Auricularia Judae und Polytricha

Further designations: Judasohr, Chinesische Morchel, Holunderpilz, Wolkenpilz, Fliederöhrchen, Holunderschwamm, Holderschwamm, Mu Err, Black tree fungus, Ear mushroom, Woody ear, Jew´s ear, Auriculaire oreille-de-Judas, Kikurage

The Auricularia is considered one of the oldest edible mushrooms and is cultivated n China since about 1500 years. The fungus with the striking appearance grows almost worldwide on deciduous trees and in particular on old elder wood. The Auricularia can be found year-round. His owes his German name "Judas ear" a Christian legend that Judas hanged himself on an elder tree on whose trunk auricle like mushrooms grew.

As edible mushroom Auricularia is very popular in the Asian cuisine and is a favoured delicacy. In the European kitchen he could not prevail because of his rather bland taste. Visitors of Chinese restaurants it is nevertheless well acquainted as a side dish of many popular Chinese dishes. Auricularia mushrooms have a high carbohydrate and protein content, but little fat. They also contain minerals, in particular potassium and calcium, as well as sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and silicon.