Cuitlacoche or Huitlacoche

Ustilago maydis This has become a most important edible species in Mexico. It used to be the feared Smut disease of sweetcorn, and when it was found infecting the plants they were normally all burned, until some adventurer tried eating the diseased corn heads and discovered that the taste was wonderful. Now the plants can often be bought in Mexican markets. So if you are growing sweetcorn and discover that it is diseased you will have a prize mushroom dish to enjoy.