Foraging Jews Ears Mushrooms

Jew’s Ears mushrooms are one of my favourite mushrooms to forage throughout winter. They are a very special kind of mushroom that grows on dead wood, particularly on dead or dying Elder. This mushroom gets its very odd name from the way that younger specimens look very much like human ears. This, combined with the fact that it grows on elder (Judas Iscariot was said to have hanged himself from an Elder tree…), gives it its rather eerie name.

A Unique Culinary Experience

If you can put the rather eerie name aside, it is a very interesting mushroom to eat. It retains its crunchiness and firm texture after cooking, however, it does not have a strong flavour. This makes it ideal to dry and use in soups and stews. I love it in a Spicy noodle soup with seasonal greens like nettles, three cornered leek and ramsons. Topped with a poached egg and a decent helping of homemade kimchi, it’s a dish that warms the soul on a cold winter day.

Health Benefits

Jew’s Ears Mushrooms has been used in medicine to treat all sorts of ailments including sore throats and jaundice. It is still used in Chinese medicine. The benefits of taking this mushroom has been well researched. Some evidence has been found to show that it may have properties that can help to slow tumors, control blood sugar levels, prevent blood clots, and lower cholesterol.

Foraging Tips

Picking tip 1: Jews Ears are very thin, so dries out easily if it is dry or windy. I like to pick them a day or two after rain to make sure they are nice and plump, and go for the ear sized mushrooms as the older ones are not as nice.

Picking tip 2: Even though Jews Ears mushrooms grow all year round, wintertime is the best time to pick them. When it gets a little warmer, these mushrooms are popular hosts for dark-winged fungus gnats, little flies that lay their eggs in or around mushrooms. So pick them now, dry and enjoy until next winter!

Identification

Identifying Jew’s Ears mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding experience. They are typically a medium to dark brown color and have a distinctive ear-like shape. The surface of the mushroom is often wrinkled or veined, resembling the structure of a human ear. They are usually found growing in clusters on dead or dying wood, particularly Elder trees. Remember, always be sure of your identification before consuming any wild mushrooms!

Storing Your Foraged Jew’s Ears

After a successful foraging trip, it’s important to store your Jew’s Ears mushrooms properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some tips:

1. Cleaning: Gently brush off any dirt or debris from the mushrooms with a soft brush. Avoid washing them as they can absorb water and become slimy.
2. Drying: Jew’s Ears mushrooms dry very well. Simply string them up in a dry, airy place out of direct sunlight. Once completely dry, they can be stored in an airtight container and will last for many months. You can also dry using a food dehydrator or by placing in the oven for a few hours at low heat (50-60 degrees Celsius) and the oven door slightly ajar.
3. Rehydrating: When you’re ready to use your dried Jew’s Ears, simply soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes. They will regain their original size and texture, ready to be used in your favorite recipes!

Remember, the joy of foraging is not just in the hunt, but also in the preparation and consumption of your finds. Enjoy your foraging adventures and the delicious meals that follow! Happy foraging and cooking!

Hanna Bäckmo

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