Black fungus grows on rotten wood, resembling a human ear, and is black or dark brown, hence its name. Li Shizhen, a famous pharmacologist of the Ming Dynasty, recorded in his "Compendium of Materia Medica" that black fungus is sweet and neutral in nature, and its main effects include replenishing Qi, relieving hunger, tonifying Qi, benefiting intelligence, moistening the lungs, nourishing the brain, invigorating blood, and stopping bleeding.
The Body's Scavenger
Black fungus has a strong adsorption capacity, and eating it regularly helps to cleanse the intestines. Especially for workers in industries with severe air pollution, such as ore mining, metallurgy, cement manufacturing, flour processing, and cotton spinning, regular consumption of black fungus can have health benefits.
Three Tips to Distinguish Real and Fake Black Fungus
1. High-quality black fungus has a black and shiny surface with one side being gray. It feels dry and grain-free to the touch and has no unusual odor. Fake black fungus appears thicker, heavier, and feels moist or grainy to the touch. 2. Place the selected black fungus in a clear glass of cold water and soak for 10-20 minutes. If the fungus discolors or the soaking water turns black, it is best not to buy it. 3. Purchase black fungus from regular supermarkets. If choosing packaged fungus, pay attention to the food label and buy products from regular manufacturers.
Cold Onion and Black Fungus Salad
Ingredients: 150g of soaked black fungus (rehydrated from dried), half an onion, half a green chili, half a red chili, one teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns, and two dried chili peppers.
Instructions: Rehydrate and wash the black fungus, tear it into small pieces, and blanch in boiling water until cooked. Slice the onion. Mix the blanched black fungus and onion with all the other ingredients. Season with salt, sugar, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar, and sprinkle with chopped coriander and toasted white sesame seeds.