Ever heard of snow fungus? Chinese call it the ‘fountain of youth’

Traditional Chinese medicine has been known to incorporate interesting ingredients and extracting unexpected benefits from them. If you’re turned off by the term snow fungus, don’t fret — it’s just another word for a mushroom, our favourite consumable fungi.

According to digital creator Lisa Baisl, snow fungus is an “edible medicinal mushroom with a gelatinous texture and a coral shape. It commonly grows in Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years. It’s packed with many vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health.”

Indianexpress.com spoke to Veena V, Dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore to understand the myriad health benefits of this plant and how can you incorporate it in your regular diet to boost your immunity.

“There are numerous names for snow fungus, such as Tremella fuciformis, also silver ear fungus, white fungus and snow mushroom among others,” she said.

“It is a slimy in texture that has got a plain taste which makes it applicable in many dishes ranging from soups to desserts. Most of the time it comes in dried form and must be soaked in water before being used.”

Veena shared that snow fungus is usually cooked with other ingredients like goji berries, red dates, and rock sugar to produce nutritious foods that are tasty and beneficial. She added that it can be used together with chicken or pork in savory dishes for extra nutrition. She recommended simmering it for a long time so it let’s out most of its bioactive substances.

How can snow fungus improve your health?

According to Veena, snow fungus is a powerful immune system booster, skin enhancer and is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is also believed to increase hydration and been used for improving lung function and relieving fatigue.

She said that it can help in controlling blood sugar levels and enhancing your digestion.

“The polysaccharides found in snow fungus are thought to be anti-ageing properties that has led to the name “fountain of youth”. This helps retain moisture, prevents senile micro-blood vessels degradation, reduces wrinkles and smoothes out fine lines,” she said.

According to her, the presence of superoxide dismutase is increased by the fungus in both the brain and liver which makes it an ideal anti-aging remedy among others.

While snow fungus is generally safe for most people, those with allergies to mushrooms should avoid it. (Source: Freepik)

How can it be incorporated into an Indian diet?

Veena recommended putting snow fungus into soups or stews, including desserts that are prepared by blending the traditional Indian spices and ingredients.

“The trick is to use it in moderation without consuming too much of it. When added to dals, curries or even kheer, snow fungus not only adds its health benefits but also provides interesting new flavors. Because of its neutrality, it combines well with various Indian recipes,” she added.

Is snow fungus safe for everyone to consume?

“While snow fungus is generally safe for most people, those with allergies to mushrooms should avoid it. Additionally, individuals on blood-thinning medications or with specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before adding it to their diet to ensure it won’t interfere with their treatment,” said Veena.

She also warned pregnant or breastfeeding women to seek medical advice before consuming snow fungus.

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