Boltcovitsa ear of Judas (Auricularia auricula-judae)

Other names: Auricularia polytricha, Judas ear, elderberry boltwort, Judas ear, Hirneola auricula, Auricula tremellosa, Auricularia auricula, Tremella auricula, black fungus, kikurage

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The Judas ear boltwort (Auricularia auricula-judae), also rarely referred to as Auricularia Polytricha, Judas ear, elder boltwort, Judas ear elder, Hirneola auricula, Auricula tremellosa, Auricularia auricula, Tremella auricula, black fungus or kikurage, is a remarkable fungus that belongs to the Auriculariaceae family. This plant is characterised by its azure to black hue and is a very popular species in many Asian countries, especially in Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

Its flavour is mild and slightly sweet, with a special texture due to its high polysaccharide content. For this reason, it is often used in sauces, soups, as an ingredient in pasta or in traditional Asian cakes. In China, the Judas ear bollworm is also popular in dried form, which is then used in soups and sauces. Particularly in Japanese cuisine, this mushroom is popular for its crunchy texture and grows commonly on dead trees, especially those of the elder tree. Although the Boltcovitka Judas ear is an inedible mushroom in the Czech Republic, it is a very popular and widely used ingredient in large parts of Asia.