Huitlacoche, also known as "corn smut," is a type of fungus that grows on corn plants, specifically on the kernels. It's a delicacy in Mexican cuisine and is often used in soups, tamales, and other dishes. The name "Huitlacoche" comes from the Nahuatl language and can be roughly translated to "raven's excrement."
Despite its unappetizing name and appearance, Huitlacoche is highly prized for its unique, earthy flavor, which has been described as a combination of mushroom, corn, and truffle. It's also highly nutritious, containing proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Huitlacoche forms when a corn plant is infected by the pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis. The kernels swell and become filled with a dark, spore-filled mass. While in many parts of the world, this would be seen as a disease to be eradicated, in Mexico, it's encouraged and the "infected" corn is often sold for a higher price than regular corn.
In recent years, Huitlacoche has been gaining recognition outside of Mexico, and it's starting to appear on menus in gourmet restaurants around the world.
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