cuitlacoche

cuit·la·co·che  (kwtlä-kch) also huit·la·co·che (wt-)

n.

A bulbous black fungus (Ustilago maydis) that infects corn, producing silvery, swollen, pebblelike kernels. The kernels have a smoky-sweet flavor and are sometimes harvested and used in a variety of Mexican dishes. Also called corn smut, maize mushroom, Mexican truffle.

---

[American Spanish, from Nahuatl quitlacochtli : quitlatl, dung + cochtli, asleep.]