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Cloud Ear, Black Fungus
Auricularia cornea, the cloud ear, is an ear-shaped jelly fungus of dead broadleaf wood, widespread in the tropics and subtropics and cultivated commercially in China. Its fruit bodies are pale to reddish brown (rarely white) with a densely hairy upper surface. It was often misidentified as A. polytricha, and it is a separate species from the wood ears A. auricula-judae and A. heimuer.
Edible; usually sold dried and soaked in water before use. Soak only briefly, refrigerated if overnight: black fungus soaked for two days or more has caused fatal bongkrekic acid poisoning; discard any that smells or tastes abnormal. Almost tasteless, valued for its slippery, slightly crunchy texture, which persists through most cooking. Coarser than A. heimuer, so it is used more often in soups than stir-fries, and also in Cantonese desserts.
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Mycology is an evolving science: names, classifications and safety information change as research advances. Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
