Snow Fungus: What It Is and How to Use It in Soup

Snow fungus is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese cooking. Known for its delicate appearance and pleasantly chewy texture, it is commonly added to sweet dessert soups, nourishing broths, and other Asian dishes.

If you have never cooked with snow fungus before, this guide explains what it is, how to prepare it, and how to make a simple snow fungus soup at home.

What Is Snow Fungus?

Snow fungus is an edible fungus scientifically known as Tremella fuciformis. It is also called white fungus, silver ear fungus, snow ear mushroom, or 银耳 (Yín Ěr) in Chinese.

When dried, snow fungus has a firm, lightweight texture and a pale yellow or cream color. After soaking, it expands significantly and develops a soft, slightly crunchy, jelly-like texture.

Snow fungus has a mild flavor, so it easily absorbs the taste of the other ingredients in a dish. This makes it especially suitable for soups and desserts.

How to Prepare Dried Snow Fungus

Dried snow fungus must be soaked before cooking.

1. Place the dried snow fungus in a large bowl.

2. Cover it completely with cool or lukewarm water.

3. Let it soak for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until fully expanded and softened.

4. Rinse it carefully under clean water.

5. Cut away and discard the firm yellow base.

6. Tear the remaining snow fungus into small, bite-sized pieces.

Do not use boiling water for soaking, as very hot water may affect its delicate texture.

How to Make Chinese Snow Fungus Soup

Snow fungus soup is traditionally prepared as a lightly sweet dessert soup. It may be enjoyed warm or chilled.

Ingredients

• 1 dried snow fungus

• 6 to 8 red dates

• 1 tablespoon goji berries

• 6 cups water

• Rock sugar, to taste

• 1 small handful of dried longan, optional

• Lotus seeds, optional

Instructions

1. Soak, clean, and tear the snow fungus into small pieces.

2. Rinse the red dates, goji berries, and any optional ingredients.

3. Add the snow fungus, red dates, and water to a pot.

4. Bring the water to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer gently for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

6. Add the dried longan or lotus seeds during cooking if desired.

7. Add the goji berries during the final 10 minutes.

8. Stir in rock sugar according to your preferred level of sweetness.

9. Continue cooking until the sugar dissolves and the soup develops a slightly silky texture.

For a thicker soup, simmer it longer over low heat. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.

Other Ingredients to Add to Snow Fungus Soup

Snow fungus pairs well with many traditional soup ingredients, including:

• Asian pear

• Red dates

• Goji berries

• Dried longan

• Lotus seeds

• Lily bulbs

• Rock sugar

• Papaya

• Peach gum

You can adjust the ingredients according to the flavor and texture you prefer.

Can Snow Fungus Be Used in Savory Soup?

Yes. Although snow fungus is frequently used in sweet dessert soup, it can also be added to savory soups.

After soaking and cleaning it, add small pieces to chicken soup, vegetable soup, or a light herbal broth. Because snow fungus has a mild flavor, it will absorb the taste of the broth while adding a tender, slightly chewy texture.

How to Store Snow Fungus Soup

Cooked snow fungus soup can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for approximately two to three days. It can be reheated gently or served cold.

Dried snow fungus should be kept in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Enjoy Snow Fungus at Home

Snow fungus is a versatile pantry ingredient that is easy to prepare once properly soaked and cleaned. Whether you make a traditional sweet soup with red dates and goji berries or add it to a savory broth, its delicate texture makes it a distinctive addition to homemade soups.

Shop dried snow fungus and other traditional Chinese soup ingredients from Khan Hing Tong and begin creating your own comforting soup recipes at home.

This article is provided for general food and educational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice.