Emily Johnson
Wood ear mushrooms, also known as jelly ear mushrooms, black mushrooms, or Auricularia auricula-judae, are a type of edible fungi with a unique appearance and texture. They are commonly used in Asian dishes and offer various health benefits. Wood ear mushrooms can be purchased from specialty grocers, local markets, and online retailers, with options for both fresh and dried varieties. In this paragraph, we will explore the different sources from which one can procure wood ear mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online retailers | Amazon, Regalis Foods, Far West Fungi, Woodland Foods, Instacart |
| Price | $50 for 5 lbs |
| Preparation | Can be reconstituted in any warm liquid for 15-20 minutes |
| Health benefits | Natural source of iron, protein, fiber, vitamins B1 and B2, magnesium, and copper; thought to have anti-inflammatory benefits and promote heart health |
| Physical characteristics | Dark blackish brown on one side, light tan on the other; ear-like shape; jelly-like texture; thin sides |
| Storage | Store in a dry, cool place |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy wood ear mushrooms
Wood ear mushrooms, also known as tree ear or black fungus, are cultivated worldwide and grow on both dead and living wood. They are commonly used in Asian dishes such as hot and sour soup and Szechwan and Hunan cuisine. They are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and promote heart health.
You can buy wood ear mushrooms from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Regalis Foods, Woodland Foods, and Far West Fungi. Regalis Foods offers fresh wood ear mushrooms in clusters of approximately 5 lbs for $50. Woodland Foods offers dried premium wood ear mushrooms, which are cultivated all over the world. Far West Fungi offers dried CCOF organic wood ear mushrooms, which are created by air-drying a select portion of its fresh organic and wild foraged mushrooms.
You can also find wood ear mushrooms at local retailers, such as New May Wah and Duc Loi grocery stores in San Francisco, as well as through delivery apps like Instacart. Instacart offers both fresh and dried wood ear mushrooms from local and national retailers, with delivery or pickup options.
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Health benefits of wood ear mushrooms
Wood ear mushrooms, also known as black fungus, jelly ear, or tree ear mushrooms, are a culinary delight with numerous health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, containing only about 20-25 calories per serving. They are also rich in B vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), and folate (B9), which are crucial for energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.
Wood ear mushrooms are also a good source of dietary fibre, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They contain compounds such as adenosine and polysaccharides, which inhibit blood clotting and improve circulation, potentially reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These mushrooms have also been shown to help maintain steady blood sugar levels after meals, preventing spikes in blood glucose, which is beneficial for individuals concerned about blood sugar control.
The polysaccharides in wood ear mushrooms are responsible for most of their health benefits. They help lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, improving heart health. These mushrooms also contain prebiotics, which feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health and maintaining bowel regularity.
Wood ear mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now gaining recognition worldwide for their nutritional and medicinal properties. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health and well-being.
Some additional benefits of wood ear mushrooms include their potential as an aphrodisiac and their ability to inhibit beta secretase, an enzyme linked to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and always consult a healthcare provider if you are on medication or have known allergies.
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Wood ear mushroom recipes
Wood ear mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in many dishes, especially in Chinese cuisine. They are known for their crunchy texture and unique appearance, adding interest to any dish. Wood ear mushrooms can be purchased dried or fresh from various retailers, including Amazon and Regalis Foods.
Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
A popular dish in China, this salad is a great way to showcase the unique texture and appearance of wood ear mushrooms.
Ingredients
- Wood ear mushrooms
- Garlic
- Fresh red chilli peppers
- Chinese black vinegar
- Light soy sauce
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
Instructions
- Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in cold water for 2-3 hours until fully rehydrated.
- Wash the mushrooms and trim off any tough stems.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the mushrooms and rinse them under cold running water to cool them.
- In a large bowl, mix the garlic, peppers, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the mushrooms to the bowl and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Stir-Fry
Wood ear mushrooms are commonly used in Asian stir-fries, adding a crunchy texture and absorbing the flavours of the other ingredients.
Ingredients
- Wood ear mushrooms
- Your choice of vegetables (e.g., potatoes, bamboo shoots, onion, green peas)
- Protein (e.g., tofu, pork, chicken)
- Seasonings (e.g., soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sesame oil, cilantro, ginger)
Instructions
- Rehydrate and prepare the wood ear mushrooms as above.
- Chop or slice the mushrooms as desired.
- Stir-fry the mushrooms with your choice of vegetables, protein, and seasonings.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
Hot and Sour Soup
Wood ear mushrooms are a key ingredient in authentic Hot and Sour Soup, a Chinese favourite.
Ingredients
- Wood ear mushrooms
- Other vegetables or mushrooms (e.g., king oyster mushrooms)
- Broth
- Seasonings (e.g., soy sauce, vinegar)
Instructions
- Rehydrate and prepare the wood ear mushrooms as above.
- Chop or slice the mushrooms as desired.
- Add the mushrooms to your soup broth along with the other ingredients and seasonings.
- Simmer until all the ingredients are cooked through and the flavours have melded.
With their crunchy texture and ability to absorb flavours, wood ear mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes.
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How to identify wood ear mushrooms
Identifying wood ear mushrooms is a useful skill for foragers and chefs alike. These mushrooms are a tasty treat and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are commonly found on dead or dying wood, hence their name, and they have a distinctive look. Here is a guide to help you identify them:
The wood ear mushroom, also known as Auricularia auricula, is a type of fungus that typically grows on wood. As the name suggests, it often resembles an ear, with a rubbery, ear-like shape and a brown or dark brown colour. They are usually found in clusters and have a gelatinous texture. When fresh, they are soft and pliable, but they become tough and leathery when dry. The mushrooms can range in size from 2-8 cm across and have a distinctive wrinkled or lobed surface. The underside of the mushroom is smooth, and the flesh is thin and tough, with a slight shine.
One of the key identifying features of the wood ear mushroom is its colour. While most specimens are a dark, rich brown, some can be lighter, and even a greyish colour. However, they should always have that distinct ear-like shape and a wrinkled appearance. Another key feature is that they do not have true gills, but instead, the underside is smooth, almost like a jelly fungus.
Wood ear mushrooms are often found on dead or decaying wood, especially elder and beech trees, but they can also grow on other hardwoods. They are saprobic, which means they break down the wood, causing it to rot. You are most likely to find these mushrooms in the autumn and winter months, and they can often be spotted without their leaves, growing on fallen branches and twigs.
When identifying wood ear mushrooms, it is also important to note what they are not. They can sometimes be confused with other types of fungi, such as the much rarer, and toxic, hairy ear mushroom (Auricularia angiospermarum). This look-alike has fine hairs on its surface, which are absent from the true wood ear. Another similar species is the cloud ear fungus, which is used in Asian cuisine, but this species grows on the wood of broadleaf trees and has a more wrinkled appearance.
Overall, identifying wood ear mushrooms is fairly straightforward once you know what features to look for. Their distinctive shape, colour, and texture, along with their habitat, make them unique and easily recognisable. With this guide, you should now be able to spot these interesting fungi and perhaps even cook up a delicious, wild meal!
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How to store wood ear mushrooms
Wood ear mushrooms are a type of edible fungus commonly used in Chinese and Asian cuisine. They are available for purchase both fresh and dried. Dried wood ear mushrooms are more common in supermarkets due to their longer shelf life and ease of storage.
Storing Fresh Wood Ear Mushrooms:
Fresh wood ear mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if kept properly. Place whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over. Put the bag in the main compartment of your refrigerator, avoiding the crisper drawer as it is too moist. Do not place mushrooms near foods with strong odours or flavours, as they will absorb them. Ensure that no other foods are stacked on top of the mushrooms to prevent squishing or bruising.
Storing Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms:
Dried wood ear mushrooms have a long shelf life and can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. They do not require refrigeration and will maintain their quality for several months.
Storing Rehydrated Wood Ear Mushrooms:
If you have leftover rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, it is recommended to freeze them immediately to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Rehydrated mushrooms can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days. Before cooking, quickly blanch them in hot water.
Purchasing Wood Ear Mushrooms:
When purchasing wood ear mushrooms, consider your intended usage and storage options. Fresh wood ear mushrooms are available from specialty grocers like Regalis Foods, where they are sold in clusters of approximately 5 lbs for $50. Dried wood ear mushrooms are more commonly found in supermarkets and online retailers like Amazon, offering 1-pound boxes for grocery and gourmet cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Wood ear mushrooms can be purchased from Amazon, Regalis Foods, Woodland Foods, Far West Fungi, and Instacart.
Yes, you can find them at New May Wah and Duc Loi grocery stores.
Yes, there are a few signs to watch out for. Firstly, if they have an ammonia-like or fishy smell, they have likely gone past their prime. Secondly, if they have a sticky residue, it's another indication of spoilage. Also, if you notice any dark spots or darkening of the ears, it could mean that decay is starting to set in. Lastly, if the mushrooms have wrinkles or a slippery coating, it's best to discard them.
The price varies depending on the quantity and the retailer. On Amazon, a 1-pound box of dried premium wood ear mushrooms costs around $11.99. Regalis Foods offers wood ear mushrooms in clusters of approximately 5 pounds for $50.
Wood ear mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, iron, magnesium, and copper. They are also believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties and promote heart health by positively affecting blood coagulation and decreasing cholesterol levels.
