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Huitlacoche

Huitlacoche is the common name in Mexico for the edible fungus *Ustilago maydis*, which causes corn smut on maize.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Huitlacoche is the Mexican common name for the edible fungus *Ustilago maydis*, which causes corn smut on maize. This fungus forms swollen galls on corn and its wild ancestor teosinte. While it is a plant pathogen that can reduce crop yields, it is also enjoyed as a delicacy in Mexican cuisine, where it is sometimes called cuitlacoche or Mexican truffle.

Biology

Huitlacoche refers to the edible young fruiting body, or gall, produced by the smut fungus *Ustilago maydis* on maize. The fungus is a basidiomycete and a biotrophic pathogen that infects corn and related plants.

Culinary use

In Mexican cuisine, huitlacoche is valued as a traditional ingredient rather than discarded as a crop disease. It is commonly used as a filling for quesadillas and other tortilla-based foods, as well as in soups and sauces.

Agricultural impact

Although edible, the fungus is still a plant disease that can cause economic losses in maize production. The infection alters kernels into galls and reduces the normal harvestable crop.

Nutritional and research interest

Recent scientific reviews describe huitlacoche as a source of protein, dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins, and various bioactive compounds. This has increased interest in both its food value and its potential functional properties.

Key facts

  • Huitlacoche is the edible gall of the fungus *Ustilago maydis* on maize, also known as corn smut, cuitlacoche, or Mexican truffle.
  • It is a delicacy in Mexican cuisine, used in dishes such as quesadillas and soups.
  • While it is a plant pathogen that reduces crop yields, it is also valued for its nutritional content including protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
  • The fungus is studied for its bioactive compounds and potential functional properties.
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Canadian context

Huitlacoche is available in some Canadian specialty and Mexican food markets, and it is of interest to Canadian chefs and food enthusiasts exploring traditional Mexican ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

What is huitlacoche?
Huitlacoche is the Mexican name for the edible fungus *Ustilago maydis*, which grows on maize and causes corn smut.
Is huitlacoche safe to eat?
Yes, the young galls are commonly eaten in Mexico and are treated as a food ingredient.
Why is huitlacoche considered a delicacy?
Mexican cuisine values its flavour and texture, and it has long been used in traditional dishes such as quesadillas and soups.
What crop does huitlacoche infect?
It infects maize and can also occur on teosinte, the wild ancestor of cultivated corn.
What is another name for huitlacoche?
It is also called corn smut, cuitlacoche, or Mexican truffle.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_smut
    Supports: Defines corn smut as *Ustilago maydis*, notes edible infected corn called huitlacoche, and lists common names and host plants.
  2. PubMed Central — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10254540/
    Supports: Explains that huitlacoche is *Ustilago maydis*, a maize pathogen and edible Mexican fungus, and summarizes nutritional and bioactive compounds.
  3. PubMed — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7632354/
    Supports: Describes huitlacoche as the young fruiting bodies (galls) of *Ustilago maydis* causing common smut of maize.
  4. Museum of the Grand Prairie — https://www.museumofthegrandprairie.org/Explore/Blog/huitlacoche-an-edible-maize-fungus-enjoyed-by-the-aztecs
    Supports: States that huitlacoche is an edible maize fungus and describes its historical culinary use.