Corn Smut Fungus Spreads in European Cornfields, Sparks TikTok Trend

Heat and drought are fueling the spread of corn smut fungus, a Central American delicacy, in European cornfields, with the trend gaining attention on TikTok. Farmers in southern Germany expect significant harvest losses this summer. According to trade magazine Agrar heute, 76% of corn producers in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria fear substantial losses, while France has already lost about 35% of its corn crop. The fungus, known as huitlacoche in Mexico, is being promoted as a "Mexican truffle" by European chefs, though this is biologically incorrect. Experts advise against people entering cornfields to harvest the fungus themselves, as it is prohibited and damages crops. Affected plants may also contain molds unsuitable for consumption, though corn smut is considered harmless in animal feed up to a certain contamination level.