What is the Ingredient Black Fungus: A Culinary and Health Guide
                                
                                
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                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                With a history of cultivation in China dating back to between 300 and 600 AD, black fungus (*Auricularia polytricha*) is a prized edible mushroom. This ingredient, also known as cloud ear or wood ear fungus, is a staple in many Asian cuisines, celebrated for its unique jelly-like, chewy consistency rather than its mild flavor.