http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/jan2006.html

Tremella fuciformis, the snow fungus, an edible jelly fungus

This month's fungus is in fact Tremella fuciformis, the snow fungus, sometimes called the silver ear fungus, the snow ear fungus or simply the white jelly fungus. The name "snow fungus" likely comes from its white color and more-or-less snowball-shaped appearance. It is edible and considered a delicacy in China and Japan.

It does not have very much flavor, but the texture is very interesting, soft but crunchy at the same time.

It can be sautéed in olive oil and butter, just like a regular mushrooms (after rehydration, of course). Like all mushrooms, I prefer to have them browned and just starting to get crispy.

A more traditional way of preparing this fungus is as a dessert! First, boil it slightly to rehydrate the fungus, drain off the excess water, and soak overnight in a sugary solution. My favorite way to do this is with the "heavy syrup" from canned "cling peaches in heavy syrup." then serve as a dessert, either with or without the peaches.

The snow fungus has been eaten for centuries in China, where it is considered to have significant medicinal properties, having been used against tuberculosis, high blood pressure, and even the common cold!

There has been significant work by "western" medicine to corroborate the claims of Asian herbalists. This work with regard to Tremella is reviewed in a paper (Sergey V. Reshetnikov, Solomon P. Wasser, Ina Duckman, and Katherina Tsukor 2000. Medicinal Value of the Genus Tremella Pers. (Heterobasidiomycetes) (Review), International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2:345-367.).

They have attributed the medicinal effects of Tremella to the polysaccharide (long chain sugar derivatives) content of the mushrooms, especially acidic heteropolysaccharide glucuronoxylomannans. There seems to be some antitumor properties attributable to the stimulation of the immune system by these polysaccharides. In the abstract of their paper, these Israeli and Ukrainian researchers state:

"Tremella species also stimulate vascular endothelial cells; possess pronounced antiradiating effects; stimulate hematogenesis; demonstrate antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, antiallergic activities; and show hepatoprotective effects. Tremella glucuronoxylomannan can be recommended to improve immunodeficiency, including that induced by AIDS, physical stress, or aging, and to prevent senile degeneration of microvessels, maintaining better blood perfusion conditions in vital organs"

As I've stated preciously, most of these effects come from long-term consumption of the fungus. In the west this has spawned an entire "nutraceutical" industry. In this synergism between nutrition and pharmaceutical factors, the benefits are far different from either factor alone. I believe that these nutraceuticals are worthy of much more research.

This is Plum Flower brand's nitrogen-flushed vacuum pack.

Plum Flower is one of the most distinguished herb houses in the world.

Sulfur Free, Chlorine Free, Aluminum Phosphate Free.

Sulfites are used to give herbs the appearance of freshness. As with dried fruit, unsulfured herbs look different than those that are adulterated with preservatives. Herbs that are preservative free are more natural looking and are generally darker. The brightness of the herbs may be appealing, but it indicates the presence of harmful additives. Despite their appearance, unsulfured herbs are more fresh and safer than regular commercially available products.

The use of sulfur, chlorine and aluminum phosphate was made unnecessary through the establishment of Plum Flower processing stations in China. Herb harvesters slice and process the herbs fresh, avoiding the need to rehydrate dried herbs later to process. This first step is crucial, as rehydration leads to decomposition and thus the need for preservatives.

The herbs are then packed and the packages vacuum-packed, injected with nitrogen, and sealed. The nitrogen process combined with the lack of sulfur treatment inhibits the growth of anaerobic organisms, resulting in safer, higher quality herbs. After opening, store in a cool dry place.

The facilities in Lanzhou and Guang Zhou, China, scientifically test each batch of herbs before, during and after the processing to make sure that all the active ingredients are present. Herbs are also tested to ensure that the formulas surpass all FDA guidelines regarding heavy metals. Those herbs exported to the U.S. are voluntarily submitted to the FDA for approval.

Finally, batches are regularly sent out for quality control testing in third-party labs to double-ensure that Plum Flower products are 100% free of pharmaceuticals, preservatives and dyes.

The Lanzhou and Guang Zhou factories are so clean, they are certified by the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (GMP). These standards surpass any of the FDA, and are considered the highest for any government agency in the world.