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This is the description page for Jew's Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) and includes a description as well as an image, if available and a selection of recipes from this site that relates to the wild foodstuff: Jew's Ear Fungus.  Jew's Ear Fungus, Auricularia auricula-judae (syn Auricularia auricula, Hirneola auricula-judae), [also known as: Judas's ear fungus, jelly ear fungus, tree ear fungus, wood ear fungus] is a member of the family Auricularaceae (literally the 'ear-shaped' fungus). Indeed, all these fungi are conspicuously ear-shaped. These fungi are native to Europe and Asia and are often used in Asian, particularly Chinese cooking, where they are known as 'wood ear' or 'tree ear'. It is one of the few fungi available all year round. These fungi typically grow on decaying elder tree branches (though in China they are commercially grown on rotting oak) and they are immediately recognizable. However, their shapes, colours and clammy nature do not immediately point to them as being an edible species. However, gathered young (whilst still soft and moist) they make excellent eating. The easiest way of harvesting is to cut them from the host tree with a sharp knife, discarding any stems. As the fungi age they become tough and all-but inedible though even the old Jew's Ear fungus can be dried and ground for use as a flavouring and thickener for soups and stews. Even young versions of this fungus need long-term cooking and have to be boiled for 45 minutes or more in stock or milk before being eaten. But the flavour is almost beyond compare, hence their value in Chinese soups. The name itself derives from the Middle ages when all mushrooms and fungi were known as 'Jews' Meat'. However the name may also be a reference to Judas, who reputedly hanged himself from an elder tree. Medieval herbalists also valued this fungus and knew of it as the 'fungus sambuci'. Like all fleshy fungus species Jew's Ears lend themselves well to preserving by drying. Recipes Utilizing Jew's Ear Fungus Jew's Ear Soup |
Welcome to the Celtnet guide to wild foods. As this recipe site has grown it has become obvious that to allow people to replicate some of the more ancient recipes on this site (especially from the Ancient, Roman and Medieval periods) it is necessary to list modern alternatives but also to produce a guide so that the curious can find the original (often wild) ingredients for themselves. These pages are an attempt at bringing all these potentially useful and often forgotten wild foods together into one place.
It is a sad fact that we have lost much of the knowledge we once had of the seasonal wild foods that we have on our own doorstep and which are not only safe to eat but which are also very tasty and fresh. This section of the site grew from the work I've done on the ancient recipes section of this site. After all, for our ancestors before farming wild foods were the only foods available. This guide therefor represents images lists and recipes for various wild foods you can gather and what you can do with them. For the most part the list contains edible plants. But I am beginning to add a new section on edible wild mushrooms and this part of the site will be expanding to include many other plants and species very soon. If you would like to know how to cook with these wild foods, then as well as having links to individual recipes on these pages you can also visit my Wild Food Recipes pages for many more (over 1000 and growing) recipe ideas.
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A hot smoker is a method of cooking food, particularly fish, in a mixture of steam and wood chip or sawdust smoke. This article tells you how to make a very cheap home-made smoker from standard kitchen components, as well as telling you how to cook with it.
The article focuses on the Chinese construction machinery sector, its rapid development and changes that have taken place due to the global economic crisis.
Fusion cooking is the blending of ingredients and cooking techniques from different areas of the globe. Though most people thing of Asian-influenced dishes as being typically 'Fusion' modern Fusion cuisines can represent dishes influenced by the foods of any region of the world. Though South-east Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Indian influences tend to predominate. Here you will learn a little more about fusion cookery and will be presented with a classic Australian fusion dish.
The main course is the most important part of any formal meal, with preceding courses leading up to it. Here you will learn a little more about main courses as well as how they developed in Ancient Rome. In additional a recipe for a classic Roman main course is provided.
Lamb is one of the sweetest an most versatile of the red meats. Typically it is very tender and lends itself to a whole range of cooking methods. Here you are presented with two classic lamb-based recipes.
Barbecuing, or cooking meat directly above a flame, is a very traditional cooking method and probably represents humanity's oldest cooking technique. There is nothing like a summer outdoor barbecue and here you will find recipes for a classic kebab and sticky ribs both designed to make the most out of barbecuing.
Game is one of the oldest meat types that humans have ever used. However, game animals tend to be very lean and need to be cooked carefully. This article provides some information about game animals and a recipe for cooking venison by braising slowly in dark beer.
Fruit have been a crucial part of the human diet for half a million years and more. Here you will learn a little about why fruit are so important and why certain foods are called 'fruit'. You will also learn a little about superfoods, what they are and what the next superfoods will be.
Fish is the staple protein source for much of the human population. Fish is an important high-quality protein source that much of the Western diet is deficient in. In this article you will learn a little about fish as well as gaining two classic fish recipes.
The egg is one of nature's finest storage foods, packed with protein and fats. Chickens have been domesticated several times throughout human history and they are mankind's commonest domesticated animal, raised for meat and eggs. Here you will learn a little about eggs, why they are important in cookery and how they have been used throughout the ages.
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