Black Fungus

Also known asWood Ear · Cloud Ear · Black Fungus · Auricularia · 黑木耳 · 木耳

Name: Black fungus, also called cloud ear, tree ear or mu er (Auricularia polytricha and related species) — a dark brown to black, thin, ear-shaped, jelly-like fungus that grows on dead wood. It is usually sold dried. Wood ear, a close relative, has its own page.

Description

Black fungus has been eaten in China for thousands of years, and is one of the first mushrooms to be cultivated, on logs. It is also eaten across Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea, and is valued more for its texture than its flavour, which is mild and earthy.

Dried black fungus is small, brittle and hard, and when soaked in water it swells dramatically to many times its size, becoming soft, slightly springy and gelatinous with a delicate crunch. It is a classic ingredient in hot and sour soup, stir-fries, salads and dumpling fillings.

Main nutrition value

Black fungus is notable for being very high in dietary fibre, with some iron, potassium and a little protein, and is low in calories.

How best to be consumed

Black fungus must be soaked and cooked before eating.

1. Soak dried fungus in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes until fully soft, then rinse and trim the hard base.
2. Add to hot and sour soup, stir-fries, hot pots and noodle dishes.
3. Dress blanched strips with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and chilli for a cold salad.
4. Use in dumpling and spring roll fillings.
5. Cook thoroughly, and do not soak large batches for too long, since soaked fungus spoils quickly.

Overconsumption could cause…

Black fungus is safe when prepared properly.

1. Allergic reactions or digestive upset in some people, and stomach discomfort from the fibre (chitin) and sugars in mushrooms in large servings.
2. Digestive upset from eating mushrooms raw, since cooking breaks down their tough cell walls and destroys natural irritants.
3. Possible effects on blood clotting in large amounts, according to traditional belief and some research, so people on blood-thinning medicines should check with a doctor.
4. Food poisoning if left to soak for too long at warm temperatures.

GroupsMushroomsFungi (mushrooms)Chinese

Related foodsWood Ear MushroomChanterelle MushroomCordyceps MushroomCremini MushroomEnoki MushroomKing Oyster Mushroom

Wikipedia — Auricularia polytricha, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auricularia_polytricha