According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), snow fungus or some called it white fungus contains much iron, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus. The fat and gum like protein in it is especially nourishing to the body. It is considered a good supplement to the body. Stew white fungus with rock sugar lubricates the colon and stimulates peristalsis. Thus, it is a mild laxative for constipation patients.
White fungus is effective for the elderly and those with weak respiratory and immune system. It is also said to be effective in nourishing the lungs, healing dry cough and clearing heat in the lungs. Those who have weak lungs catch cold easily. Eating stewed white fungus with rock sugar and red dates helps strengthen the respiratory system and thus, helps prevent cold.
Besides that, snow fungus is high in collagen content and said to provide similar health and beauty benefits as bird nests, but at a much affordable price to many of us. If you want your skin to stay beautifully clear, youthful and wrinkle-free, consume snow fungus more frequently.
Ingredients : (serves 3-4)
1 pc Snow Fungus (雪儿) about size of a rice bowl
10-15pcs pieces Dried Longan (龙眼干)
10pcs Red Dates (红枣) - seed removed & rinse
1/2 slightly ripe Papaya (small)
7 rice bowl of Water
Rock Sugar (冰糖), to taste
Steps by Steps:
1. Soak snow fungus in a large bowl filled with water for about 10 minutes or until soft and expanded.
2. Remove and rinse under a running tap to remove dirt particles. Then, using your hands or scissors, tear snow fungus into small bite size or your preferred size. Discard the harden part of the stem. Rinse thoroughly again and drain the water.
3. In a large pot, add snow fungus, dried longan & red dates with water.
4. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer slowly for about 30 minutes.
5. Add papaya and continue simmer for 15 mins.
6. Add rock sugar to taste. Simmer for another 5 mins or until rock sugar melts.
7. Ready to serve. Best to serve while it's still hot. Or you can serve them chilled.
Note : The soup will turns slightly gooey if you put in the fridge for overnight, but it is still good to drink. This caused by the collagen content in the fungus.
Happy cooking.