Auricularia Judae - Judas's Ear Substrate
The Auricularia Judae - Judas's Ear substrate allows you to easily grow mushrooms inside the Grow Box. Just place the block into the machine after making a few cuts in the packaging. A product increasingly appreciated for its interesting properties can now be grown at home without complex sterilization operations or mixing mycelium and growing medium. Let's discover its characteristics together!
Basic Information
Class: Basidiomycetes
Scientific Name: Auricularia auricula-judae
Common Names: Judas's Ear - Jew's Ear Fungus - Jelly Ear
Characteristics
Cap: 3 to 8 cm in diameter, ear-shaped or irregular cup, smooth and translucent inner surface, velvety outer surface reddish-brown in color, gelatinous and elastic consistency when hydrated.
Gills: absent, the fungus has a smooth fertile surface on the inner side.
Stem: absent or very reduced, the fungus attaches directly to the wooden substrate.
Flesh: gelatinous, translucent, elastic, easily dehydrates becoming tough and almost black, then rehydrates with moisture.
Spores: white in mass, elongated, cylindrical or slightly curved, 14-18 x 5-6 µm.
Natural Habitat
Auricularia Judae is widely distributed in Europe, North America, and Asia, where it grows on dead or dying wood of deciduous trees, particularly on elder (hence the name "Judas's ear"). It is a saprophytic fungus that develops preferably on fallen branches and decaying stumps. Known for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and Asian cuisine, now with the grow-box you can grow it fresh directly at home!
Cultivation Requirements
Temperature: 20-28°C for mycelium growth, 18-24°C for fruiting
Humidity: 70-80% during colonization, 85-95% during fruiting
Tips
- Growth Stages: like many mushrooms, Auricularia has two main phases: colonization of the substrate by the mycelium and fruiting. These phases require slightly different conditions.
- Ventilation: in addition to temperature and humidity, proper ventilation is crucial, especially during the fruiting phase. It helps prevent the formation of unwanted molds and stimulates the formation of fruiting bodies.
- Substrate: this fungus prefers wooden substrates, particularly hardwood. In the case of the ready-to-use substrate, this is not something to worry about as the product is already mixed and inoculated!
- Light: although mushrooms do not photosynthesize, many species require a certain amount of light to stimulate fruiting. The Grow Box with its lighting bodies becomes useful for cultivation!
- pH: the substrate pH is another important factor. Auricularia prefers a slightly acidic environment. In the case of a ready-to-use substrate like this one, this is not something to worry about.
- Thermal Shock: thermal shocks can create problems in mycelium propagation or fruiting, generating molds and contaminants in the substrate. Auricularia does not benefit from thermal shocks for fruiting.
- Humidity Cycles: some growers practice humidity cycles, alternating periods of high humidity with periods of slight drying, to stimulate the production of fruiting bodies. In this case, it will be sufficient to keep the tray and display monitored.
- Contaminations: controlling temperature and humidity is also crucial to prevent the growth of contaminating organisms like molds and bacteria. If unusual spots appear on the substrate, it might indicate the presence of a contaminant.
- Adaptation: fungal species can adapt slightly to conditions different from the optimal ones, but this can affect the yield and quality of the fruiting bodies.
- Constant Monitoring: given the sensitivity of mushrooms to environmental conditions, constant and precise monitoring of temperature and humidity throughout the growth cycle is essential. Since the grow box is not only a cultivation tool but also a piece of furniture, you can always keep an eye on your mushrooms comfortably in your living room!
Organoleptic Properties
This edible mushroom is suitable not only for medicinal and therapeutic use but also for culinary use, especially in Asian cuisine. It has a crunchy and gelatinous texture, with a delicate flavor that absorbs the flavors of sauces and seasonings well. The smell is light and earthy.
Nutritional Properties
From a nutritional standpoint, the Auricularia mushroom has been reported to have a composition of approximately 10-12% protein, 65-70% carbohydrates, and low fat content. It also contains a variety of biologically active molecules, including polysaccharides, dietary fiber, minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus), and B vitamins.
The main agents responsible for the beneficial properties of Auricularia are polysaccharides, which have been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Auricularia has anticoagulant properties and may help improve blood circulation. The polysaccharides present have also shown positive effects on the immune system and antioxidant properties, helping to counteract oxidative stress with positive implications for overall health.
