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Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom
Fungi
Nutri-ScoreA

Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom

Auricularia auricula-judae

Clinical Encyclopedia

The Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom, known for its gelatinous texture and mild flavor, is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is rich in nutrients and has been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits.

Also known as:
Wood Ear MushroomBlack Fungus
Scientific NameAuricularia auricula-judae
Region of OriginChina

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories49 kcal
Water
90%
Fiber2.5g
Total13.6g
Protein
2.2g(16%)
Fats
0.2g(1%)
Carbohydrates
11.2g(82%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C2 mg (2%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.2 mg (15%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)3 mg (19%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.6 mg (12%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (6%)
Folate20 µg (5%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin D: 0.1 µgVitamin B12: 0 µgCholine: 7 mg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium18 mg (2%)
Iron0.5 mg (3%)
Magnesium9 mg (2%)
Phosphorus34 mg (5%)
Potassium300 mg (6%)
Zinc0.2 mg (2%)
Copper0.1 mg (5%)
Manganese0.1 mg (5%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0.2 µg

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Contains polysaccharides that can support immune function and promote gut health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed rehydrated in soups, stir-fries, or salads. Ensure thorough cooking to enhance flavor and digestibility.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose dried mushrooms that are firm and free from mold or discoloration.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantImmune-boostingDigestive health
Main Applications
Culinary uses in soups and stir-fries
Traditional medicine for immune support
Bioactive Compounds
Polysaccharides

Enhance immune response and gut health.

Antioxidants

Protect cells from oxidative damage.

How to Consume
Dried, Rehydrated, Cooked
Did you know?

"The Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported health benefits."

Myths vs Realities

MythMushrooms are a vegetable.
RealityMushrooms are fungi, not vegetables, and have different nutritional profiles.
MythAll mushrooms are safe to eat.
RealitySome mushrooms are toxic; always ensure you are consuming edible varieties.
MythMushrooms can absorb toxins from the environment.
RealityWhile mushrooms can absorb some substances, properly cultivated mushrooms are safe to eat.

Healthy Recipes

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining the earthy flavors of cloud ear mushrooms with nutritious quinoa and vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup rehydrated whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rehydrated cloud ear mushrooms, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve chilled.

Stir-Fried Cloud Ear Mushrooms with Broccoli

A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring cloud ear mushrooms and broccoli, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup sliced whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat, add garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until bright green.
  3. 3. Stir in the cloud ear mushrooms and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Cloud Ear Mushroom Soup

A comforting and nutrient-rich soup featuring cloud ear mushrooms, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup rehydrated whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. 2. Add the vegetable broth, cloud ear mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth or leave chunky as desired.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Spinach Omelette

A protein-packed omelette filled with cloud ear mushrooms and spinach, perfect for a healthy breakfast.

Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup rehydrated whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add cloud ear mushrooms and spinach, and sauté until spinach wilts.
  3. 3. Pour the eggs over the vegetables, cook until set, then fold and serve.

Cloud Ear Mushroom Tacos

Delicious and healthy tacos filled with sautéed cloud ear mushrooms and topped with fresh salsa.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup sliced whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté the cloud ear mushrooms in a pan until tender and season with salt.
  2. 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan.
  3. 3. Assemble the tacos by filling tortillas with mushrooms and topping with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Chickpea Curry

A hearty vegan curry featuring cloud ear mushrooms and chickpeas, packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup rehydrated whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add the curry powder and cook for another minute.
  3. 3. Stir in the chickpeas, cloud ear mushrooms, and coconut milk, simmer for 15 minutes, and serve hot.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Avocado Toast

A trendy and nutritious avocado toast topped with sautéed cloud ear mushrooms, perfect for brunch.

Ingredients
  • 2 slices whole grain bread
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1 cup sliced whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Toast the whole grain bread until golden brown.
  2. 2. Sauté the cloud ear mushrooms in olive oil until tender and season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Spread mashed avocado on the toast, top with mushrooms, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Brown Rice Bowl

A wholesome bowl filled with brown rice, cloud ear mushrooms, and assorted vegetables, drizzled with a tangy dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup rehydrated whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, cloud ear mushrooms, bell peppers, and shredded carrots.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the rice bowl and mix well before serving.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Lentil Patties

Nutritious lentil patties infused with cloud ear mushrooms, perfect for a healthy snack or meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup rehydrated whole cloud ear mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix cooked lentils, chopped cloud ear mushrooms, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into patties.
  3. 3. Cook patties in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

Cloud Ear Mushroom and Zucchini Noodles

A light and healthy dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles topped with sautéed cloud ear mushrooms.

Ingredients
  • 2 zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup sliced whole cloud ear mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add cloud ear mushrooms and cook until tender.
  3. 3. Toss in the spiralized zucchini noodles, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the health benefits of Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom?

Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom is rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, which can support immune function and gut health.

How do you prepare Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom?

Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes, then rinse and cook in your desired dish.

Can Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom be eaten raw?

It is not recommended to eat them raw; they should be cooked to enhance flavor and digestibility.

Where can I buy Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom?

They are commonly available in Asian grocery stores and online.

Are there any side effects of consuming Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom?

Generally safe for most people; however, those with mushroom allergies should avoid it.

How should Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom be stored?

Store dried mushrooms in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

What dishes can I make with Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom?

They are great in soups, stir-fries, and salads.

Is Whole Cloud Ear Mushroom gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.