Tremella

Tremella fuciformis

mushroom

A white, translucent, gelatinous mushroom, a cluster of thin fronds frilled like seaweed, up to 7 cm; sold dried, it swells in water, for Chinese sweet soups and desserts. It provides beta-glucans and mucilage.

Origin

Tropical and subtropical Asia

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Dried, it is soaked for 30 minutes in lukewarm water, where it swells a lot; the hard yellowish base is cut off, then it simmers for an hour or more in a sweet soup, with jujubes or pears.

Molecules

Mushroom beta-glucans · MucilagesIn small amounts, not counted Ergothioneine

Did you know?

In Chinese it is called yín ěr, “silver ear”, or xuě ěr, “snow ear”; it is one of the most popular mushrooms in Chinese cooking.