Shaanxi Black Fungus

Shaanxi Black Fungus

　　Black fungus, historically known as "Shangluo Ear," is a natural edible mushroom with a long history. The *Supplementary Shang Records* state: "The mountains are abundant with oak trees, and locals harvest black fungus. In recent years, it has been packaged and transported by land and water to Xianghan, where it is sold as Yun Ear at twice the price of Sichuan Ear." This shows that Shangluo black fungus has been as renowned as Yun Ear since ancient times, enjoying a long-standing reputation, and is an excellent choice for entertaining guests and giving as gifts to family and friends. Shangluo black fungus features large, thick pieces that stay fresh without spoiling and have a fragrant taste, with the added benefit of helping to dissolve hairballs. Stir-fried with pork, it remains juicy without being greasy; it pairs well with various dishes and is highly nutritious. Each 100 grams of black fungus contains 10.6 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 65 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fiber, along with various vitamins and liver glycogen. It also has certain medicinal properties, such as nourishing yin and yang, clearing the lungs and benefiting qi, enriching blood, treating postpartum weakness in women, numbness and cramps in hands and feet, breaking down fibrous impurities, and cleansing the intestines and stomach. It has special health benefits for workers in light industry and mining. The compressed black fungus produced by Zhen'an County Foreign Trade Company is high-quality and affordable, favored by domestic and international merchants. There are more than ten varieties of black fungus. The type grown on palm trees, called "smooth ear," is of the highest quality and a major source of income. Shangluo black fungus refers specifically to oak tree fungus. The type grown on paper mulberry trees, called "hairy ear," has a fuzzy back, is heavier, and of lower quality. Mulberry ear, locust ear, elm ear, willow ear, poplar ear, and persimmon ear are all edible, but none match the flavor of smooth ear. Shangluo black fungus is produced in all counties and cities across the region, primarily cultivated artificially using oak trees, with Danfeng and Shangnan as the main producing counties, accounting for about 30% and 25% of the regional output, respectively. In 1998, the region produced 541 tons of black fungus, making it one of the key industries for development.