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Corn Smut, Huitlacoche
Mycosarcoma maydis (long known as Ustilago maydis) is a smut fungus that infects maize and teosinte, turning kernels and other above-ground parts into swollen, tumor-like galls filled with blue-black spores. Immature galls are eaten in Mexico as huitlacoche. It is also a model organism for plant-pathogen research.
Edible: immature galls (about 2-3 weeks after infection) are eaten as huitlacoche in quesadillas, tortilla dishes and soups, with a mushroom-like, sweet, earthy flavour. Mature galls are dry and spore-filled. The Zuni used it to try to induce labour (ergot-like but weaker effects attributed to ustilagine), so caution is sensible in pregnancy.
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Join WeMushMycology 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 Entries are compiled from cited sources and reviewed, but may be incomplete or out of date — check the sources, and never rely on this library alone to identify or eat a mushroom.
