Introduction
The organism known as huitlacoche or the Mexican truffle or corn smut is not an animal but a rather interesting fungus. Also scientifically known as Ustilago maydis, huitlacoche is a plant parasite that affects corn with kernels on them that change its colour to silvery-grey. This parasitic fungus highly appreciated in Mexican cuisine makes a normal corn to be relished like a delicacy with a distinctive, sweet, earthy taste. Read on for further elucidation on the topic starting with the basics such as what huitlacoche is, what role does it play in culinary and where one would be able to spot it.
Understanding Huitlacoche
Nutritionally, Ouarzlacoche is a plant disease that infects the maize plant better known as corn. During the infection process, the fungus makes the kernels of the corn swell , becoming galls which are full of spores. These galls can develop to a diameter of some few centimetres. The fungus alters the structure and taste of the corn and imparts a very unique and peculiar taste on the corn that resembles a mushroom, although slightly sweet.
Although huitlacoche may look unappetizing because it is coloured greyish-black and has a swollen constituency, it is a gourmet food in Mexico. The fungus is nutritious, containing proteins, amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants; thus, it is safe to be used in a variety of foods.
Culinary Uses
Actually in Mexican cuisine huitlacoche is considered a delicacy and is included in many recipes. This can be used in making tacos, quesadillas, soups and sauces among other preparations. Its taste makes food served and prepared from these rhodes different and exquisite and thus can be considered gourmet. The cobs can be preferably fried with onions and garlic additives, blended with cheese, or used in tamales and empanadas products. This is why it is favoured by most chefs and lovers of good food as it can be incorporated in almost all meals.
The huitlacoche quesadilla is probably one of the most common recipes that incorporate huitlacoche as one of the ingredients. The fungus is prepared together with onions, garlic, and occasionally chili peppers before being covered with a tortilla and cheese. What is obtained is a delicious, juicy snack which perceives the authentic taste of huitlacoche.
In Which Parts of the World Can Huitlacoche Be Obtained?
Huitlacoche mostly feeds on corn and therefore can be conveniently encountered in areas where corn is grown. Most known for it is widely spread in Mexico and has been integrated into its cuisine for quite a long time. Some Mexican farmers will actually take the corn out to be purposefully infected with the fungus so they can have huitlacoche which is favoured in cuisine and holds financial worth.
In other parts of the world, where corn production is significant, huitlacoche has also been detected; one of these areas is the United States of America. But it is not as popular as the previously mentioned grains and is not deliberately grown. In the United States, huitlacoche is viewed by conventional crop producers as a fungus or a parasite which attacks crops but in the gourmet and specialty stores, it is becoming popular.
For those who want to try huitlacoche, it is available in special stores, farmers markets or in internet shops. In Mexico it is readily available locally as a food product and is fresh when gotten during the period that corn is in season. In other places it is mostly sold in cans or frozen, and this retains its wonderful taste and nutritional values.
Conclusion
There is a Mexican truffle called huitlacoche that people love so much because it turns regular corn into something mouthwatering. Though it is not an animal, its relevance in several preparations especially in Mexico is enormous. Huitlacoche has a different taste and can be applied in numerous dishes for this reason is demanded by many individuals. Yeast-like fungus that is now recognized mainly in areas where corn is produced, this exotic delicacy is steadily receiving its due attention and applause all over the world, urging people to give its delicious, strong, and neutral earthy smell and taste a try.