Limetree Mushrooms from Lichuan

Limetree Mushrooms from Lichuan

　　Limetree Mushrooms from Lichuan are a specialty of Lichuan County, Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province. These mushrooms grow naturally on logs and are sun-dried, making them tastier than the mushrooms commonly sold in markets.

　　These mushrooms are rich in nutrients. In 100 grams of dried product, they contain 896 kJ of energy, 21 grams of protein, 1.3 grams of fat, 32 grams of crude fiber, 29 grams of carbohydrates, 20–120 micrograms of vitamin A (carotene), 0.19 milligrams of vitamin B1, 1.3 milligrams of vitamin B2, 24.8 milligrams of niacin, 5 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.55–21.92 milligrams of vitamin E, 35 milligrams of calcium, 289 milligrams of phosphorus, and 7.3 milligrams of iron. They also contain other vitamins, minerals, over 30 types of enzymes, and 18 essential amino acids required by the human body.

　　“Lentinan,” a compound found in these mushrooms, can significantly enhance the body’s immunity against tumors and may even cause small existing tumors to completely disappear. “Lentinin” has certain therapeutic effects on high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis caused by high cholesterol, as well as on acute and chronic nephritis, proteinuria, diabetes, gallstones, and pyelonephritis. The ergosterol in mushrooms helps prevent rickets-causing bacteria and anemia. The polysaccharide proteins and ribonucleic acids in mushrooms also have auxiliary therapeutic effects on treating AIDS, hepatitis, and leukemia.

　　Common cooking methods: After washing, the mushrooms can be diced, sliced, shredded, or cut into strips. They can then be stir-fried, boiled, steamed, deep-fried, braised, or stewed alone, or combined with meat, poultry, eggs, fish, shrimp, and various vegetables to prepare a variety of delicious dishes, soups, dim sum, cold platters, and more. They also make an excellent ingredient for hot pot.