Judas Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae)

This unusual fungus takes the form of rubbery, gelatinous fans that resemble and feel rather like human ears - hence the name. The fruits are quite tough, and therefore require significant cooking but are a welcome addition to stews, soups and Eastern dishes. The mushrooms store extremely well,fresh and dried (easily reconstituted). Fruit bodies are generally 4-6cm in diameter and dark brown to black depending on humidity. Unlike most mushrooms, these are not generally attractive to insects, so much less prone to insect attack than the usual growers' choice. Ideally grown on sterile substrates, but will grow quite well on some pasteurised substrates. Colonisation takes place over 25-30days when temperatures are 23-25C. Following a ripening phase of approximately 10-20days, the mushroom will fruit at temperatures of 10-30C. This mushroom will fruit adequately under high CO2 conditions. 3-4 flushes.