Saltong White Fungus

Saltong White Fungus

　　White fungus, also known as tremella, belongs to the genus Tremella of the family Tremellaceae. It is not only an edible fungus with high economic value but also a well-known medicinal herb. Historically, physicians have believed it to have the effects of “nourishing kidney, moistening lung, promoting body fluid, and relieving cough.” It contains 17 types of amino acids and acidic heteropolysaccharides. White fungus also enhances liver detoxification function and human immune function, has a tonic effect, and also shows certain inhibitory effects on tumors.

　　Fresh white fungus fruiting bodies are pure white, semi-transparent, and consist of 3–10 wavy lobes. They resemble five fingers, cockscomb flowers, or peony blossoms, varying in size and weight. When dried, they become keratinous, hard, and brittle, turning white or beige, with their volume drastically reduced to 1/18–1/30 of the original.