Huitlacoche (Corn Mushroom)

What Is Huitlacoche (Corn Smut)?

Huitlacoche is a swollen, irregularly shaped growth, silvery-gray to black in color, caused by a fungus (Ustilago maydis) that infects corn kernels. It is an ingredient that has been consciously eaten in Mexico for centuries under the name "cuitlacoche" or "huitlacoche".

Although it is seen as an unwanted disease agent in most agricultural products, it is considered a valuable gourmet product in Mexican cuisine; its taste has an earthy, smoky depth between mushroom and corn umami. It is therefore sometimes called "corn truffle".

Nutritional Values of Huitlacoche

100 g of raw huitlacoche contains around 90 kcal of energy; it carries moderate protein and fiber. Values are approximate.

How Should Huitlacoche Be Consumed?

Huitlacoche can be considered part of a balanced diet as a low-to-moderate calorie vegetable-mushroom hybrid; it is always consumed cooked.

This information is general; huitlacoche is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Huitlacoche?

A good huitlacoche is freshly harvested, has a swollen-plump texture, and a silvery-black color. Ones that are dried-shriveled or have a spoiled smell should be avoided.

• Texture should be swollen and plump
• Color should be between silvery-gray and black
• Smell should be fresh-mushroomy, not spoiled

How to Store Huitlacoche?

Huitlacoche should be consumed within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator; it is a quickly perishable product. Its canned form keeps longer.

Using Huitlacoche in the Kitchen

Huitlacoche is most often used sautéed with onion-garlic-epazote as a filling for quesadillas, tamales, and soups; it is a traditional Mexican "antojito" (snack) ingredient.

Is Huitlacoche Harmful, Is It Edible?

It is edible and not toxic; although it is an unwanted infection that reduces corn yield from an agricultural standpoint, it is a gastronomically valuable, safely consumed product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is huitlacoche obtained from fresh corn?

Yes; the fungus develops among the kernels of a ripening fresh corn ear, and it is harvested while the corn is still fresh-milky.

Is huitlacoche available canned?

Yes; where fresh is not available, canned huitlacoche can be found especially in stores selling Mexican products.

Is huitlacoche available in Turkey?

It is not; its fresh form is almost never imported, and very rarely the canned form can be found at special gourmet product sellers.