Wood Ear or Black Fungus

Also called Cloud Ear, these thin rufflelike dried fungi need to be reconstituted in water before they can be cooked. They have a slick surface and crunchy texture with a deep green-black color. Wood Ear is often used in stir-fries and soups, where they provide a wonderful texture and tend to absorb the taste of the sauces they are being cooked in. They come in cellophane packages and can be stored at room temperature. Once reconstituted, they need to be refrigerated.