Laura Smith
Auricularia mushrooms, also known as wood ear mushrooms or kikurage in Japanese, are chewy, ear-shaped mushrooms that are enjoyed around the world. They are one of the few mushrooms enjoyed in Japan that lack the word take/mushroom in their common name. These mushrooms grow on fallen branches and logs after rainfall. While they are commonly found in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, they are also used in many other places. In this text, we will explore how these mushrooms are harvested in Japan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Wood Ear Mushrooms, Kikurage (Japanese), Auricularia species, Auricularia americana, A. angiospermarum, A. fuscosuccinea |
| Habitat | Fallen branches and logs after rain |
| Location | North America, East Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Philly |
| Season | Winter |
| Use | Soups |
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What You'll Learn
- Auricularia mushrooms grow on fallen branches and logs after rainfall
- They are also known as Kikurage or Wood Ear mushrooms in Japanese
- Wild varieties have reddish to brownish hues
- They can be found in the woods of East Virginia and Wisconsin
- Mushroom hunting tours are available in Gunma, Niigata and Tohoku
Auricularia mushrooms grow on fallen branches and logs after rainfall
Auricularia mushrooms, also known as Kikurage or Wood Ear mushrooms, are a tasty treat found in many Asian cuisines, especially in China and Japan. They are one of the few mushrooms enjoyed in Japan that do not have the word "take/mushroom" in their common name.
In the wild, Auricularia mushrooms are often found on forest floors, concealed under fallen leaves and other debris. They form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of various tree species. While they can be found throughout the year, their growth is dependent on rainfall, and they are typically harvested in the autumn and winter months.
Foraging for mushrooms in Japan is a popular activity, especially among the older generation. However, much of the country's mountains and forests are on private property, so it is important to obtain permission from the respective landowners before foraging. There are also organised mushroom hunting tours offered by local experts in some regions, which provide a safe and legal way to experience mushroom hunting in Japan.
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They are also known as Kikurage or Wood Ear mushrooms in Japanese
Auricularia mushrooms, also known as Kikurage or Wood Ear mushrooms in Japanese, are a type of fungus that is commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly in China and Japan. They are known for their ear-like shape and chewy texture. These mushrooms thrive on fallen branches and logs after rainfall.
Kikurage or Wood Ear mushrooms are one of the few mushrooms enjoyed in Japan that do not have the word "take" or "mushroom" in their common name. They are known for their versatility and can be used in various dishes, including soups and stir-fries. In terms of identification, the hairy wood ear (A. cornea) variety can be distinguished by its coarse and hairy surface, while the wild varieties exhibit reddish to brownish hues.
Foraging for mushrooms in Japan can be challenging due to the country's mountains and forests being largely located on private property. However, there are organised hunting tours that obtain permission from landowners to access these areas. These tours are typically offered during specific weeks in autumn, particularly in Gunma, Niigata, and Tohoku.
The Auricularia species encompasses several varieties, including A. heimuer (Black Wood Ear) and A. angiospermarum, which is a hardwood decomposer. These mushrooms can be found growing on fallen trees, such as balsam fir and oak, in regions with sufficient rainfall. Additionally, A. fuscosuccinea, identified by their size and gelatinous layer, has been found on Boxelder trees in East Virginia.
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Wild varieties have reddish to brownish hues
Wood ear mushrooms, or Kikurage in Japanese, are a type of Auricularia species. They are chewy and ear-shaped, and are enjoyed around the world, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. They are one of the few mushrooms enjoyed in Japan that do not have the word "take/mushroom" in their name.
Wild varieties of Auricularia have reddish to brownish hues. They are one of the few cold-adapted fungi that can freeze at night and thaw during the day without being affected. They can be found growing on fallen branches and logs after rainfall. They are also commonly found growing on balsam fir, boxelder, and dead oak trees and branches.
In terms of identification, A. cornea is distinguishable from other varieties as its sterile surface is coarse and hairy. Another name for the species is hairy wood ear. It can appear light brown to beige after drying instead of grey.
It is important to note that much of Japan's mountains and forests are on private property, so obtaining permission to forage is essential. Mushroom hunting tours are offered in Gunma, Niigata, and Tohoku and have permission from the respective landowners to be on the land.
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They can be found in the woods of East Virginia and Wisconsin
Auricularia, also known as wood ear mushrooms or kikurage in Japanese, can be found in the woods of East Virginia and Wisconsin. They are one of the few cold-adapted fungi that can freeze at night and thaw during the day without any damage. They are commonly found growing on fallen branches and logs after rainfall.
In East Virginia, foragers have found large Auricularia specimens growing on Boxelder trees. These mushrooms can grow to be 3-4 inches across, and they have a gelatinous layer between two cortical layers. In Wisconsin, they can be found growing on balsam fir trees in January.
In terms of harvesting, it is important to distinguish between the wild and cultivated varieties. Wild varieties will have a reddish to brownish hue, while cultivated varieties are often black. All wood ear varieties are edible, and they are commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Japanese dishes.
Wisconsin is also home to giant puffball mushrooms, which can be found in late August through September. They are commonly found in lawns, forest clearings, and pastures a few days after heavy rain. These mushrooms are spherical or loaf-shaped and can be safely harvested when the outside and inside are both white and firm. They can be prepared by slicing and frying in butter or bacon grease, and they can also be frozen for later use.
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Mushroom hunting tours are available in Gunma, Niigata and Tohoku
Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in Japan during the fall. There are dozens of mushroom hunting tours offered by local experts in Gunma, Niigata, and Tohoku. These tours are a great opportunity to learn about wild mushrooms and how to identify those that are safe for consumption.
In Niigata, for example, you can join a local mushroom foraging expert and trek through the snow-blanketed mountains to hunt for wild mushrooms. You will learn to spot edible wild fungi such as nameko and oyster mushrooms, and prepare delicious dishes like wild mushroom soup. The gorgeous scenery of Matsunoyama will compete for your attention as you hunt for mushrooms.
While mushroom hunting in Japan, it is important to be mindful of the fact that much of the country's mountains and forests are on private property. Hunting tours will have permission from the respective owners to be on the land, but individual harvesting without permission can get you into trouble.
- Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park in Niigata offers a mushroom-picking adventure.
- A tour in Hyogo, close to Kyoto, is advertised on en.japantravel.com/hyogo/mikiyama-mushroom-hunt0/3175.
- You can also find a bunch of mushroom farms where you can pick mushrooms at https://www.jalan.net/theme/mikakugari/kinoko/#ken9.
These tours provide a unique opportunity to learn about wild mushrooms and experience the beauty of Japan's natural landscapes.
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Frequently asked questions
Auricula mushrooms, also known as Kikurage or Wood Ear mushrooms, grow on fallen branches and logs after rainfall. You can find them in the woods or at Asian grocers.
Auricula mushrooms are ear-shaped and chewy. They are one of the few cold-adapted fungi that can freeze at night and thaw during the day. They can be identified by their reddish to brownish hue.
You can pick Auricula mushrooms by hand. They are typically found growing on fallen branches and logs.
