Description

Properties

Judas ear (Auricularia auricula-judae, Syn.: A. auricula, A. sambucina, Hirneola auricula-judae) is a fungus with almost worldwide distribution. A similar species with an East Asian distribution (A. polytricha) is called Mu-Err (Chinese 木耳, pinyin mù’ěr – “wood ear, tree ear”), Black Fungus, elder fungus or sponge, ear lobe fungus, or cloud ear fungus (雲耳 / 云耳, yún’ěr – “cloud ear”), which is used in many dishes of Asian cuisine and especially Chinese cuisine.

This mushroom is one that is very distinct from most others that I have seen. To begin with, the most striking feature is the ear shape it possesses. It has a jelly-like texture, and it is soft to the touch when fresh but hard when it is dry. Aside from that, it has a red-brown color which varies depending on the age of the mushroom. When it gets older, the color tends to be more black. The best part of this mushroom is that it is edible and has comfounds within its cell wall that have been researched to find medicinal contributions. Anti-cancer research is one that is conducted on this mushroom just like with the sea cucumber. Now, don’t let me give it all away. Please keep reading the other pages to learn about the many aspects of this mushroom. Learn about the relationships to other organisms, the reproduction and life cycle, and so much more!

Hakeke or NZ wood ear mushrooms (Auricularia novozealandica formerly known as Auricularia cornea) are a unique mushroom which have been eaten as a food in New Zealand for hundreds of years. Close relatives of these fungi are also prized overseas, particularly in Asia, and at one point in time a thriving industry existed based on the export of wild New Zealand wood ear mushrooms to China.

To continue, this fungus is one of the known fungi that is able to develop in and withstand in freezing temperatures (Paassen, 2010.) It can freeze solidly and thaw out, and still it would not have any problems. This is very useful since it is able to grow most time especially during the coldest month of the year, January.

Yuan(1998) demonstrated that Wood Ear’s water-soluble polysaccharide fraction has a hypoglycemic effect on genetically diabetic mice. A water insoluble glucan similar to β 1-3 D-glucans and β 1-6 D-glucans (560,000-610.00 bp) was isolated from the hot water extract of the fruiting bodies. In vitro tests have shown strong antitumor activity against the solid form of Sarcoma 180 Kio(1991).

Wound pain, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, inflammation, blood clotting disorders, thrombosis, vascular problems, heart attack prevention, circulatory disorders, regulation of blood lipid levels.

Support for problems in the gastrointestinal area, lungs, liver, throat, cramps, numbness and injuries, regulator for increased vaginal discharge, hydrates the lungs, has a relaxing effect.

In Chinese medicine, mushrooms are used in patients suffering from arteriosclerosis to improve the flow of blood and thus treat circulatory problems. They also have anti-inflammatory effects and lower cholesterol levels.

In commerce, Judas ears are usually available dried and are imported in large quantities, especially from Vietnam. They are rich in iron, potassium and magnesium and contain phosphorus, silicon and vitamin B1. In Chinese cuisine, fresh or rehydrated and freed from the stalk are used. When swelling, they reach many times their size in the dry state. They have only a slight, mushroom-like inherent flavor, but a special mouthfeel: a peculiar texture reminiscent of fresh seaweed. In addition, the Judas ear absorbs very well the flavors of the liquids in which it is prepared.

1. Growing

2. Identification

3. Consuming

4. Data