Huitlacoche Animal

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Pronounced whee-tla-KO-cheh, huitlacoche is also known as corn mushroom, corn smut, or Mexican truffle. It is a fungus, which randomly grows on organic corn (not sprayed with any fungicide).

“Huitlacoche” refers to a fungus that grows on corn, specifically the species Ustilago maydis. Huitlacoche is considered a delicacy in Mexican cuisine and has been eaten since Aztec times. It has an earthy, smoky flavor and is used in dishes like quesadillas, tamales, soups, etc. The sources discuss the culinary and cultural significance of the huitlacoche fungus, its flavor profile and common uses in Mexican cooking.

“Huitlacoche animal” is actually about the bird species Toxostoma cinereum and does not contain any information relating this bird to huitlacoche.

What are the health benefits of huitlacoche?

Some of the key health benefits of huitlacoche include:

Excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins: The first source notes that huitlacoche is nutritionally rich, providing important compounds like protein, fiber, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins that can significantly contribute to food security and nutrition.
Source of beta-glucans to decrease cholesterol: As mentioned in the second source, the beta-glucans in huitlacoche help lower cholesterol levels.
More protein than corn and essential amino acids: The fourth source compares the nutrition in infected corn with huitlacoche, noting it has more protein and higher lysine content than healthy corn.

Key benefits include nutritional compounds, bioactive health-enhancing compounds, amino acids like lysine, beta-glucans to reduce cholesterol, and increased protein/amino acid content compared to corn. It is seen as a nutritious food that was used for its benefits since Aztec times.

Where can i buy huitlacoche?

Here are some of the places where you can buy huitlacoche:

Fiesta grocery stores: The fourth result mentions that Fiesta grocery stores carry huitlacoche, likely sold in cans from brands like Goya or La Costeña in the international/Latin food aisles.
H-E-B grocery stores: The fourth source also states that some HEB locations sell it, probably in the international foods section.
El Rancho grocery store: The second result notes that El Rancho sells jars of fresh huitlacoche, which may taste better than the canned version.
Oaxacan street food trucks: The fourth source references the El Alebrije truck in EaDo, Houston that has huitlacoche quesadillas on the menu. Other Oaxacan trucks may offer it too.
Farmers’ markets in Mexico: If traveling to Mexico, the third result says you can buy fresh huitlacoche sold in baskets at local farmers’ markets there.