Corn Smut

Corn infected with the fungus Ustilago zeae (also known as U. maydis) forms large, swollen, kernel-like globules with soft black flesh covered by a silvery-gray skin. Called huitlacoche (pronounced wee-tlah-KOH-cheh), the native Nahuatl word, this dish is characterized by an inky, mushroom flavor and has apparently been eaten in central Mexico for thousands of years. In the United States, after decades of trying to eradicate corn smut, some farmers are now attempting to grow corn with large corn smut infestations because the fungus is becoming a more popular gourmet food item, drawing much higher prices than healthy corn.

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