I can't read russian but pictures speak a thousand words (mushrooms, many mushrooms)

[Stew]

Jews ears are like eating gristle.

 

[Emdiesse]

Jews ears are like eating gristle.

You know, I didn't think so... but I can see where you are coming from!

I thought they really added depth and a nice crunchy texture to my noodle soup!

Each to their own

 

[Ash Blue]

Jews ears are like chewing an elastic band with less flavour

 

[Emdiesse]

Jews ears are like chewing an elastic band with less flavour

See, I think elastic bands are pretty tasty too...

 

[yarrow]

Jews ears Auricularia auricula-judae are an interesting one. Firstly they have (reputed) medicinal qualities, suck them for sore throats not to mention cancer fighting properties. And the name is intriguing too. It could be because in the middle ages the Jews suffered very bad persecution in Europe and could only find mushrooms to eat or because Judas reputedly hung himself on an Elder tree. Personally I think it unlikely Judas would have picked an Elder tree to hang himself on, but hey we all have our favourite hanging trees I guess, and I have seen references to all fungi being historically known as Jew meat.


Pick them and dry them out, powder in a pestle & mortar and you have a stew thickening agent. Lots of flavour in very fresh large ones.