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Cuitlacoche (wheet-lah-KOH-chay) also called Corn Fungus, Maize
Mushroom, this gourmet rage is actually a Bulbous Fungus (technically
known as Ustilago Maydis) that attacks ears of corn and makes the
kernels swell to 10 times their normal size. The Corn's color turns an
ugly medium-to dark-gray verging on black. Although most U.S. farmers
consider it a plague and destroy infected ears, the Aztecs are said to
have prized Cuitlacoche (in Nahuatl Cuitlatl means excrement, Cochi
means Black). Enthusiasts say that Cuitlacoche has a smoky-sweet flavor
that is a cross between that of Corn and Mushroom. Cuitlacoche is
currently being cultivated in limited quantities in California, Florida,
Georgia and Virginia.
Suggested Use:
Cuitlacoche is sold canned and frozen in some gourmet markets. It can
occasionally be found in specialty produce and farmer's markets (during
corn season) and can also be purchased by mail order. Cuitlacoche is
used in a variety of dishes including sauts, soups, casseroles - in
general, any preparation where cooked mushrooms would be appropriate.
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