Jelly ear

The Jelly Ear, formally known as Jews Ears, (Auricularia auricula-judae) are starting to appear more frequently, although they can be found all year round, I find jelly ears prefer the wetter seasons and are one of the few mushrooms plentiful in winter as they can withstand frosts. They look like you'd imagine from their name, jelly ears, reddy brown and velvety on the outside and smooth on the inside, often the outer surface will have vein like folds across it and will grow to about 8cm or so. Jelly Ears will grow on the branches of several hardwood species, although more commonly on old Elder, where they are found in groups, some quite large. Although they don't have much flavour, jelly ears are an interesting addition to meals and are believed to have medicinal properties.  A very recognizable mushroom.