Wood Ear

Also called “black fungus” or “cloud ear,” these are available both fresh and dried. These very thin, gelatinous-textured fungi grow on tree trunks. Each side has a different texture and, when dried, a distinctly different color. The top side is smooth and dark in color. The bottom side is almost felt-like in texture and, when dried, turns an almost-beige color. Make sure to cut off the tough nodule where the fungus was attached to the tree; it’s hard and woody. These soft, supple fungi are cut into bite-size pieces or strips for stir-fries like the Malaysian Nonya style mixed vegetables, Chap Chae, soups, and sweet stews. Thai: het hoo noo, Malay: kuping tikus or cendawan telinga kera; Vietnamese: nấm mèo/mộc nhĩ