1 hour ago, HungryChris said:Here, they are written about and listed on menus as if they are the same thing. These are dark brown to black. So, I take it they are wood, or tree ears. I always wondered where the cloud ear term came from. In either respect, it must be the texture that puts them on the table, as they, like you say, have no flavor, but I do enjoy them in combination with the ramen, broth and other vegetables.
HC
Right. The clouds are "cloud-like" but westerners tend to lump. I find the tree ears essential inKorean chap chae and enjoy them in Vietnamese cha gio (fried Spring rolls if you will)