ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Auricularia application in the context of scientific and neutraceutical aspects. It reviews the fungal cultivation and applications. The wood ear fungus, i.e., Auricularia auricula judae is mainly found in winter and spring seasons in all parts of the world. The gelatinous fungus, thallus, has distinctive aroma and taste due to its smooth and crunchy texture. Since nineteenth century, Auricularia genus gained popularity and high consumption in China and Southeast Asia as shown in many reports. The bioavailable, easily digestible polysaccharides are formed of water-soluble mannan and glucan, pectin, chitin and cellulose. The proportion of sugars in the polysaccharide defines its digestibility. The degree of wood formation also determines the digestibility, whereas non-digestible components, like non-starch polysaccharides and fibres, are important sources of prebiotics. The proportion of sugars in the polysaccharide defines its digestibility.
