Nebraskaland

Nebraskaland Aug-Sept 2021

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1396681

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38 Nebraskaland • August-September 2021 Firm, yet gelatinous and nearly translucent, snow ear, also called snow fungus and silver ear fungus, is primarily a subtropical and tropical species that strangely also occurs in Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and southeastern Nebraska. Although found on the dead wood of hardwood trees, it is actually a parasite that feeds on the living tissue of other fungi that have infected the wood. For millennia, the mushroom has been popular in Chinese cuisine and medicine. Foodwise, snow ear has little fl avor and is mostly used in soups for its texture and as a thickener. Medicinally, it is purported to boost the immune system, reduce infl ammation and embellish the user with clear, beautiful skin. Tremella mesenterica, with its buttery color and amorphous lobes, has been bestowed with ghastly common names. Among them: yellow trembler, yellow brain and witches' butter. Even its scientifi c name translates to the creepy "trembling middle intestine." Shame on those who profess that scientists are a boring lot with no sense of humor. Appearing spring through fall and even during winter warm-spells, witches' butter grows and feeds on dead hardwood trees, mostly oaks. The mushroom is widespread, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. The name witches' butter originated in eastern Europe where, according to folklore, if you found it growing near or on your door or gate, it was a sure sign that you were under the spell of a witch. Fortunately, the curse could be broken by sticking straight pins into the yellow blob to drain its juices and power.

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