Often on sale there is such an unusual delicacy - a coral mushroom. In reality, apart from appearance, this mushroom has nothing to do with corals. It is a special type of edible mushroom with a white and translucent texture similar to a snow cloud. In addition to white, this mushroom can have various bright colors - yellow, orange, red. Besides the definition of "coral", this mushroom has many different names. It can be called scallop, ice, snow, royal or gelatinous mushroom. But such a mushroom also has a scientific definition - fucus tremella. It is similar in size to the size of a tennis ball. The ice mushroom can grow to a size of about 7-10 centimeters in diameter. There is a beautiful lace edging around the mushroom. Depending on the humidity of the surrounding area, where the mushroom grows, it can be slippery and jelly-like.
Basically, the coral fungus grows in subtropical forests on trees, which provide it with all the necessary nutrition and moisture. Also, this fungus can grow in mixed forests in rotten wood, in the branches of deciduous trees, as well as in forests with high humidity. The scallop can be mainly found in the countries of Southeast Asia, in Japanese forests, in New Zealand. Also, occasionally, a mushroom can be found on the territory of the Russian Federation of the Primorsky Territory. The fungus can grow both singly and as a family.
At the moment, the cultivation of this delicacy is quite common.
The coral mushroom was discovered by an English scientist in the nineteenth century. Despite this, the peoples of Asian countries have been consuming this delicacy for a long time. They also knew about the extraordinarily beneficial and medicinal properties of such a mushroom. Asian medicine men used the mushroom as a medicine in the fight against colds, lung diseases, as well as for toning the body. Translated from Chinese, this mushroom means "silver ear" and "snow ear" or, in Japanese translation, "white tree jellyfish."
Important positive characteristics of the mushroom
Its caloric content is low - about 50 kcal per 100 grams, but the snow mushroom is extremely nutritious: it contains dietary fiber (70%), as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Dietary fiber is absent in it. The mushroom contains many useful amino acids, vitamins (for example, vitamin D), and minerals. All this is extremely useful and necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. That is why for a long time the peoples of China have used this delicacy in traditional medicine in the treatment of hypertension, tuberculosis and various colds. Nowadays, with their research, Israeli scientists have confirmed the benefits of the product. They also revealed the beneficial effect of the fungus in protecting against ionizing radiation, while strengthening the respiratory system. Coral mushroom improves hematopoietic processes, lowers blood cholesterol levels, has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic effects, protects liver cells from toxic effects, reduces neuralgic disorders, as well as improves brain function and prevents the development of various types of tumors. Such a wide range of positive qualities of the mushroom has an explanation: it contains special types of polysaccharides, which doctors advise to take in case of immune deficiency, early aging and during stress. These glycogens prevent wear and tear of the vascular and capillary systems. Many doctors believe that the use of such a mushroom is extremely beneficial for smokers. Coral mushroom is rich in vitamin D, so it helps to rejuvenate the skin, accelerate metabolic processes in the body and improve blood circulation in cells.
But this product also has a contraindication: it should not be used by people who are taking anticoagulants for cancer.
Storage
In the past, coral mushroom was considered a very rare delicacy that few could afford. In the modern world, fucus tremella is grown industrially, therefore it will not be difficult to find it in stores.
The conditions for long-term storage of the mushroom are that it must be kept dry and cool in an insulated container, for example, in a separate container in the refrigerator.
Cooking ice mushroom
The mushroom itself has a fleshy and at the same time delicate structure, and occasionally has a smell. Before eating it, an additional preparatory procedure is required. The required amount of mushrooms should be filled with water of medium temperature for at least half an hour. In this case, the mushroom should open up and its size can increase tenfold. Next, it must be washed, disassembled by inflorescences, and the hard parts, if any, are separated with a knife.
The simplest and most common way to prepare such a mushroom is to marinate. This unique taste will not leave anyone indifferent. The dish is not similar to anything, has an excellent taste, slightly crunchy pieces have a spicy and sour taste. The snow-white mushroom can be used as a separate spicy snack, but you can also serve it with your favorite side dishes (mainly potatoes). Mushrooms go well with various types of meat and fish. The meal goes well with Korean snacks - Korean-style scallops, with scrambled eggs.
Gourmet tree mushroom recipe
To prepare the dish, it is necessary to place the pre-soaked mushrooms in a container with chicken broth and boil for a short time over low heat. After waiting for the moment when the corals pick up the main part of the chicken broth, they must be fried in vegetable oil, adding a little garlic and dry wine. Then all excess moisture is evaporated over medium heat with the lid open (about five minutes). The dish is ready! It is served both as an independent delicacy and as a side dish: boiled, fried potatoes.
The most common recipe for scallops is mushrooms with meat
100 grams of mushrooms, three branches of green onions, one onion, three cloves of garlic, half a teaspoon of salt and white pepper, one tablespoon of olive oil or any other vegetable oil for frying, about two tablespoons of sesame oil, 200 grams of any meat to taste …
- First of all, the mushroom should be separated into individual inflorescences and rinsed thoroughly. Place in boiling water and boil for about two minutes. Next, transfer the mushrooms to a colander and rinse again with running water.
- The meat is cut into small long pieces, salted and peppery to taste.
- Scallops, separately placed in a container, are also salted and peeled.
- Chop the onions into rings or half rings, and chop the green onions. Crush the garlic with a press or with a garlic press.
- In a deep bowl, combine mushrooms, onions, garlic and mix everything thoroughly.
- Put the meat in a preheated pan with vegetable oil and fry until browned.
- Next, add a mixture of mushrooms and fry everything together for another five to seven minutes.
- Remove from heat, add a little sesame oil and sprinkle with herbs.
The dish is ready.
The delicacy can be served as an independent dish or with your favorite side dish, for example, any kind of potatoes, as well as with Korean food.
Korean-style scallops
Now, to prepare such a delicious dish, it will not be difficult to find a coral mushroom on store shelves.
This salad is extraordinarily delicious, delicate and crispy and spicy at the same time.
As a basis, you can use a classic carrot recipe or use ready-made spices for Korean carrots.
You need to take: one pack of dried tree mushrooms, half a liter of boiling water, three medium-sized carrots, one pack of Korean carrot seasoning, six cloves of garlic, one tablespoon of vinegar, 50 grams of vegetable oil, salt.
- Open a pack of dried mushrooms and pour into a large container filled with boiling water and leave to stand for thirty minutes. Next, the mushrooms are washed and the excess liquid is drained. Tough parts, if any, should be separated from the mushrooms. Divide the mushrooms into small inflorescences.
- Peel the carrots and grate them into strips. Add finely grated or chopped garlic and seasoning there. Mix all components intensively.
- Add snow mushroom inflorescences to the carrot mixture, salt as desired and add vinegar. Mix all.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a separate container and pour into the future salad.
- It is necessary to let the dish brew, stirring it periodically.
This salad is ideal for any meat dishes. Its pungency can be adjusted based on the amount of Korean carrot seasoning added.
