Ingredient Name: Snow Fungus

Traditional Chinese Name: 雪耳 (xuě ěr)

• Snow fungus is also known as white tree ear fungus and silver ear
• Similar to wood ear, but white and translucent
• Good quality snow fungus is a pale, yellow-white colour
• Snow fungus is tasteless and, when cooked, it becomes a jelly-like substance
• It is used and known for its numerous medicinal qualities

How do I prepare it?

• Wash and soak dried snow fungus in cold water for 20 - 30 minutes or until soft
• Cut into smaller pieces before adding to your soup
• The middle of the fungus is usually quite hard, some people will prefer to use only the softer edges

Where can I buy this?

You can purchase snow fungus in most Asian supermarkets
Snow fungus is also available in Chinese speciality stores (pharmacies) and sold in bulk

What is the cost?

• The cost of snow fungus varies depending on where you buy it and on the quality of the fungus you buy.

Any benefits?

• Snow fungus provides iron, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous
• In Western herbology, snow fungus is considered an immune stimulant that fights infection, especially chronic infections.  It has demonstrated anti-tumor activities, protects the liver and fights inflamation
• In Chinese medicine, snow fungus is said to nourish the lungs, heal dry cough, and remove heatiness from the lung
• When used with rock sugar (in Chinese desserts), it can also stimulate the colon and serve as a mild laxative for constipation
• Some believe eating snow fungus will help women eliminate freckles from their complexion and slow the aging process

Any precautions?

• Be sure to purchase snow fungus from a reputable source

Additional Information?

• Snow fungus can keep very well and can be stored for up to 12 months in a sealed container in the fridge

Resources

• http://www.chinesefood-recipes.com/food_articles/snow_fungus_medicinal_properties.php
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_fungus

Photo below: Snow fungus soaking in water over night