Cropfailure – or saviour?

I was delighted to see sweetcorn smut featured (Gardeners’ Question Time, November issue). Known as huitlacoche in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, this fungus is a prized delicacy in Central America. It has an earthy flavour and can be used in place of mushrooms.

Franka Winter, Donaghadee We say: As with all fungi, it is important to make sure that you positively identify the variety and check it is safe before eating. If it’s not something that you’ve grown, seek expert advice before consuming.