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Wild Harvested Cloud Ear Mushroom
Fungi
Nutri-ScoreA

Wild Harvested Cloud Ear Mushroom

Auricularia auricula-judae

Clinical Encyclopedia

The wild-harvested cloud ear mushroom, known for its gelatinous texture and earthy flavor, is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is rich in nutrients and has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits.

Also known as:
Wood Ear MushroomBlack Fungus
Scientific NameAuricularia auricula-judae
Region of OriginChina

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories49 kcal
Water
90%
Fiber3.2g
Total13.6g
Protein
2.2g(16%)
Fats
0.2g(1%)
Carbohydrates
11.2g(82%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C2 mg (2%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.2 mg (15%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)3.6 mg (22%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.5 mg (10%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (6%)
Folate24 µg (6%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin D: 0.1 µgVitamin B12: 0 µgCholine: 7 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium18 mg (2%)
Iron0.5 mg (3%)
Magnesium9 mg (2%)
Phosphorus34 mg (5%)
Potassium300 mg (6%)
Zinc0.3 mg (3%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese0.1 mg (5%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0.2 µg

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, cloud ear mushrooms help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Contains polysaccharides that may enhance immune function and support overall health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes before cooking. They can be added to soups, stir-fries, or salads.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose dried cloud ear mushrooms that are firm and free from mold or discoloration. Fresh mushrooms should be plump and moist.

How to Store

Store dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Cooked mushrooms can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantImmune-boostingAnti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Culinary use in soups and stir-fries
Traditional medicine for immune support
Bioactive Compounds
Polysaccharides

Enhance immune response and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

How to Consume
Dried, Cooked, Soups, Stir-fries
Did you know?

"Cloud ear mushrooms are often used in traditional Chinese medicine for their purported health benefits, including improving circulation."

Myths vs Realities

MythCloud ear mushrooms can cause allergic reactions.
RealityWhile some individuals may be allergic to mushrooms, cloud ear mushrooms are generally safe for most people.
MythAll mushrooms are toxic if not cooked.
RealityNot all mushrooms are toxic; many are safe to eat when properly identified and prepared.
MythCloud ear mushrooms have no nutritional value.
RealityCloud ear mushrooms are low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Healthy Recipes

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining the earthy flavors of wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms with protein-packed quinoa and vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sliced cloud ear mushrooms, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve chilled.

Stir-Fried Cloud Ear Mushrooms with Broccoli

A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms and vibrant broccoli, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the broccoli florets and cloud ear mushrooms, stir-frying for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
  3. 3. Stir in the soy sauce, mix well, and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Spinach Soup

A nourishing and light soup that highlights the unique texture of cloud ear mushrooms paired with fresh spinach and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add the vegetable broth, cloud ear mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper, bringing to a boil.
  3. 3. Stir in the spinach and simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Cloud Ear Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Delicious and healthy tacos filled with sautéed cloud ear mushrooms and topped with a fresh avocado salsa for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 1 lime juiced
  • Salt and cilantro to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté the cloud ear mushrooms in a skillet until tender and season with salt.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, salt, and cilantro to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Fill each corn tortilla with the sautéed mushrooms and top with avocado salsa before serving.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Chickpea Curry

A hearty and flavorful curry featuring cloud ear mushrooms and chickpeas, simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce.

Ingredients
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1 can chickpeas drained
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  2. 2. Add the curry powder and stir for 1 minute before adding the coconut milk, cloud ear mushrooms, and chickpeas.
  3. 3. Simmer for 15 minutes, season with salt, and serve warm.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Brown Rice Bowl

A wholesome bowl filled with brown rice, sautéed cloud ear mushrooms, and colorful vegetables, drizzled with a tangy dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, sauté the cloud ear mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots until tender.
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  3. 3. Serve the sautéed vegetables over brown rice and drizzle with the dressing.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with sautéed cloud ear mushrooms and a light garlic sauce.

Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis spiralized
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the cloud ear mushrooms and cook until tender, then add the zucchini noodles and toss for 2-3 minutes.
  3. 3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Lentil Salad

A protein-rich salad featuring lentils and cloud ear mushrooms, tossed with a zesty vinaigrette for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked lentils, cloud ear mushrooms, red bell pepper, and green onions.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Egg Scramble

A protein-packed breakfast scramble featuring cloud ear mushrooms, eggs, and fresh herbs for a nutritious start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 4 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the cloud ear mushrooms until soft.
  2. 2. Add the beaten eggs and spinach, cooking until the eggs are set.
  3. 3. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Cloud Ear Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of cloud ear mushrooms, rice, and spices, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup sliced wild harvested cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, cloud ear mushrooms, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture and place in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are cloud ear mushrooms?

Cloud ear mushrooms are edible fungi known for their unique texture and are commonly used in Asian cuisine.

How do you prepare cloud ear mushrooms?

Soak dried cloud ear mushrooms in warm water for about 30 minutes, then rinse and cook as desired.

Are cloud ear mushrooms nutritious?

Yes, they are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Can I eat cloud ear mushrooms raw?

It is not recommended to eat them raw; they should be cooked to enhance flavor and digestibility.

Where can I buy cloud ear mushrooms?

They can be found in Asian grocery stores, health food stores, or online.

What are the health benefits of cloud ear mushrooms?

They may support immune health, improve circulation, and provide antioxidant benefits.

How should I store cloud ear mushrooms?

Store dried mushrooms in a cool, dry place in an airtight container; cooked mushrooms should be refrigerated.

Are there any side effects of consuming cloud ear mushrooms?

Generally safe for most people, but those with mushroom allergies should avoid them.