Wood ear mushroom

Description

The wood ear, commonly known as the edible ear, is a dark brown, soft-gelatinous mushroom with a characteristic shape resembling an ear. Its flavor is mildly earthy and neutral, and the texture is elastic, slightly crunchy after a brief sauté, making it an excellent carrier of flavors in dishes. Nutritionally, the wood ear is low in calories, low in fat, and relatively rich in fiber and polysaccharides, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron. It contains plant protein and compounds with potential antioxidant properties that may support overall health and immune system function. In the kitchen, it works well in soups, stir-fries, salads, and Asian dishes, absorbing sauces and spices effectively. Fresh mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag and used within a few days, while dried ones should be kept in an airtight container in a dry, cool place and rehydrated in warm water before use.