One of the more unusual dehydrated mushrooms that we carry at MySpicer is the Wood Ear Mushroom. Sometimes this mushroom is referred to at the Cloud Ear Mushroom. The name wood ear, comes from the shape of the mushroom. It looks strikingly similar to a human ear.
These mushrooms are usually three to eight inches in length and grow on trees. The color can vary slightly because this mushroom generally takes on the same color as the tree it grows on.
This mushroom is very popular in soups and stir-fry dishes because it adds a full, meaty texture and will absorb the flavor of the particular dish it is served in. This mushroom is also a great source of protein and iron so adds excellent nutrition to a dish. This is a great meaty substitute for a vegetarian meal.
Many consider the wood ear to be a medicinal mushroom. There is some evidence that suggests the wood ear helps will blood coagulation and can help decrease blood cholesterel levels as well.
MySpicer Wood Ear Mushrooms are dehydrated so will seem smaller before use. Soak these in water for about 30 minutes and they will increase five to six times the dried size.
