What is it?

• 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?

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 has a high amount of plant collagen!  This is like the vegetarian gold standard of collagen and can hold 500 times it weight in water (see this amazing scientific article in National Library of Medicine)
• 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
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC452173/