Would you eat this?

[Denninmi]

Corn smut fungus aka huitlacoche.

Why or why not?

Just curious, I'm trying to gauge perception of this product.

If you were presented with it under the name "Corn Truffle" would that make a difference?

(PS -- this is sort of an informal survey for strictly NON-COMMERCIAL purposes -- relates to a discussion on a gardening forum on another board).

LOL-- I'm not referring to the corn earworm or the little black worm in the photo!

[phantom power]

1. dunno. Does it taste good? Is it poisonous?

the corn smut we used to get didn't look like that, it looked more like black mold, iirc.

[fishwax]

2. I've had huitlachoche in quesadillas

If it were presented as "Corn Truffle" I would be less inclined to try it.

[PoliticAverse]

3. you first...

Also I only eat things I believe are edible, and many fungi are poisonous. I would need more information on this specific one.

[cbayer]

4. I have had it in a restaurant. I think it was in the enchilada.

Had an unusual taste, but I liked it.

And yes, were it called corn truffles, I would find it more appealing.

[yellerpup]

5. Haven't had the opportunity to try huitlacoche.

But I will the very first chance I get.

[grasswire]

6. a delicacy, they tell us

....and so many people gladly eat it that I doubt it is bad for us.

I've never had it. But I sure know about its allure for gourmands.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

7. That's not what the smut on your plate really looks like when they scrape it off..

this is
https://www.google.com/search?q=corn+smut&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=WdW&rls=org.mozilla:en-US fficial&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=0ukSUK-_Cu30iwK8p4HACw&ved=0CF8Q_AUoAQ&biw=961&bih=644&sei=E-oSUKmgOYfxiwLFpIGYDA

(just google "corn smut&quot

Those icky black spores stink as nasty as it looks. no thanks

[Viva_La_Revolution]

8. and I would't eat it if you're pregnant!

• Inducing Labor:
Native Americans, especially tribes like Zuni tribes, had used repeatedly used corn smut to induce labor. Corn smut, or Mexican corn truffle as we commonly know, has similar (though weaker) medicinal effects as ergot, due to the presence of a chemical component called ustilagine. It is this chemical that is responsible for inducing labors in human beings.

Unless of course you're over your due date

[Warpy]

9. It comes in cans and the best way to eat it

is to open the can and without looking at the contents, dump it into the blender or food processor that has all the other ingredients.

It has a vaguely truffle-like flavor and is essential in a lot of classical Mexican cooking.

[noamnety]

10. I have a jar of it in my pantry

My daughter gave it to me for christmas.

I think she hates me.

[eridani]

11. Looks like mushrooms to me

Sure I'd eat them.

[Denninmi]

12. THANK YOU for all of your comments.

I appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

I think that this could become a valuable specialty crop if it were promoted correctly. It has two issues, the first being the name, the second the fact the appearance, with an irregular shape and its propensity to turn jet black when cooked.

For the record, I tried eating it first about 6-8 years ago, after I saw it for sale at a gourmet produce market for $20 a pound. It was summertime when it was fresh, so I just went home and picked some out of my garden and cooked it.

I was a bit leery of the first bite, but that immediately changed my perception. This mushroom is delicious when sauteed, retaining some of the sweetness and corn flavor of its corn host, but with the rich flavor of a mushroom. Yum yum yum!

[Lucinda]

13. I've never had it, but I remember Bobby Flay cooking with it

several years ago. He loves it.

[Major Nikon]

14. No, no. I'm not falling for that again

[GoCubsGo]

15. Sure.

I'm willing to try just about anything once, as long as I know it's edible. My motto is, "Don't knock it until you've tried it." Except balut. There is no way in hell I will ever touch that. I can't stand to even look at it.

[sinkingfeeling]

16. It was in one of the baskets on 'Chopped'.

[pengillian101]

17. Would I eat this?

Not just "no," but HELL no!