Snow fungus TCM beauty soup

Snow Fungus aka. Tremella aka. 银耳 Soup is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. This classic sweet soup is prized for its yin-nourishing, lung-moistening, and skin-beautifying properties. It is known to have a plant-based source of collagen, though technically it doesn't contain collagen itself (which is an animal protein). Instead, tremella contains high levels of polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which helps the skin retain moisture similar to hyaluronic acid, support skin elasticity and hydration, promote collagen synthesis in the body by producing skin cells and supporting fibroblast function.

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 1 whole snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis) – about 15g dried

• 5 dried red dates

• 1 tbsp goji berries (gou qi zi)

• 2 tbsp lotus seeds (optional, soaked if dried)

• 2 tbsp lily bulbs

• 1 l. water

• Rock sugar or honey (optional), to taste (start with ~2 tbsp)

Instructions:

1. Soak the snow fungus:

   • Soak the dried snow fungus in warm water for 1–2 hours and rinse off, until fully expanded and soft.

   • Trim off the yellow tough stem. Tear the fungus into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare other ingredients:

   • Rinse red dates and goji berries. Remove pits from dates if desired.

   • If using dried lotus seeds, soak for 2+ hours or overnight.

3. Simmer the soup:

   • In a pot, add snow fungus, red dates, lotus seeds and lily bulbs (if using).

   • Bring water to a boil and immediately lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 1.5-2 hours, until the soup thickens and the snow fungus becomes gelatinous and soft.

4. Add goji berries and sweetener:

   • Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

   • Stir in rock sugar (or honey, after turning off the heat).

5. Serve:

   • Enjoy warm or chilled. It's often eaten as a dessert, but it’s just as good as a nourishing tea.

     Notes:

     • You can add pear slices or dried longan for additional lung-moistening and flavor.

     • For a more medicinal version, some TCM practitioners add American ginseng, astragalus, or white fungus combinations—but keep it balanced.

     • This soup is also especially suitable during dry, cold weather or for people recovering from illness or fatigue.