Top Benefits of Eating More 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 rotten wood. It is named for 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, improving complexion, and preventing disease to extend life.

Black fungus is nutritious and has the reputation of being the "meat among vegetables" and the "flower among mushrooms." Its nutritional value can be compared to that of animal foods, and it is known 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.

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, 7 grams of dietary fiber, as well as various vitamins and inorganic salts such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, carotene, and niacin.

Notably, black fungus has an extremely high iron content, making it the highest among all foods. Therefore, black fungus is an excellent natural iron-rich vegetable.

Cold-dressed Black Fungus

[Medicinal Effects]

Black fungus is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, with effects of detoxifying, cleansing the stomach and intestines, and promoting blood clotting and hemostasis.

(1) Due to its extremely high iron content, regular consumption of black fungus can nourish the blood and improve complexion, making the skin ruddy and radiant. It can also help 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 thinner, which reduces the risk of cerebral thrombosis, senile dementia, and coronary heart disease.

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

(4) Black fungus also has a significant effect in dissolving endogenous foreign substances 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.

Sour and Spicy Black Fungus

[How to Eat]

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

The way black fungus is eaten is quite particular. Generally, stir-frying it makes it difficult for the body to digest and absorb. The ideal method 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 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 consistency. Then, add an appropriate amount of red dates. After the red dates are cooked, let it cool before eating. It is best not to add sugar.

Stir-fried Pork with Enoki Mushrooms and Black Fungus

[Dietary Recommendations and Precautions]

Black fungus has blood-activating and anti-coagulant properties, so people with bleeding disorders should not eat it. Before cooking, dried black fungus should be soaked in warm water. Parts that remain shrunken after soaking should not be eaten. Black fungus should not be eaten in excess, especially by pregnant women and children, whose consumption should be controlled.

Black Fungus Stewed with Chicken Soup