Articles > Diseases & Disorders

Huitlacoche

 

 

Huitlacoche can be an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. (photo courtesy of CIMMYT)
Huitlacoche can be an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. (photo courtesy of CIMMYT)

What is huitlacoche? 

Huitlacoche is the Native American name for the mushroom-like masses found on the ears of corn and corn relatives (collectively called teosinte).  Huitlacoche can be a major problem for sweet corn growers where it is referred to as common corn smut (see UW Plant Disease Facts D0031, Common Corn Smut), causing yield and quality losses.  However, huitlacoche is also considered a culinary delicacy in many cultures.  In Mexico, huitlacoche is considered a gift from the gods, and is commercially available in many markets.  In the United States, huitlacoche is less common commercially, but can be found in the ethnic sections of some grocery stores.

What does huitlacoche look like? 

Huitlacoche is a tumor-like growth (called a gall) that forms from corn kernels.  Galls can swell to ½ to 11 inches in diameter.  Huitlacoche initially has a streaked, silvery appearance, but eventually develops a scorched, blackened look.  Huitlacoche galls remain smooth until they rupture releasing a black, inky material that eventually becomes sooty, coarse and dry.

Where does huitlacoche come from? 

Huitlacoche is actually a corn disease, caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis.  The black, inky material released by huitlacoche is a mass of spores produced by the causal fungus.  These spores can be easily moved by wind and can survive for many years in soil.  Normally U. maydis infects unpollinated corn silks, but the fungus also can infect through wounds caused by heavy wind, heavy rain, or hail.

What can I do with huitlacoche if I find it? 

Huitlacoche is edible, has a smoky, earthy taste, and is an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.  To enjoy the flavor of huitlacoche to its fullest, harvest galls before they begin to dry, but after they have turned dark grey.  DO NOT use galls that are powdery inside when split open.  If you prefer not to harvest your own huitlacoche, you can purchase canned hutlacoche at your local Mexican market.  Although use of hutlacoche as a food originated in Mesoamerica (i.e., parts of Mexico and Central America), like many other gourmet mushrooms, chefs have begun to incorporate huitlacoche into non-traditional dishes including macaroni and cheese, and even ice cream.  See http://www.sweetcorn.illinois.edu/Common-smut/Recipes.htm for sample huitlacoche recipes.

How do I encourage more huitlacoche to form?  

huitlacoche can be harvested from naturally infected ears of corn, you can increase your yield by artificial inoculation.  Prior to pollination, soak corn silks with huitlacoche spores mixed with water.  After inoculation, water and fertilize corn plants for optimal growth.  If your inoculation is successful, galls should start to form within two weeks.  Galls are usually best if harvested 16 to18 days after inoculation.

For more information on huitlacoche: 

Contact the University of Wisconsin Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (PDDC) at (608) 262-2863 or pddc@wisc.edu.

Authors:   Joe Spraker*, UW-Madison Plant Pathology
Last Revised:   03/01/2024
D-number:   D0065

*Completed as partial fulfillment of the requirements for Plant Pathology 558 at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

References to pesticide products in this publication are for your convenience and are not an endorsement or criticism of one product over similar products. You are responsible for using pesticides according to the manufacturer’s current label directions. Follow directions exactly to protect the environment and people from pesticide exposure. Failure to do so violates the law.

Thanks to Erica Arcibal, Cary Miao, Aracely Portillo, Mike Rankin, Robyn Roberts, Mary Stys and Trisha Wagner for reviewing this document.

A complete inventory of UW Plant Disease Facts is available at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic website: https://pddc.wisc.edu.

 

Send a Plant Sample for Analysis

Be cautious when self-diagnosing plant health issues. Very few diseases can accurately be diagnosed by eye.

Contact the UW Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (PDDC), and for a small fee, clinic staff can examine a plant, determine the cause of the disease/disorder, and provide advice on how to control or prevent the issue.

 


Download Article

Featured Articles by Season

Ask Your Gardening Question

If you’re unable to find the information you need, please submit your gardening question here:

Support Extension