Wood Ear

Ingredient Name:  Wood ear, cloud ear, tree ear, black fungus

Chinese Name: 木耳 (mu er)

What is this?

  • An edible fungus used in Chinese and other Asian cuisines
  • Wood ear is often used in stews, soups, or stir-fried with other vegetables
  • It has a light, earthy flavor and a slightly crunchy, spongy texture
  • When cooked with other ingredients, it is great at absorbing the flavors around it

How do I prepare it?

  • Soak for at least 30 minutes in warm water (it will expand to many times it’s original size)
  • Trim any tough or gritty parts off
  • Rinse and it is ready for use

Where can I buy this?

  • Wood ear is commonly sold dried
  • It is available in Asian supermarkets

What is the cost?

  • Wood ear is inexpensive to buy and cost around $11 HKD for 150g

Any benefits?

  • Wood ear is said to increase fluidity of the blood and improve circulation
  • It is often made into a “tea” (boiled with water) and given to women who have recently delivered a baby to help eliminate blood from the uterus faster

Any precautions?

  • None that we know of
Pictures of dried wood ear