About
Tremella fuciformis, commonly known as Snow Fungus, White Jelly Mushroom, or Silver Ear, is a gelatinous, edible fungus prized in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. Known for its translucent, frilly, snowflake-like appearance, it is primarily used in sweet soups, herbal tonics, and skincare products. Snow Fungus is cultivated widely in Asia and is renowned for its health benefits, especially in promoting hydration, collagen production, and respiratory health.
History
Snow Fungus has been used in China for over 2,000 years, particularly among the nobility, who prized it as a beauty-enhancing tonic. It was believed to nourish the lungs, moisten the skin, and extend longevity. Empress Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor, is often associated with its traditional use for preserving youth and beauty.
With the rise of modern biotechnology, Tremella fuciformis has been extensively studied and cultivated for its polysaccharides, especially tremellan, which exhibit powerful hydration, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects. It is now commonly found in wellness products and functional foods worldwide.
Overview
This fungus forms loose, cloud-like clusters of soft, white to off-white jelly-like fronds. In the wild, it grows on dead or decaying hardwoods, particularly in subtropical regions. Cultivated forms are grown on sterilized sawdust blocks or logs and are harvested when fully expanded.
Snow Fungus is flavorless but absorbs surrounding flavors well, making it a perfect ingredient for sweet soups, desserts, and beauty tonics. It is low in calories and rich in fiber and bioactive polysaccharides that support skin hydration, immune health, and inflammation reduction.
Flavors
Mild
Tremella fuciformis has a mild flavor, often described as bland or tasteless.
Textures
Gelatinous
Tremella fuciformis has a soft, gelatinous texture.
Fragrances
Gentle
Tremella fuciformis has a mild, almost non-existent fragrance.
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Gelatinous, white to pale yellow
Gills:
None
Medicinal Chemistry
Similar Species
Species: Tremella mesenterica
Edibility: edible
Key Differences: Tremella mesenterica is yellow and not as gelatinous as Tremella fuciformis.
Species: Tremella mesenterica
Edibility: edible
Nutrition Facts
Mushroom Ratings
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References
Determination of bacterial toxin toxoflavin and fervenulin in food and identification of their degradation products
Immune modulatory effects of food supplement products Zeng Jian Heath Tonic and Zhen Yuan Capsule in elderly mice
Effect of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide on the stalling and flavor of tteok during storage
Use of the Endophytic Fungus Daldinia cf. concentrica and Its Volatiles as Bio-Control Agents
One Tremella fuciformis Berk. sample was found with 7.5 mg/kg toxoflavin and 3.2 mg/kg fervenulin. The study suggests that toxoflavin and fervenulin are acidic compounds that are easily degraded.
2023
The study suggests that the combination of Zeng Jian Health Tonic, which contains extracts from Tremella fuciformis, and Zhen Yuan Capsule has immune modulatory effects on elderly mice.
2023
This study suggests that Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide can increase the stability of starch to thermal mechanical shearing, decrease short-term retrogradation, and slow down flavor deterioration.
2023
Endophytic fungi are organisms that spend most of their life cycle within plant tissues without causing any visible damage to the host plant. Many endophytes were found to secrete specialized metabolites and/or emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may be biologically active and assist fungal survival inside the plant as well as benefit their hosts.
2016