Jelly Ear Fungus

Apparently edible, but I am no expert. The Jelly Ear Fungus has the cold, soft, velvety texture of a human ear. Feels weird. Washed my hands afterwards, just in case.


It is normally found on Elder trees, and the fungus has the alternative name of Judas Ear. Judas reportedly hung himself on an elder tree. This ia also the explanation of its common name of Jew's Ear Fungus.


There are alternative medicinal purposes. In Europe, according to the because it resembled the throat, it was used to treat afflictions of the throat.


In Chinese medicine, the fungus is used to treat various ailments including haemorrhoids, diarrhoea,  other intestinal upsets and angina.


If you want to see what they taste like, go along with a mushroom expert to pick your own. Or shop around as you may be able to buy them dried in shops.


However, if you are on warfarin, or other blood thining drugs, stay away from it. It may thin your blood even more.