This mushroom is unappealing in both looks and name, but it is still valuable to the fungi fanatic . . .
This gets its commonest name from its supposed resemblance to a human ear and because, according to folklore, Judas hanged himself on an elder. This must be a myth (elders do not grow in Palestine and are too fragile to make a credible gallows), but the mushroom is almost always found on this tree weed. The flesh is rubbery and chewy, and perhaps because of this most guides don’t rate it highly, but it is worth adding to the repertoire, not least because it is very common in wasteland and neglected hedgerows. Also, it grows virtually all year and its flavour is good even if the texture is slightly gelatinous. Indeed, a close relative is used extensively in Chinese cooking and can be found dried in many ethnic supermarkets. The best way to overcome the problem with the texture is to shred it finely before cooking – although watch out for spitting as pockets of water evaporate in hot oil.