5/18/2023 0 Comments Auricula fungusThese plants were growing about 8,000 in a meadow only feet from the bottom of a glacier. Wild Primula auricula on the North Face(yeah, ‘that’ North Face), on the Eiger in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland from a trip I took there a couple of years ago. Although they are hardy to -30º, trying to keep them alive over winter requires more skill than simply being happy that one lives in a cold climate. Thirdly, the Auricula demands precise alpine conditions which evolve into tasks required for each season. So unless you live in Seattle, Vancouver or in Alaska, they are challenging to grow, to say the least. We have much to owe to the auricula, but just try to find one to grow today.Ĭaptivating, beguiling, astounding – choose your adjective, the primrose known as the auricula, or Primula auricula (I am sure spellcheck has changed this to auricle at least 88 times within this post!), remain rarely seen in most American gardens – but why? Well, the reasons are many: First, auriculas may be gorgeous, but they are not the easiest of plants to grow well, (or even to grow poorly for that matter), second, much of the climate here in North America is terrible for these true alpines, as they are more used to conditions found in the high and dry snow covered Alps. Commonly referred to as ‘auriculas’ by collectors, the plant has a rich history full of drama and quirky tales, but most impressive is that the auricula was one of the first ‘florist plants’, the term ‘florist’ even came from those who carried these rare plants in England hundreds of years ago before people began growing plants in pots. This fungi helps to decompose dead (and dying) Elder trees.Few flowers are as amazing as the Auricula primroses. Ecological importance of Jelly Ear Fungus Just clean thoroughly before consumption. It absorbs flavours on spicy marinates, though the texture is crunchy and slippery, not to everyone’s taste. It is a great addition to Chinese soups and a main ingredient to Wood Ear Mushroom salad. It has no flavour on its own and absorbs pretty well any character of the ingredients it is cooked with, making them a perfect vehicle for all your favourite flavours, like you would use tofu. Jelly Ear is one of the most intriguing mushrooms used in the kitchen. Traditionally regarded inedible in western countries, it’s a choice mushroom much appreciated in Chinese cuisine, where the similar Cloud Ear ( Auricularia polytricha) is commercially and culturally significant. Culinary uses and recipes with Jelly Ear Fungus Recent scientific research suggested that the mushroom could be used to lower cholesterol levels and showed anticoagulant properties, but there is still no conclusive evidence. Jelly Ear has been used as a medicinal mushroom for centuries. In summer, they completely dry to easily reconstitute when soaked in water. ![]() The fungus is found all year round and it’s conveniently available to the forager when nothing else is growing in winter, as it is able to withstand freezing conditions. The original name was corrupted to Jew’s Ear and so became Jelly Ear eventually. ![]() The name of this rubbery little mushroom, originally known as Judas’ Ear, is a Christian reference to Judas Iscariot, who supposedly (and unlikely) hanged himself from an Elder tree. but these don’t tend to grow on Elder trees and the cup shape faces up, as opposite to the Jelly Ear that face down. This one is reasonably safe for beginners because there are no similar poisonous species. It’s translucent, thin and rubbery and it’s covered in very fine hairs that give it a velvety texture. The fruiting body of Jelly Ear Fungus is cup-shaped, either smooth or undulated, and reddish brown in colour. ![]() When to find Jelly Ear FungusĪll year round. ![]() Occasionally, you may also find them growing on Sycamore, Beech, ash or Spindle. Where to find Jelly Ear Fungusĭead Elder branches. Common and widespread in Britain (particularly in the South) and Ireland. Jelly Ear Fungus, Jelly Ear, Judas’ Ear, Jew’s Ear, Wood Ear Botanical nameĪuriculariaceae (Jelly fungi) Distribution
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