Mushroom[edit]

The Wood Ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) is a species of edible fungus found predominantly on elder trees. It is known for its distinctive ear-like shape and gelatinous texture. This mushroom is commonly used in various culinary dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine.

Description[edit]

The Wood Ear mushroom has a unique appearance, resembling a human ear. It is typically brown to dark brown in color and has a gelatinous texture when fresh. The surface of the mushroom is smooth, while the underside is slightly wrinkled. It can grow up to 10 cm in diameter.

Habitat[edit]

Wood Ear mushrooms are saprophytic fungi, meaning they feed on dead or decaying organic matter. They are commonly found on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, especially elder trees. These mushrooms thrive in temperate and subtropical regions around the world.

Culinary Uses[edit]

Wood Ear mushrooms are popular in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. They are often used in soups, stir-fries, and salads. The mushrooms are prized for their crunchy texture and ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients.

Nutritional Value[edit]

Wood Ear mushrooms are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to meals. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and potassium. Additionally, they contain polysaccharides that may have health benefits.

Medicinal Properties[edit]

In traditional Chinese medicine, Wood Ear mushrooms are believed to have various health benefits. They are thought to improve circulation, reduce cholesterol levels, and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Wood ear''' (also known as '''black fungus''', '''tree ear''', '''cloud ear''', '''Judas's ear''', and '''black mushroom''') is a type of [[fungus]] that is notable for its unique shape and texture. It is a popular ingredient in many [[Asian cuisine|Asian dishes]], particularly in [[China|Chinese]], [[Japan|Japanese]], and [[Korea|Korean]] cuisines.
+{{Short description|An article about the Wood Ear mushroom}}
-== Taxonomy ==
+==Wood Ear Mushroom==
-Wood ear is a species of [[Auriculariales]], an order of fungi characterized by their ear-like shape. The scientific name for wood ear is ''[[Auricularia auricula-judae]]''. The name "Judas's ear" comes from a legend that [[Judas Iscariot]] hanged himself from an elder tree, and the fungi are commonly found on elder trees.
+[[File:Wood_ear_mushroom_-_a_ear.jpg|thumb|right|Wood Ear mushroom growing on a tree.]]
+The '''Wood Ear mushroom''' (''Auricularia auricula-judae'') is a species of edible fungus found predominantly on elder trees. It is known for its distinctive ear-like shape and gelatinous texture. This mushroom is commonly used in various culinary dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine.
-== Description ==
+==Description==
-Wood ear mushrooms are typically dark brown to black in color and have a gelatinous texture. They are shaped like a human ear, which is how they got their name. The size of a wood ear mushroom can vary, but they typically range from 3 to 8 cm in diameter.
+The Wood Ear mushroom has a unique appearance, resembling a human ear. It is typically brown to dark brown in color and has a gelatinous texture when fresh. The surface of the mushroom is smooth, while the underside is slightly wrinkled. It can grow up to 10 cm in diameter.
-== Culinary Uses ==
+==Habitat==
-In cooking, wood ear is prized for its crunchy texture rather than its flavor, which is typically mild. It is often used in soups and stir-fries. In Chinese cuisine, it is a common ingredient in [[Hot and sour soup]], while in Japanese cuisine, it is often used in [[Miso soup]].
+Wood Ear mushrooms are saprophytic fungi, meaning they feed on dead or decaying organic matter. They are commonly found on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, especially elder trees. These mushrooms thrive in temperate and subtropical regions around the world.
-== Health Benefits ==
+==Culinary Uses==
-Wood ear mushrooms are low in calories and fat, but high in dietary fiber. They also contain several vitamins and minerals, including [[Vitamin B|B vitamins]], [[Vitamin K]], and [[Iron]]. Some studies suggest that wood ear mushrooms may have health benefits such as improving cholesterol levels and boosting heart health.
+[[File:Wood_ear_mushroom_-_a_ear.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of the Wood Ear mushroom's texture.]]
+Wood Ear mushrooms are popular in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. They are often used in soups, stir-fries, and salads. The mushrooms are prized for their crunchy texture and ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients.
-== Cultivation ==
+==Nutritional Value==
-Wood ear mushrooms are typically grown on logs or other decaying wood. They prefer damp, shaded areas and can often be found in forests. They are also commercially cultivated, particularly in China and other parts of Asia.
+Wood Ear mushrooms are low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to meals. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and potassium. Additionally, they contain polysaccharides that may have health benefits.
-== See Also ==
+==Medicinal Properties==
+In traditional Chinese medicine, Wood Ear mushrooms are believed to have various health benefits. They are thought to improve circulation, reduce cholesterol levels, and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Mushroom]]
-* [[Fungiculture]]
+* [[Fungi]]
-* [[List of Chinese dishes]]
+* [[Edible mushroom]]
-* [[List of Japanese dishes]]
+* [[Traditional Chinese medicine]]
-* [[List of Korean dishes]]
-[[Category:Fungi]]
+[[Category:Mushrooms]]
 [[Category:Edible fungi]]
-[[Category:Chinese cuisine]]
+[[Category:Traditional Chinese medicine]]
-[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]
-[[Category:Korean cuisine]]
-{{food-stub}}