The best way to eat black fungus.

Introduction: 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 human ear-like shape. Black fungus has a dark brown color, a soft texture, and a delicious, umami-rich flavor. It is nutritious, versatile for both vegetarian and meat-based dishes, and not only adds great flavor to Chinese cuisine but also nourishes the blood, improves complexion, and helps prevent disease and extend life.

Black fungus is highly nutritious, earning it the reputations of "the meat among vegetables" and "the flower among mushrooms." Its nutritional value is comparable to that of animal-based foods, and it is ranked alongside other mushrooms as one of the "best mushrooms." For many years, people have developed effective methods for preserving fungus by drying it for long-term storage.

Cold-dressed Black Fungus

[Nutritional Components]

Black fungus is highly nutritious. Every 100 grams contains 10.6 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 65.5 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of dietary fiber. It is also rich in various vitamins and inorganic salts, including Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, carotene, and niacin.

Notably, black fungus has an exceptionally high iron content, making it the highest among all foods. Therefore, it is an excellent natural vegetable for replenishing blood.

Black Fungus Stewed with Chicken

[Medicinal Properties]

Black fungus is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, with properties of detoxification, cleansing the stomach and intestines, and promoting blood coagulation and hemostasis.

(1). Due to its extremely high iron content, regular consumption of black fungus can nourish the blood and improve complexion, giving the skin a healthy, rosy glow and helping to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

(2). Black fungus contains Vitamin K, which can reduce blood clotting and prevent conditions like thrombosis. After eating black fungus, blood becomes less viscous, which can help prevent cerebral thrombosis, Alzheimer's disease, and coronary heart disease.

(3). The gelatin in black fungus can absorb and gather dust and impurities remaining in the human digestive system and expel them from the body, thus cleansing the stomach and intestines.

(4). Black fungus also has a significant effect in dissolving endogenous foreign objects such as gallstones and kidney stones. It contains anti-tumor active substances that can enhance the body's immunity, and regular consumption can help prevent cancer.

Black Fungus with Duck Gizzards

[How to Eat]

Fresh black fungus contains toxins (porphyrins) and is not edible. When fresh fungus is processed and dried, the toxins are destroyed.

The method of consuming black fungus is quite particular. Stir-frying it is not easily digested and absorbed by the body. The ideal 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 simmer patiently over low heat for about 4 hours. The fungus should be tender and the soup should be thick; the best test is when the soup flows down in a thread-like manner when lifted with chopsticks or a spoon. Then, add an appropriate amount of red dates. Once the dates are cooked, let it cool before eating. It is best not to add sugar.

Black Fungus with Jellyfish Shreds

[Dietary Precautions]

Black fungus has blood-activating and anti-coagulant properties, so people with bleeding disorders should avoid eating it. Before cooking, dried black fungus should be soaked in warm water. Any parts that remain tightly shrunk after soaking should not be eaten.

Black fungus should not be eaten excessively, especially by pregnant women and children, for whom the quantity should be carefully controlled.

Lettuce Stalk, Black Fungus, and Snakehead Fish Soup