Snow mushroom, also known as Tremella fuciformis, is a gelatinous mushroom found in Asia and North America. It is used in Asian cooking and medicine for its immune-boosting and cancer-fighting properties. The mushroom has a distinct texture and can be added to stir-fries, sautéed, or used in desserts. It can be found fresh, canned, or dried in specialty markets.
Snow mushroom, known formally as Tremella fuciformis and informally by a number of names including silver ear, cloud ear, and shirokikurage, is a type of gelatinous mushroom that is widely distributed in Asia and parts of North America. Though it is not hugely popular in Western cooking, but plays a role in Asian cooking and medicine, where it is prized for its immune-boosting and cancer-fighting properties. Like other types of jelly, this mushroom has a distinctive appearance and texture that can be unpleasant for people who are not used to it.
In the wild, snow mushroom looks like a cluster of jelly clinging to branches and trunks of mostly hardwood trees. It could also be confused with the snow from afar, which is the probable origin of the name. The broad lobed mushroom tends to quiver due to its jelly-like texture and can be found in moist forests during autumn. It is often found in close proximity to other jelly mushrooms such as wood ear mushrooms and witch’s butter.
In texture, the snow mushroom is slightly crunchy while retaining a chewy resilience. The crispiness of the mushroom will be retained during the cooking process and is often added to stir fries and similar dishes to add textural diversity. In flavor, this ingredient is relatively bland and flawless, although it takes on other flavors very well. Because of the odd texture, some consumers aren’t too fond of it — serve it at dinner parties with a variety of options or experimental diners unless you know your guests are used to it.
Snow mushrooms can be found fresh as specialty markets when it’s in season and should be firm even when shaking. Store it in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week before using. Avoid pieces that are discolored or slimy to the touch. This ingredient can also be found canned and dried in Asian markets. The canned version should be drained and rinsed before use, while dried mushrooms can be rehydrated in boiling water. Some stores also sell snow mushrooms in the form of a dietary supplement.
There are many ways to use snow mushrooms. The mushroom is most commonly used in stir fries, and you may want to experiment by adding a sample to your next Chinese meal. However, it can also be sauteed in butter like many other mushrooms, added to omelettes, or tossed into stuffing. Plus, it can make an intriguing dessert offering after being dipped in a sweet-flavored syrup of your choice overnight.
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