Jelly Ears - Auricularia auricula-judae

I love how so many fungi are named - some are inventive, some are hilarious, and others take more of a say-what-you-see approach. I like to think that today's fungal focus takes the latter approach. Whoever named this fungus the Jelly Ear really did just describe what they saw in front of them, and the Latin name is a bit of a mouthful. I have tried many times to pronounce Auricularia auricula-judae, but I'm sure it still doesn't sound right.

They really do look like ears made of jelly, and, being a year-round fungus, you can pretty much guarantee you'll come across a group of them at some point.

Unlike a lot of fungi, whose fruitbodies appear for a couple of days before degrading, jelly ears persist for a while. They change state depending on the weather, feeling velvety when dry but slippery and jelly-like when wet. For this reason, they're apparently great when used for stock, although I've yet to try this.

Characteristics

Habitat: On wood, living or dead, usually elder
Fruit body: 2-7cm across, 2-5cm broad. Cup or ear shaped, pink/purple to date-brown colour, depending on whether it's wet or not. Gelatinous and velvety to touch.
Spore print: White
Season: All year
Edibility: Edible. Apparently good in soups or when used as stock.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert. Never eat a mushroom you've found without confirmation that it is edible by an expert.

Comments

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