Mexico corn fungus
Ustilago maydis
Family: Ustilaginaceae
What it is like
Fungus. It grows on corn.
Where it is found
A tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Central America, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruiting bodies are cooked and eaten as a delicacy. They are also dried for later use. They are harvested while still light in colour and succulent.
It is served in restaurants in Mexico. It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Fruiting body, fungus, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Coche, Corn smut, Cuitla, Hitla-coche, Huitlacoche, Mexican truffle