In eastern countries, tree fungi, considered parasites in all other regions of the world, are intensively added to food. These products have an unusual and quite attractive taste. Nowadays, the benefits of wood mushrooms are actively discussed, they are actively used in the preparation of national oriental dishes, such as side dishes, sushi and stews.
How do they look?
"Appearance" in wood mushrooms is different. So, black Chinese does not have distinct legs and hats, only a wavy and thin body. Remotely, he looks like scallops. But shiitake have similarities with mushrooms, but differ in color. A common feature of Chinese tree mushrooms is the distribution of special enzymes that contribute to the decomposition of the tree and the rapid growth of mycelium.
Varieties of this product
They are divided into subspecies, the following can be attributed to edible wood mushrooms:
- Coral tree mushroom, which is also known as royal, snowy, icy, white or gelatinous. Appearance reminds sea corals of white coloring. Grows on a wood surface.
- Shiitake, or, as it is also called, Japanese forest mushroom, grows on dead wood. It looks like champignons, but it has dark brown stains on the hat. Shiitake has an excellent taste, so these mushrooms are used to prepare many dishes.
- Yellow and orange tinder fungus. They grow in temperate climates, on tree bark. It looks like an ear in shape. The Chinese use tinder for medicinal purposes. These mushrooms are edible and inedible. The latter are poisonous and grow on coniferous trees.
- Black Muir. Very famous in Thailand, Vietnam and China. Alder trees are home for the Muer mushroom. It looks like an auricle, the fruit body is thin and black. Young mushrooms are usually pinkish with transparent flesh.
How are they useful?
Mushrooms, as a rule, are delivered in a dried form - so they are more convenient to transport and store. When dried, they do not lose vitamins and minerals, but they must be soaked before use. The benefits of dried and fresh wood mushrooms are as follows. They include calcium, iron, vitamin D, chitin, potassium, polysaccharide, phosphorus, acids, protein.
Wood mushrooms are not high-calorie and are considered dietary products. They are indispensable in diets, because they help cleanse the intestines and give a feeling of fullness. So, for example, in a tinder box twenty-four kilocalories, and in a shiitake a little more - thirty-four.
The use of wood mushrooms in the human diet is that they beneficially affect:
- gastrointestinal tract;
- lower cholesterol and sugar;
- stable functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- brain function, improve concentration and memory;
- musculoskeletal system;
- the liver, protecting it from toxins.
Experts confirm that mushrooms are useful in radiation, for the prevention of cancerous tumors and the treatment of diabetes. Even their benefits for smokers have been proven - coral tree fungus contains nicotinic acid. Muir in turn prevents vitamin deficiency. Shiitake are beneficial to the respiratory system, and in Chinese teachings they are regulators of positive Chi energy.
Can they be harmful?
As you can see, this product is very useful. But along with the benefits, the properties of wood mushrooms can also be harmful. They are dangerous for:
- children under the age of fourteen, since they contain chitin;
- may cause an allergic reaction;
- some have individual intolerance;
- people with diseases of the digestive system, because the body of such patients does not absorb this product.
Mushrooms are mainly produced in enterprises; there is no risk of poisoning. But you must adhere to the instructions for use and storage of raw materials. You also need to understand that dried tree mushrooms should not be bought by hand.
How are they used?
In order to prepare a dish, the ingredients of which will include Chinese tree mushroom, you must properly prepare this product. Typically, the packaging in which it is sold has written cooking guidelines, but there are certain features in the preparation and use that are not always indicated.
The first thing to do is to soak the mushrooms in warm water, the temperature of which should be slightly higher than room temperature. But a prerequisite is that the water should not be hot. Otherwise, the product will deteriorate. After the mushrooms soak a little, they must be washed and placed in cold water. Muer must be kept in this form for at least twelve hours, after which it will be possible to begin cooking. But before that you need to drain the water, season the mushrooms with vinegar (concentration not more than 9%) and add salt to taste.
Original Muer appetizer
How to cook wood mushrooms? Most often they are used to make salads and other dishes. For one snack option, you will need the following:
- canned corn - one can;
- two packs of muer mushrooms;
- two cloves of garlic;
- one onion;
- one hundred milliliters of soy sauce;
- vegetable oil - two tablespoons.
How to cook an appetizer from a muer? It is necessary to cut the mushrooms into small slices. Then they should be fried together with onions in a frying pan in vegetable oil, for about five minutes. Put the corn out of the can, drain the liquid, place it on the mushrooms. Extinguish by adding one glass of water until it evaporates completely. Add the garlic, which must first be passed through a press, as well as soy sauce. When the latter begins to boil, extinguish the fire. The dish is ready, it is served warm.
Funchose and Muer Salad
This is an original salad of wood mushrooms, for which you should prepare:
- smoked chicken - two hundred grams;
- one pack of muer;
- one small onion;
- one cucumber;
- one carrot;
- one clove of garlic;
- funchose - one hundred grams;
- vegetable oil;
- soy sauce;
- salt;
- sugar.
How to make a salad? Mushrooms must be cut into large pieces. Cut the onion in half rings, grate the carrots with a large cell, mix it all together with the muer and fry in vegetable oil until necessary.
Cut the chicken into strips, grate the fresh cucumber with a large cell, boil the funchose and let it cool. When vegetables with mushrooms are ready, mix all the ingredients in one salad bowl, add garlic, sugar, soy sauce, salt, black pepper and mix well.
The finished dish should be cooled for a couple of hours. This salad is sold to the table as a separate dish.
Shiitake Mushroom Salad
This is a rather savory snack that Asian lovers will surely appreciate. To prepare it you will need:
- 20 grams of dried shiitake mushrooms;
- 1 medium carrot;
- 1 small head of Peking cabbage;
- hot red pepper;
- 1 tbsp. l vegetable oil;
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil;
- 1 tbsp. l soya sauce;
- 1 tbsp. l lemon juice;
- 2-3 cloves of garlic;
- 1 tsp dried ground ginger.
How to cook it? Shiitake needs to be soaked and then boiled in new water. Cabbage and carrots need to be cut into thin strips, chopped garlic. Then mix it all with chilled mushrooms.
Combine all the ingredients for dressing and pour salad with this mixture. Leave for a while so that all components are saturated with each other's aromas.
When you try these dishes, they will leave you with an unforgettable experience. You will benefit from tree mushrooms, fully enjoying their taste. Bon Appetit everyone!