Auricular auricular - a description of where it grows, the toxicity of the fungus

Auricular fungus mushroom belongs to the family of Auricularia. It is eaten. The people call the mushroom in different ways. For example, dog ears or a goddamn ear. Sometimes you can also hear the name Judo ear. And in Latin, the name of the species sounds like Auricularia auricula-judae. If you look at the mushroom, it is clear that these species names appeared due to the appearance of the cap. After all, it has a very unusual shape. And the name Judas ear comes from the biblical legend of Judah. It says that he hung on an elderberry. And this mushroom often grows on it. In China, it is called hei muer. This phrase can be translated into Russian - "black tree ear."

Appearance

The hat has a non-standard shape for the mushroom, which is very similar to the auricle. The mushroom is medium in size, with a hat diameter of about 12 cm. It can be painted in brownish brown or darker colors, up to almost black.

On the outside, the surface of the hat is rough, and on the inside it is smooth. A mushroom of this species is distinguished by a very short leg, which is adjacent to the surface of the tree.

The pulp is fragile, gelatinous, at the same time quite elastic. When dried, the body of the fungus becomes harder, decreases. The spore powder of representatives of this species is white. Spores themselves are elongated.

Where grows

Auricularia grows more in temperate climates. He loves high humidity areas. You can collect them almost the whole year, but the most active fruiting occurs in late summer and early fall. Auricularia grows and several pieces nearby, and one at a time.

Application

A mushroom has been used since antiquity. It was both a component for cooking and a medicine. The Chinese have known and used it since the 3rd century. In the 16th century, the English researcher John Gerard described in detail the healing properties of auricularia. An infusion was prepared from it, which helped in the treatment of various eye diseases, as well as for a cold sore throat. From historical information it is known that treatment with mushrooms was practiced in Europe. It was used in Germany, Scotland.

Medical use
This ear-shaped mushroom is recognized as an effective therapeutic agent not only by traditional healers, but also by official medicine. It is useful to take in case of poisoning, since the fungus is a good sorbent. In its action, it is not inferior to activated carbon.

Acceptance of funds based on auricularia is recommended after the use of chemotherapy. These drugs can improve blood composition.

With disorders of the stomach and intestines, this fungus helps to improve digestion. It is used in the treatment of allergies. The intake of drugs speeds up the metabolism, so they are taken for weight loss.

Auricular drugs are indicated for people suffering from heart dysfunctions and vascular diseases. Blood has a reduced ability to coagulate, therefore, taking drugs, a person reduces the risk of thrombosis.

It is known that the fungus is taken to treat tumors. It helps to cure not only benign tumors. There are cases when the remedy helped to cure and malignant. Such drugs help stop bleeding, relieve inflammation and eliminate pain.

Contraindications

Use of such funds for treatment is not for everyone. Like any others, they are contraindicated for some people.

You can not be treated with auricular-based drugs during pregnancy, as well as for young mothers who are breastfeeding. Children under 10 years of age should also not take such drugs. Sometimes a reaction may occur in the form of individual intolerance.

Mushroom composition

Auricularia is recognized as a valuable food product, as it has a rich composition. The pulp contains carbohydrates and proteins, many useful elements.

The product is rich in magnesium, potassium. It has a lot of valuable vitamin B.

Cooking

These mushrooms are eaten almost everywhere, but especially many recipes with them exist among the peoples of the East. They are consumed dried and even fresh. Most often, auricularia is boiled before serving. Young mushrooms are usually consumed raw.

These mushrooms can usually be dried. Before you cook them, dried mushrooms are soaked. For a while, they must lie in the water in order to acquire their original appearance and consistency. Mushroom is very popular in Chinese cooking. It is a component of soups, meat dishes, meat sauces, as well as various salads.

Growing

Landing is recommended in April or May. Germination is carried out at a temperature of about 20 degrees. First, it occurs in the piles. This process lasts about 3 months, after which the branches are cleaned in a darkened place. Fruit bodies begin to appear in August, if the necessary conditions are created for this. They grow best in warm weather. If the substrate is constantly watered, the mushrooms will grow continuously.

You can collect the mushroom after pores of a white color form on the bottom of the hat. Mushrooms can be harvested for about 5-6 years.

In our area, this species is not very popular, but on tables in recent years is increasingly common.

Video: Auricular auricular (Auricularia auricula-judae)