Black Fungus Dried Mushroom UK – Crunchy Texture & Light, Healthy Umami

Black fungus dried mushrooms (also known as cloud ear, tree ear or wood ear) are a classic Asian pantry staple, valued for their neutral taste, slightly crunchy, jelly‑like texture and excellent ability to soak up sauces, broths and marinades. They are ideal for stir‑fries, soups, hotpot, noodle dishes and salads, adding body and bite without overpowering other flavors.​

Key Features

• 100% dried black fungus (typically Auricularia polytricha or related wood ear species), supplied in thin, dark, ear‑shaped pieces.​

• Mild, almost neutral flavour that easily absorbs seasonings, soy, chilli, garlic and stock.​

• Naturally low in fat and calories but particularly high in fibre, with small amounts of minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.​

• Expands 3–4 times in size after soaking, so a small handful is enough for a full dish.​

• Long‑life dried format, ideal for UK home kitchens looking to recreate Chinese and wider Asian recipes.​

Positive Effects

• High fibre content: Supports healthy digestion and bowel regularity, and helps you feel fuller when used in meals.​

• Low calorie, low fat: Suitable for weight‑conscious and plant‑based diets while still adding texture and volume to dishes.​

• Provides small amounts of essential minerals that contribute to normal heart, bone and nerve function as part of a balanced diet.​

• Contains prebiotic fibres (including beta‑glucans) and antioxidants that may support gut and immune health, though human research is still limited.​

(Used as a food ingredient only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition.)​

Possible Negative Effects

• Must always be soaked and thoroughly cooked; eating dried or undercooked black fungus may lead to digestive discomfort or food‑borne illness risk.​

• Foraged black fungus is not recommended due to misidentification and pollution; it is safer to use professionally sourced, food‑grade dried products.​

• People with known mushroom allergies or sensitivities should avoid consumption or consult a healthcare professional before including it regularly in their diet.​

How to Prepare

1. Place the dried black fungus in a bowl and cover with warm water for 20–30 minutes until fully softened and expanded.​

2. Rinse well to remove any grit or debris, then trim any tough base pieces if needed.​

3. Slice or leave in pieces and add to stir‑fries, soups, hotpots, salads or noodle dishes near the end of cooking to retain the characteristic crunch.​

Why Choose Our Black Fungus Dried Mushroom UK

• Food‑grade, kitchen‑ready black fungus with reliable quality, texture and hydration performance.​

• Versatile ingredient that works across Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and fusion recipes, helping UK cooks achieve authentic texture and restaurant‑style results at home.​

• Convenient, shelf‑stable product that stores easily in a cool, dry place and is ready to use whenever you need extra crunch and body in a dish.