Emily Johnson
White fungus, also known as Tremella fuciformis, is a wild edible mushroom that grows on the bark and branches of trees, especially broad-leaved trees. It is commonly found in Asia and other tropical climates worldwide, including South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. White fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is known for its medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. It is also used in the beauty industry due to its moisturizing properties and ability to improve skin hydration. In terms of nutrition, white fungus is likely similar to other wild mushrooms, being low in calories and providing small amounts of protein, fibre, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and folate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Tremella fuciformis |
| Common names | Snow fungus, silver ear, snow ear, white wood ear, white jelly mushroom, white jelly leaf, chrysanthemum mushroom, shirokikurage, white jelly fungus, yin er, white cloud ears, 白木耳 (Mandarin Chinese), shiro kikurage (Japanese), nấm tuyết or ngân nhĩ (Vietnamese) |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow in colour, with a soft, jelly-like texture that's almost translucent and the shape of underwater coral |
| Habitat | Grows on the bark and branches of broad-leaved trees in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Asia, North America, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands |
| Uses | Used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; also used in beauty products for its anti-aging and moisturizing properties |
| Nutritional value | High in fibre and low in calories; also contains vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides |
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What You'll Learn
White fungus is an edible mushroom
White fungus, also known as Tremella fuciformis, is a wild edible mushroom that grows on the bark and branches of trees, especially broad-leaved trees. It is commonly found attached to fallen branches and has a white to pale yellow colour, with a soft, jelly-like texture that is almost translucent. It is also known as snow fungus, silver ear, snow ear, white jelly mushroom, white jelly leaf, white wood ear, and white cloud ears due to its distinctive characteristics.
White fungus is widely cultivated and consumed in China, where it is one of the most popular fungi in the local cuisine and medicine. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is praised for its medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The fungus is also used in beauty products from China, Korea, and Japan, where it is said to increase moisture retention in the skin and prevent the degradation of micro-blood vessels, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
In terms of nutrition, white fungus is likely to have a similar profile to other wild mushrooms, although there is currently no available information on its specific nutritional value. However, mushrooms are generally low in calories and contain small amounts of protein, fibre, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and folate. White fungus is also said to be high in fibre and packed with multiple vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health.
Additionally, white fungus has been studied for its potential health benefits. Test-tube and animal studies have shown that it may have positive effects on blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, and the regulation of diabetes-related enzymes and hormones. It has also been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent disease and support immunity. However, more human research is needed to confirm the potential health effects of consuming white fungus.
White fungus is commercially cultivated using the "dual culture" method, which involves inoculating a sawdust mix with both Tremella fuciformis and its host species, Annulohypoxylon or Hypoxylon fungi. This method ensures successful colonisation and the formation of the distinctive gelatinous fruiting bodies of the fungus.
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It has medicinal properties
White fungus, also known as Tremella fuciformis, is a species of wild edible mushroom that grows on tree bark and branches, especially on broad-leaved trees. It is commonly found in tropical climates worldwide, including Asia, South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. White fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is known for its medicinal properties.
One of the key medicinal properties of white fungus is its ability to boost immunity. Test-tube studies have shown that white fungus contains polysaccharides that can help regulate the immune response and reduce infection-related mortality. It also contains a protein that may stimulate macrophage activity, a type of white blood cell that kills bacteria and eliminates damaged tissue. Additionally, white fungus has been found to improve the efficacy of antibodies, which helps the body fight bacteria and viruses.
White fungus is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The polysaccharides in white fungus have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This, in turn, may help reduce the risk of heart and kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes. Furthermore, white fungus has been found to increase the presence of superoxide dismutase, a potent antioxidant enzyme that can help protect the brain, liver, and skin from damage.
Another important medicinal property of white fungus is its potential benefits for brain health. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the gelatinous structure of white fungus resembles the brain, and it is believed to contain compounds that can protect and nourish this organ. Modern research has supported this claim, as a 2007 study found that white fungus has neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, promoting neurite outgrowth and helping to prevent b-amyloid toxicity. As a result, white fungus may be a potential precautionary agent in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
White fungus is also used in cosmetic products due to its anti-aging and moisturizing properties. The polysaccharides in white fungus help retain moisture and reduce collagen loss in the skin, leading to improved skin hydration and a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, white fungus has been found to prevent senile degradation of micro-blood vessels in the skin, further contributing to its anti-aging effects.
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It's used in skincare
White fungus, or Tremella fuciformis, is a wild edible mushroom that grows on tree bark and branches, especially on broad-leaved trees. It is commonly found in tropical climates worldwide, including Asia, South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. With its white to pale yellow colour, jelly-like texture, and shape resembling underwater coral, it is also known as snow fungus, silver ear, snow ear, white jelly mushroom, and white cloud ears.
White fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is known for its medicinal benefits. It is rich in fibre and contains chains of carbohydrates called polysaccharides, which provide various health benefits. These benefits include improved brain, heart, skin, and immune health.
Now, let's delve into its use in skincare:
Anti-aging and moisturising properties: The polysaccharides in white fungus have been shown to improve skin hydration and reduce water and collagen loss in the skin after sun or UV exposure. When coated on the skin, white fungus polysaccharides form a transparent film that enhances water retention, acting as a natural moisturiser and helping to reduce wrinkles and smooth fine lines.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: White fungus is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can benefit skin health and reduce oxidative stress in the body. It also helps prevent the senile degradation of micro-blood vessels in the skin.
Skin protection: In addition to its anti-aging effects, white fungus may also help protect the skin from UV damage. Evidence suggests that the polysaccharides in white fungus may reduce skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Immune-boosting: The polysaccharides in white fungus promote the production of interferon and interleukin, two powerful immune-boosting proteins. This can help strengthen the skin's defence against external aggressors and promote overall skin health.
Overall, the unique properties of white fungus make it a promising ingredient in skincare solutions, offering potential benefits for skin hydration, anti-aging, and overall skin health.
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It's also known as snow fungus
White fungus, or Tremella fuciformis, is also known as snow fungus due to its characteristic features and the environments in which it is found. It is a parasitic species of yeast that grows as a slimy, mucus-like film until it encounters its preferred host, various species of Annulohypoxylon or Hypoxylon fungi. Once it has invaded its host, it triggers the aggressive mycelial growth required to form gelatinous, watery white fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies are composed of thin but erect, seaweed-like, branching fronds, often crisped at the edges, and can grow up to 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) across.
Snow fungus is widespread, especially in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, including South and Central America, the Caribbean, parts of North America, sub-Saharan Africa, southern and eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It is commercially cultivated and is one of the most popular fungi in the cuisine and medicine of China, where it has been grown since at least the nineteenth century.
In Mandarin Chinese, snow fungus is called 银耳 (yín ěr) or 雪耳 (xuě ěr), which literally translate to "silver ear" and "snow ear", respectively. Other common names for snow fungus include white jelly mushroom, yin er, white jelly fungus, white jelly leaf ("shirokikurage" in Japanese), silver ear mushroom, snow mushroom, and chrysanthemum mushroom.
Snow fungus is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is low in calories and high in fibre, and it contains multiple vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health. Studies have shown that snow fungus extract may positively influence diabetes-related enzymes and hormones, and it is also used in beauty products for its anti-aging and moisturising properties.
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It's commercially cultivated
White fungus, or Tremella fuciformis, is a commercially cultivated species of fungus. It has been cultivated in China since at least the nineteenth century. The traditional method of cultivation involved preparing wooden poles and treating them in various ways to encourage colonisation by the fungus. While this method was somewhat haphazard, it was improved when the poles were inoculated with spores or mycelium.
Modern commercial production of Tremella fuciformis uses a "dual culture" method, in which a sawdust mix is inoculated with both Tremella and its host species, and kept under optimal conditions. This method ensures successful colonisation by the fungus.
Tremella fuciformis is commercially cultivated due to its widespread use in traditional Chinese medicine and its popularity in Asian cuisine, particularly in China. It is also used in beauty products from China, Korea, and Japan. In these industries, Tremella fuciformis is prized for its medicinal properties, nutritional content, and anti-aging effects.
The fungus is also known as snow fungus, silver ear, snow ear, white jelly mushroom, and white cloud ears, among other names. It is characterised by its white to pale yellow colour, soft jelly-like texture, and coral-like shape. Tremella fuciformis grows on the bark and branches of trees, particularly broad-leaved trees, and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
White fungus, or Tremella fuciformis, is a wild edible mushroom that grows on the bark and branches of trees, especially broad-leaved trees. It is commonly found in Asia and tropical climates worldwide.
White fungus is white to pale yellow in colour, with a soft, jelly-like texture that's almost translucent. It has a shape that resembles underwater coral.
White fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known for its medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. It is also used in the beauty industry for its moisturising properties.
