Trying Huitlacoche For the First Time

Source

What is it?
Huitlacoche (whee-tla-KOH-cheh) is otherwise known as corn smut or Mexican truffles. It is corn kernels that were exposed to moisture and subsequently infected by huitlacoche spores. It is considered a delicacy in Mexico and was even consumed by Native Americans like the Hopi and Zuni. The word "huitlacoche" is Nahuatl, the language mainly spoken by the Aztec Empire and still spoken by millions of people in Mexico to date.

Huitlacoche I purchased from the supermarket

What does it taste like?
Raw, they have a neutral taste. Being a fungus, which are generally more than 90% water by weight, its crunchy juiciness is comparablemunching on some fresh leafy greens. The more overripe they are, the more bitter they taste.

One individual "kernel"

Huitlacoche can be cooked and used much like any other mushroom. It can be used raw, sauteed, or blended with cream to make a sauce but it is commonly used in quesadillas and tamales.

While sauteing with a little butter, they smelled much like white button mushrooms.

Fact: when heat is applied, it starts to turn black!
I decided to make some scrambled eggs with spinach, huitlacoche, and two slices of American cheese. Huitlacoche's savory, earthy flavor goes very well with cheese.

Final Thoughts
While most farmers outside of Mexico may destroy plants infected with huitlacoche, it is becoming somewhat of a delicacy in the States. (In Mexico, part of the husk of the growing ear is deliberately removed so that rain can get in and infect the corn!) I personally enjoyed it and would buy it again to try in other dishes.
If you ever find yourself in Mexico or in the American Southwest (maybe?) you should definitely look for and try huitlacoche.

Source: Food Republic

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