Auricularia auricula-judae - Jelly Ear – Wood Ear Mushroom
The fungus Auricularia auricula-judae is a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient due to its high nutritional content and ability to be consumed by humans.
Although it is known that A. auricula-melanin judae’s synthesis is responsive to environmental cues, the mechanism by which freezing treatment affects melanin accumulation is not well understood.

Asian Market Auricularia Auricula-judae Names
Auricularia auricula-judae is also known as Jelly ear, wood ear, and cloud ear mushroom or cloud ear fungus deriving from the black fungus mushroom grown on trees.
Another name for this black fungus is wood ear, which can be found in tropical countries such as India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia.
Black fungus mushroom is a popular food product because it has a firm texture for hot pots and Asian soups. It is reported that from studies this mushroom may show potential to prevent diseases such as diabetes, liver diseases, and other various conditions, with continued studies needed to be done to associate its true benefits and actions on the human body.
They have been used as a type of medicine and food since ancient times. With further studies, being published looking into this popular growing interest in the field of fungus and interactions.
What Is Jelly Ear - Wood Ear Fungus?
The Jelly Ear Fungus (Jelly ear fungus uk), with other names including wood ear fungus, cloud ear mushroom, is most common between Winter and spring. Although it is often seen on fallen elder branches, this fungus may colonize other hardwoods.
While certain basidiomycetes have textures similar to jelly, the so-called “jelly ear fungi” are more of a mishmash than a distinct taxonomic group. Several can recover from desiccation and resume spore production once they are moist.
These properties make them especially popular in commercial mushroom cultivation. Jelly Ear Fungus is a small mushroom. It has a taste like mild onions.
Jelly Ear Fungus is easy to grow because it can be used in indoor cultures with plenty of sunlight. Jelly Ear mushroom grows best on deciduous trees. They tend to grow out of the ground during the fall and winter.
Jelly Ear – Wood Ear Fungus Benefits
01
• Cardiovascular Fitness
The polysaccharides
and other bio-active chemicals found in Wood Ear Mushrooms have positively affected cardiac function. Research published in “Mycobiology” found that it aids in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reduces the atherogenic index by 40%.
Plaque in the arteries and heart disease may be predicted using this measurement. Researcher has discovered that the polysaccharides in Wood Ear Mushrooms have an effect on coagulation and platelet aggregation, which may be helpful in the treatment of thrombosis.
Platelet aggregation and blood coagulation may be slowed by ingesting mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid, or galactose. Platelet aggregation and blood coagulation may be slowed by ingesting mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid, or galactose.
Because of this, the active/function of the ingredient may show signs of circulation being enhanced, and it may even be possible to avoid heart attacks, strokes, and the deterioration of arteries that can result in heart disease from some studies published.
02
• Superior Antioxidant
The Wood Ear Mushroom
or wood ear fungus has the highest concentration of antioxidants among mushrooms. Genetic causes like Alzheimer’s and dementia may be averted partly because of their antioxidant properties from the active ingredients, further studies are needed to investigate into this association.
Consumption of raw or cooked Wood Ear Mushrooms may be shown to protect the brain against these two debilitating illnesses, according to research published in the “International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms” in 2013.
The antioxidant activity of mushrooms may be further increased by boiling, according to research published in the “Journal of Food Science and Technology” in 2019.
03
• Digestive Health
Beta-glucans
a prebiotic fiber, are abundant in Wood Ear Mushrooms or wood ear fungus. The microbiome benefits from these indigestible fibers, which encourage the development of beneficial bacteria (probiotics).
Prebiotic meals may provide several health benefits, including supporting digestive health, enhancing metabolic health, and even bolstering the immune system.
They contain a lot of dietary fiber, around 71% of which is insoluble. Some types of fiber, called insoluble fiber, are not absorbed by the body until the very end of the digestive process in the large intestine.
Recent research has shown that colonic bacteria may metabolize this fiber to create significant quantities of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), most notably acetic, propionic, and butyric acid.
These SCFAs nourish the cells that make up the intestinal lining, which improves digestion and may reduce the likelihood of colon issues.
Can you Eat Jelly Ear – Wood Ear Mushrooms Raw?
The wood ear should never be eaten raw since it might contain bacteria or fungus and the spores are so easily inhaled. They can be poisonous. Always cook all mushrooms at the same time for uniform texture.
When you’re boiling or stewing, you want to boil or stew the mushrooms until they lose their “bite.” This is done by softening the flesh until it becomes tender.
What are Some Excellent Ways to Prepare Wood Ear Mushrooms?
01
• Boil the Stems and Make Some Soup
The fruiting bodies of a mushroom called Auricularia auricula-judae, also known as Wood Ear Mushroom, have traditionally been used in China's food industry for hot pots, stews and soups.
02
• Bake
Grind the wood ear mushrooms into powder form and then use it in baking recipes. The process by which fruiting bodies of the mushroom Auricularia auricula judae accumulate melanin, an antioxidant pigment, has not been well studied.
03
• Sprinkle with Salt and Serve on Top of a Salad
Another option is to simply serve the wood ear mushrooms as is. Or you could sprinkle them with salt, roast them and eat them on top of a salad.
04
• Add to Noodles
You can use them instead of meat in stir fries and other dishes that already include mushrooms as a hearty nutritious meal.
05
• Make a Pickle
This is an easy way to use this edible fungus in your kitchen. Mix together a cup of water, two cups of vinegar, and one teaspoon of sugar. Add the chopped mushrooms to this solution and let it sit in the fridge for three days. When they are ready, drain off the liquid and use them as a condiment for any of your meals.
So there you have it, a few of the many medicinal mushrooms currently being studied for their potential health benefits.
While more research is needed to determine the efficacy of these fungi as treatments for various conditions, they certainly seem worth investigating further.
These edible mushrooms are considered delicacies in many parts of the world.