The wood ear mushroom is an edible medicinal and culinary mushroom belonging to the jelly fungi. It is also known as elderberry mushroom, Mu-Err ((黑木耳), or Chinese morel. The name "wood ear" refers to the legend that Judas hanged himself from an elder tree – the very tree on which this mushroom is most commonly found.
Auricularia auricula-judae and Auricularia heimuer are often confused or used synonymously – especially in the trade. However, they are actually two different species within the genus Auricularia.
| Characteristics | Auricularia auricula-judae | Auricularia heimuer |
|---|---|---|
| Common names | wood ear, elderberry mushroom | Mu-Err / black wood ear |
| Origin | Europe, temperate regions | China, East Asia |
| Status | European species | Asian species, that used to be classified as A. auricula-judae |
| Host trees | mostly elderberry | roader range of deciduous trees (especially oak, maple, walnut) |
Harvesting | Mostly wild harvest | Cultivation |
Colour | Light to reddish-brown | Dark brown to almost black |
Texture | Thinner, softer, gel-like | Firmer, thicker, crispier after preparation |
Shape | More ear-shaped | Often rounder, less ear-like |
Both species contain similar bioactive compounds, e.g.:
- Beta-glucans & other polysaccharides
- Polyphenols
- Minerals
Studies on blood coagulation, cholesterol reduction, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects predominantly refer to A. heimuer, as this species is more widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and research.
Health Benefits
Polysaccharides from Auricularia may slow aging, positively influence the gut microbiota, and potentially modulate cardiovascular diseases. It is also said to have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Auricularia is also believed to lower blood lipids.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9861292/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9685806/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39968271/
- https://cjfs.agriculturejournals.cz/artkey/cjf-202106-0005_extraction-optimisation-and-lipid-lowering-activity-of-auricularia-heimuer-polysaccharides.php
Our Products
We offer several Auricularia heimuer products. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.