App First Foods® Database Gift Toddlers Book

Wood Ear Mushroom

Fungi

Age Suggestion

6 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

When can babies have wood ear mushrooms?

Cooked wood ear mushrooms may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Avoid foraging mushrooms to share with baby unless you are an expert mycologist as there are plenty of poisonous look-a-like species in the wild.

How do you introduce wood ear mushrooms to babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

an infographic with the header How to Cut Wood Ear Mushrooms for Babies: finely chopped and cooked for 6 mos+, cooked, chopped or sliced for 12 mos+, and varies for cooked larger pieces

6 to 11 months old:

Finely chop cooked wood ear mushroom caps and mix them into foods that are easy for baby to pick up and munch on (such as egg strips) or stir them into soft, scoopable foods (like congee, jook, mashed vegetables, or yogurt).

12 to 17 months old:

Serve cooked wood ear mushroom caps that have been chopped or sliced thinly. Cooked wood ear mushrooms are challenging to chew, so try scattering the chopped or sliced pieces on the tray or table rather than piled in a bowl. This helps discourage the child from scooping handfuls of the mushroom into their mouth.

18 to 24 months old:

Serve cooked wood ear mushroom caps in bite-sized pieces or thin slices. If you feel confident and the child is demonstrating mature chewing and tearing skills, you can consider offering cooked wood ear mushrooms whole or in larger sections. Try modelling how to chew the mushroom with your back teeth by making big, exaggerated mouth movements.

a hand holding around 14 very tiny pieces of cooked wood ear mushroom — Finely chopped, cooked wood ear mushroom for babies 6 months+

a hand holding four chopped, cooked pieces of wood ear mushroom — Chopped, cooked pieces of wood ear mushroom for toddlers 12 months+

How to prepare wood ear mushrooms for babies 6 months+

Expand baby’s palate with recipes from around the world with our 100 Dinners for Babies & Toddlers guide.

Videos

Wei Wei, 7 months, eats wood ear mushroom cooked into an omelet.

Marshall, 9 months, eats finely chopped wood ear mushroom in scrambled egg.

Is wood ear mushrooms a common choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Wood ear mushrooms are rubbery, slippery, and challenging to chew—qualities that increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, fully cook the mushrooms, then remove the thick stem and finely chop the cap. For dried wood ear mushrooms, make sure they are fully rehydrated and cooked, then discard the stem and finely chop the cap. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of a baby during mealtime. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Are wood ear mushrooms a common allergen?

No. Mushroom allergy is rare, although not unheard of. There have been reports of anaphylaxis, as well as rashes among those handling mushrooms. Mushrooms also contain chitin, a common carbohydrate found in crustaceans and insects that may contribute to an allergic response in certain individuals.

Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those sensitive to mold, may also be sensitive to mushrooms. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking or canning mushrooms can help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

Dried wood ear mushrooms may be preserved with sulfites. While sulfites are not a common allergen, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, can have allergy-like reactions to added sulfites. If sulfites are a concern, avoid ingredients such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite to name a few.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount over future meals.

Are wood ear mushrooms healthy for babies?

Yes. Wood ear mushrooms are a good source of zinc, selenium, and vitamin B6, which work together to support baby’s growth, development, immune system, heart health, and metabolism. It also offers fiber to help baby’s gut microbiome flourish.

Make sure to buy wood ear mushrooms from a reputable source and avoid foraging your own mushrooms unless you are an expert mycologist, as there are many poisonous mushrooms growing in the wild.

★Tip: Before cooking with dried wood ear mushrooms, make sure to reconstitute them in water until soft. Dried wood ear mushrooms can be rehydrated in boiling water or for a longer period of time in cold water. If soaking in cold water, keep the container of mushrooms and water in the refrigerator to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Can babies eat raw wood ear mushrooms?

No, wood ear mushrooms should be cooked before serving, as they can be contaminated with the bacteria that causes Salmonellosis and other illnesses. Cooking mushrooms helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness, while also making them easier to digest.

Can wood ear mushrooms help babies poop?

Yes. Wood ear mushrooms contain fiber and fluid to support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines. Mushrooms also offer prebiotics, special carbohydrates that help friendly gut bacteria flourish. Introduce high-fiber foods like mushrooms gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated; a little gassiness or a few blowouts is just a sign that baby’s digestive system is adjusting, so no need to remove the food from the diet. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.

Where do wood ear mushrooms come from?

Wood ear mushrooms originated in Asia and the Pacific Islands. While they can be found growing in the wild, wood ear mushrooms are cultivated on a large scale to satisfy the demand for this popular fungus. Also known as hei mu-er, black fungus, wood jellyfish, and kikurage, among other names, fresh wood ear mushrooms have a short shelf life, so they are commonly found dried outside the regions in which they are grown. Wood ear mushrooms offer chewy texture and absorb flavors easily, which makes them a great addition to rich and tangy dishes like suānlà tang, a hot-and-sour soup from China.

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