Snow Fungus: 5 Easy Ways to Use in Cooking

Snow Fungus (银耳), also known as Tremella, Snow Ear, White Jelly mushroom or Yin Er is a very popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine.

So, here are 5 easy ways to use Snow Fungus in your next culinary creation... 

What is Snow Fungus?

Predominantly used for its traditional healing properties, Snow Fungus is used in the East to beautify the skin and is widely viewed as an immunity tonic. 

Rich in protein, carbohydrates and fats, this makes for an incredibly versatile ingredient. Snow Fungus also contains 18 kinds of amino acids alongside crude fibre, natural salts and vitamins which make it an extremely healthy herb. 

What are Some Potential Benefits of Snow Fungus?

With this herb containing the highest level of natural whole food form of Vitamin D among food sources, using Snow Fungus in cooking may potentially assist with:

• Beautify the skin
• Lowering blood glucose/cholesterol 
• Protect against radiation
• Boost the body's antioxidant levels
• Treatment of asthma, dry cough and heat in the lungs
• Nourish the lung, stomach, kidney
• Strengthen bones
• Maintain ideal weight 

In addition, Snow Fungus is suitable for vegans and is gluten-free. 

How Can I Use These in Everyday Cooking?

As promised, here are 5 easy ways to use Snow Fungus in everyday dishes for beginner and advanced cooks...

1) Papaya & Snow Fungus Almond Milk Dessert

A perfect dessert option for summer 2022, combining a couple of tasty ingredients creates this refreshing dish... 

What You'll Need

• 1/2 of a dried snow fungus
• 1 dried papaya
• 1.2 tsp of almond seeds
• 2 slices of ginger
• 1 tbsp honey 
• 5 cups of water 
• 2 cups of almond milk

Method

1. Boil the 5 cups of water in a pot. 
2. Rinse and cut the papaya and snow fungus into small chunks
3. Once the water has boiled, add all the ingredients in a pot except for the milk and honey - continue on a high heat for around 30 minutes
4. Turn off the heat, then add a touch of honey for sweetness. Allow to cool.
5. Refrigerate once cooled, then when ready to serve add the 2 cups of almond milk to mix.
6. Serve and enjoy! 

2) Simple Snow Fungus & Cucumber Salad

Another perfect dish to welcome in those summer vibes, here's how to combine nature's finest into a light lunch option.

What You'll Need

• 5g of dried snow fungus
• 1/4 of a cucumber
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Method

1. Soak the dried snow fungus in cold or warm water for around 20 minutes to allow it to soften 
2. Thinly slice the cucumber into a bowl, then add salt and mix together
3. Drain the snow fungus, then tear into small pieces
4. Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chilli flakes, sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds in a mixing bowl
5. Add the drained snow fungus and sliced cucumber to the dressing, then mix
6. Transfer to a bowl, then serve and enjoy!

3) Sweet Snow Fungus & Berry Dessert 

Featuring a collection of tasty Eastern herbs, this is a delicacy across China and other Asian countries... 

What You'll Need

• 9g dried snow fungus
• 5g dried longan fruit
• 2 dried big jujube dates
• 4g dried goji berries
• 5 pieces of ginkgo nuts
• 350l water
• 20g rock sugar/honey 

Method

1. Rinse the big jujube dates and longan fruit to remove residue
2. De-shell the longans and dispose of the shells
3. Soak the dried snow fungus in warm water until is it soft
4. Drain the snow fungus and cut the herb into small pieces 
5. Place the fungus, big jujube dates and de-shelled longans in a large put and boil on a low heat for around 20 minutes (cover with lid)
6. After this time, add the gingko nuts and continue to cook for a further 10 minutes
7. Add the rock sugar/honey to the mixture to taste
8. Then, add the goji berries and cook for another 5 minutes - then turn off the heat and allow to stand for 1 minute
9. Serve and enjoy!

4) Snow Fungus Herbal Tea

Sometimes the best things in life are... incredibly simple! 

• 5g dried snow fungus
• 3g dried goji berries
• 1 lemon
• 1 bamboo leaf 
• 5 cups of water 

Method

1. Boil the water in a pan over a high heat
2. Infuse the snow fungus, goji berries and lemon to boil for 5 minutes
3. Remove from heat once cooked, then transfer to a mug
4. Add the bamboo leaf on top for a nice touch
5. Serve and enjoy! 

5) Snow Fungus & Shiitake Mushroom Soup

Rounding off this creative culinary collection is a soup to test your taste buds with a few delicious ingredients...

What You'll Need

• 5g dried snow fungus
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tbsp rice wine
• 1 small piece of grated ginger
• 2 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• Handful of spring onions
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt & pepper 
• 2 whisked eggs

Method

1. Soak the snow fungus in cold/warm water for around 20 minutes until softened, then drain and tear into small pieces
2. Add the chicken stock, shiitake mushrooms. ginger and vegetables into a pan and boil over a medium heat  
3. Once boiled, add the oyser sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper to mix
4. When the soup thickens, add the whisked eggs in and continue to stir gently
5. Once the egg is softly cooked, remove from heat 
6. Season the soup with chopped spring onions
7. Serve and enjoy!

How Can I Get Hold of Snow Fungus?

Whether you're planning a culinary masterclass or a quick fix-up before work, Snow Fungus is available in the below quantity:

Dried Snow Fungus 银耳 (Tremella Mushroom/Yin Er) | (50g)

Summary

Now that you've got some scrumptious ideas of how to use this versatile herb, we're excited to see you impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

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For any further queries regarding our herbs or any of our products, please email info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.