The "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), a classic from the Han Dynasty, already contains records of the medicinal use of black fungus.
Black fungus, also known as ear fungus, wood moth, tree chicken, cloud ear, or black vegetable, is an edible mushroom that grows on decaying wood. It gets its name from its light brown color and shape resembling a human ear. Black fungus has a dark brown color, a soft texture, a delicious flavor, and is rich in nutrients. It can be used in both vegetarian and meat dishes, not only adding great flavor to Chinese cuisine but also nourishing the blood, preserving youthfulness, and preventing disease to extend life.
Black fungus is nutritious and has earned the reputation of "the meat among vegetables" and "the flower among mushrooms." Its nutritional value is comparable to that of animal foods, and it is hailed alongside other mushrooms as "the best mushroom." For many years, people have developed effective methods for preserving black fungus by drying it for long-term storage.
[Nutritional Components]
Black fungus is highly nutritious. Every 100 grams of black fungus contains 10.6 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 65.5 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of crude fiber, as well as various vitamins such as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, carotene, and niacin, and inorganic salts.
It is particularly worth mentioning that the iron content of black fungus is extremely high, making it the leader among all foods in iron content. Therefore, black fungus is an excellent natural blood-enriching vegetable.
[Medicinal Effects]
Black fungus is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, with effects of detoxification, clearing the stomach and intestines, and blood coagulation and hemostasis.
(1) Because of its extremely high iron content, regular consumption of black fungus can nourish the blood and preserve youthfulness, making the skin ruddy and radiant, and can also prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia.
(2) Black fungus contains Vitamin K, which can reduce blood clotting and prevent conditions like thrombosis. After eating black fungus, the blood becomes thinner, making it less likely for a person to suffer from cerebral thrombosis, senile dementia, or coronary heart disease.
(3) The colloidal substance in black fungus can adsorb and concentrate dust and impurities remaining in the human digestive system and expel them from the body, thereby playing a role in cleansing the stomach and intestines.
(4) Black fungus also has a significant effect in dissolving endogenous foreign bodies such as gallstones and kidney stones. It contains anti-tumor active substances that can enhance the body's immunity, and regular consumption can prevent and fight cancer.
[How to Eat]
Fresh black fungus contains toxins (porphyrin substances) and is inedible. When fresh black fungus is processed and dried, the toxins it contains are destroyed and disappear.
The way of eating black fungus is quite particular. Generally, stir-frying it is not easily digested and absorbed by the human body. The best way is to wash the black fungus, soak it in warm water for 24 hours to remove impurities. First, bring it to a boil over high heat, then change to a low flame and simmer patiently for about 4 hours. The black fungus should be tender, and the soup should be thick. When lifted with chopsticks or a spoon, the soup should flow down in a thread-like manner, which is ideal. Then add an appropriate amount of red dates, wait for them to be cooked, and then eat it after it has cooled. It is best not to add sugar.
[Appropriate and Inappropriate Consumption]
Black fungus has the effect of promoting blood circulation and preventing clotting, so people with bleeding diseases should not eat it. Before cooking, dried black fungus should be soaked in warm water. Parts that remain shriveled after soaking should not be eaten.
Black fungus should not be eaten in excess, but it should not be completely avoided either. The amount should be especially controlled for pregnant women and children.
[Recommended Daily Intake]
5 to 10 grams per day.
Black fungus is very nutritious. For you, Xiaomei recommends a few recipes with black fungus:
[Cold-dressed Black Fungus] [Wasabi and Black Fungus] [Black Fungus Stewed with Local Chicken] [Black Fungus and Rice Porridge]