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| Jew's ear fungus |
A couple of weeks ago, I came across some small, rather
shrivelled up fungi in my local wood. I assumed that they were probably Auricularia
auricula-judae, commonly called Jew's ear, Jelly ear or Wood ear fungus, as
they can quite often resemble an ear!
I know that these fungi can dry out completely or freeze
solid, becoming shrivelled, dry and brittle. However, when the rain returns, they
can reabsorb water and “flesh out” once again. So yesterday following a very
wet few days, I returned to where I had found them and was rewarded with some
spectacular fungi!
The term “Jew’s ear” might seem a rather peculiar name, but
it certainly was not intended to be anti-Semitic. It is a reference to the fact
that Judas Iscariot is believed to have hanged himself from an Elder tree,
because of the shame he felt after betraying Jesus to his executioners. This
fungus is most often found (but not exclusively) growing on Elder and it is
thought that the ears that emerge are visible reminders of Judas’ tormented spirit.
The flesh of the ear is purple-brown in colour and has quite
a gelatinous feel to it when touched. Although I have never tried them, they
are apparently quite good to eat and are popular in some eastern countries.
It just shows that even in the middle of winter, there is
plenty to find in the countryside if you keep your eyes, and dare I say it “ears”
open too!
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