Latin name: Auricularia auricula-judae

General
The Judas Ear grows throughout the year in theNetherlands and Belgium, on living and dead trees. It is most commonly found on elder. It is a common and increasingly widespread species.

Description
The name originates from the tradition that Judas hanged himself on an elder tree after he had betrayed Jesus. The elder is the Judas Ear’s favourite host plant. The fungus also resembles an ear.

In favourable (humid) conditions the Judas’s Ear, which is 2-6 cm across, is a satiny, dark pink fungus which is soft to the touch. It is often found in the shape of a veined, slightly transparent ear. It shrinks and becomes harder and darker (to black) when dried.

Flavour and use
The Judas Ear is a versatile mushroom. It is delicious in soups and cooked dishes.