Premium Snow Fungus (银耳) – Preparation & Recipe Guide

What is Snow Fungus?

Also known as Snow Fungus, this prized ingredient is widely used in Asian cuisine for its delicate texture and natural collagen-like richness. It is commonly prepared in sweet soups for beauty and wellness.

How to Store

  • Unopened (Dried):
    Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store in an airtight container.
  • After Opening:
    Seal tightly or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • After Soaking (Fresh):
    Refrigerate and consume within 1–2 days.

How to Wash & Clean

  1. Rinse briefly under running water to remove surface dust.
  2. Soak in clean water for 20–30 minutes until fully expanded.
  3. Trim off the hard yellow base (stem) — this part is tough and not suitable for eating.
  4. Tear into small, bite-sized pieces.

How to Prepare (Basic Method)

  1. After soaking and cleaning, place snow fungus into a pot.
  2. Add water (enough to fully submerge).
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes until soft and gelatinous.
  4. It is now ready to be used in soups or desserts.

Classic Recipe: Snow Fungus Sweet Soup (冰糖银耳汤)

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare snow fungus (soak, wash, trim, and tear).
  2. Add snow fungus and water into a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 40 minutes.
  4. Add red dates and continue simmering for 15–20 minutes.
  5. Add goji berries and rock sugar.
  6. Cook for another 5–10 minutes until fully dissolved.
  7. Serve warm or chilled.

Texture Tip (Very Important)

  • The longer you simmer, the thicker and more collagen-like the soup becomes.
  • For premium texture, cook until the soup turns slightly sticky and silky.

Health Benefits

  • Supports skin hydration and elasticity
  • Rich in natural polysaccharides
  • Traditionally believed to nourish lungs and improve immunity

Pro Tips (For Your Customers)

  • Use a slow cooker for best results (2–3 hours for ultra-thick texture)
  • Add pear, longan, or lotus seeds for variation
  • Avoid over-soaking (can reduce texture quality)