Wood Ear Mushroom, Cloud Ear Fungus

White Wood Ear (白木耳)

A plate of dried white fungus

White Wood Ear (白木耳), commonly known as snow fungus (雪耳), is often used in the preparation of Chinese soups or desserts.

Cloud Ear (云耳)

Closed up photo of cloud ear

Cloud Ear (云耳), commonly known as Black Wood Ear (黑木耳) is smaller, has grey back and smoother texture compared to White Wood Ear.

Wood Ear (木耳)

A plate of dried wood ear

Wood Ear (木耳), commonly known as Black Wood Ear (黑木耳), is slightly bigger, has white back, and more crunchy compared to Cloud Ear.

Closed up photo of snow fungus dessert with red dates, gingko nuts

White Wood Ear (白木耳)

  1. White wood ear is commonly known as snow fungus (雪耳). It is also known as sliver ear (银耳), dried snow mushrooms, white snow fungus,  tremella fuciformis (a species of fungus).
  2. It is used to prepare snow fungus dessert, a popular dessert delicacy, cooked with red dates, goji berries and lotus seeds. It can be served hot or cold.  
  3. In traditional chinese medicine (TCM), it is known to boost skin hydration, improve lungs and stomach functions. 
Plate of cloud ear dish with chilli

Cloud Ear (云耳)

  1. Cloud ear is commonly known as black wood ear (黑木耳). Compared to white wood ear (木耳), it is slightly smaller and thinner.
  2. It is used to make cloud ear cold salad with chilli pepper (凉拌木耳), a popular refreshing crunchy cold dish. Cloud ear can be added to stir fry dishes too. 
  3. Cloud ear’s high fiber content helps with digestion and relieves constipation. The high iron content is comparable to that of pig’s liver, which helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Cloud ear contains polysaccharides, which is effective in reducing triglyceride and cholesterol in blood. 
Stir fried wood ear dish with onion, sesame seeds

Wood Ear (木耳)

  1. Wood ear is commonly known as Black Wood Ear (黑木耳). Compared to cloud ear (云耳), it is bigger and thicker, and the back is greyish white.
  2. Similar to cloud ear, it can be used to make salads. Stir fry wood ear with vegetables can make a tasty dish.
  3. In addition to its rich iron content, it is known to have properties which helps to clean the blood.

Preparatory methods 

As these 3 fungus are dried food, they need to be rehydrated in water before using. White Wood Ear (白木耳) can be rehydrated in about one hour by soaking it in cold water. Cloud Ear (云耳) and Wood Ear (木耳)  are slightly thicker as compared to white wood ear, hence soaking it in water for 6 to 8 hours is recommended to produce crunchier texture.  After soaking it, give it a good wash as it may contain dust and dirt trapped within. 

How is it sold?

A plate of dried white fungus

Good quality white wood ear (白木耳) are sold in one complete piece.

2 plastic packets of dried wood Ear

Cloud Ear (云耳) is available in loose form, and conveniently packed into smaller packets for your convenience. 

A plastic packet of dried cloud Ear

Wood Ear (木耳) is available in loose form, and conveniently packed into smaller packets for your convenience. 

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