Jelli Fungi
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Auricularia auricularis the Tree Ear or Wood Ear.
This flexible, crunchy mushroom is commonly found on downed fir. It is best collected in the spring, when it is fresh, although dried or rehydrated material can be collected at all sorts of odd times. It is nearly invisible when dry, thus inspiring people to think it pops up after a rain. It only takes a few hours to rehydrate fully. These are popular in Chinese cooking, and really seriously upgrade a bowl of ramen. The texture is the thing, so dont come here looking for a powerful flavoring. It is a crunch and a wiggle, a bit of protein. I've noticed on long and unintended bivouacs that eating just a few of these acted to suppress my appetite. A few of these around noon and no feelings of hunger until dark.
A tree ear, Auricularia auricularis, growing in the UK (photo copyright David Vickers).
Phlogistis helvelloides
