Content
Auricularia thick-haired is a characteristic representative of woody fungi of the Auriculariaceae family, whose fruiting bodies resemble an ear. Because of this similarity, there are local definitions - woody, or Judas' ear. Among mycologists, fungi are known as Auricula, or Exidia, or Hirneola, polytricha, Auricularia auricula-judae. Sometimes the name "forest meat" is popular for the fruit bodies of a densely haired species, due to its high nutritional value.
Auricularia densely haired prefers to grow on tree trunks
Where does thick-haired auricularia grow
The species is distributed in the tropics and subtropics - Southeast Asia, North and South America. In Russia, thick-haired auricularia is found in the Far East. In Russian forests, conditionally edible arboreal ear-shaped fungi of other species are widespread. The dense-haired variety prefers to settle in warm and humid climates on the bark of broad-leaved species, especially oak trees, old or felled wood. Fruiting bodies are found from late spring to October. Auricularia has long been cultivated in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, using elm, maple, elderberry, sawdust, rice husk, and straw for the substrate. The ear-like species from China called Muer, or Black Fungus, are exported all over the world. Auricularia thick-haired is also grown in different countries.
What does auricularia look like?
The sedentary fruit bodies of the species are large:
- up to 14 cm in diameter;
- height up to 8-9 cm;
- cap thickness up to 2 mm;
- the leg is completely invisible, sometimes absent.
The hat is funnel-shaped or ear-shaped in shape, the color is in a gray-brown scale - from yellow-olive to dark brown shades. The surface is densely covered with brown hairs, up to 600 microns in height, which makes the mushroom seem like a plush formation from a distance. The inner surface can be purple or gray-red. After drying, it becomes dark, almost black.
The cartilaginous flesh is gel-like, brown in young specimens, dry and dark in adults. During the dry season, the mushroom body decreases, and after rains it returns to its original volume and soft texture. After drying, the pulp is hard, almost horny. Spore powder is white. Fungi produce a lot of spores that are carried by the wind. The fruiting body develops over 70-80 days. Fruiting in one place for 5-7 years.
Is it possible to eat thick-haired auricularia
The pulp of the species is considered conditionally edible. In the cuisines of Southeast Asia, especially in China and Thailand, it is widely used. Mushrooms are used both as an exquisite delicacy and as a healing dish.
Mushroom taste
The fruiting bodies of the dense hairy auricularia have no smell and no noticeable taste. But they say that after heat treatment of dried raw materials, an appetizing mushroom aroma emanates from the dish.After research, it was found that the mushrooms contain a small amount of the substance psilocybin, which can cause hallucinations.
Application in traditional medicine
Since thick-haired auricularia is widespread in Southeast Asia, it is very popular in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed that dried and powdered pulp, taken according to special recipes, has the following properties:
- dissolves and removes stones from the gallbladder and kidneys;
- is an effective prophylactic agent for high blood pressure and excess cholesterol in the blood;
- cleanses and removes toxins from the intestines, is used for hemorrhoids;
- relieves eye inflammation through the lotions, and also relieves the condition in diseases of the larynx;
- promotes blood thinning and thrombosis prevention;
- plant colloids of auricularia prevent the deposition of fat, therefore, the mushroom is used for obesity;
- active ingredients neutralize free radicals and prevent the development of cancer cells.
Similar species
In the medicinal species, thick-haired auricularia has several false siblings, representatives of the same genus, which are distinguished by the length of the hairs:
- horny - Auricularia cornea;
Skin with a border and fine hairs of olive-green or yellow-brownish tones
- ear-shaped;
Surface with barely noticeable pubescence and brown-reddish or yellowish skin
- filmy.
Thin, sinuous caps, slightly pubescent, brown or yellow-gray
All types of auricularia do not contain toxic substances, but some are considered inedible.
Collection and consumption
The collection, as well as the cultivation of the species, is carried out by specialists. The jelly-like pulp is used after cooking. Hot dishes and salads are prepared. It is recommended to eat mushroom dishes no more than 2 times a week.
Conclusion
Auricularia thick-haired has gained popularity for its healing properties. Dried raw materials are bought in supermarket departments.
