Tremella (Snow fungus), also known as white tree ear fungus, silver fungus and silver ear is quite similar to wood ear. It is white in color and almost transparent.
Tremella is commonly used to enhance body liquids – good for throat and lungs.
It is 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.
At the same time, Tremella is commonly used as a stimulating herb and also as a beauty augmenting medicine. It is widely used for the betterment of the skin tone. Tremella is one of the premier beauty herbs of Asia and is used to beautify the skin. When consumed regularly, the skin is believe to become soft and moist.
To prepare Tremella to be used in soups and desserts, just wash and soak dried Tremella in cold water for 20 – 30 minutes or until it becomes soft. Cut into smaller pieces before adding to your soup. The middle of the fungus is usually quite hard, some people will prefer to use only the softer edges.
Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add Tremella, red dates and rock sugar into boiling water.
Bring it to a boil again. Reduce heat to low fire, simmer for 30 min. Add in small sago, and simmer till all ingredients are tender and soup becomes lightly thicken, for another 30 min. Serve hot.