Morels are the most renowned edible fungi among ascomycetes. Their caps contain seven essential amino acids: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine. They are sweet and cooling with no toxicity, benefiting digestion, resolving phlegm, and regulating qi.Morchella is exceptionally nutritious. Analysis shows it contains 20% crude protein, 26% crude fat, 38.1% carbohydrates, and multiple amino acids—particularly glutamic acid at 1.76%. Thus, it's hailed as an "excellent protein source" and dubbed "vegetarian meat."
Human proteins are composed of combinations of 20 amino acids, and morels contain 18 of these. Among them, 8 amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body but are exceptionally important for human nutrition, hence they are called "essential amino acids."
Morchella, also known as sheep's stomach mushroom, sheep's stomach vegetable, or sheep's stomach fungus, is used to treat indigestion, abdominal distension, phlegm accumulation, and coughing with wheezing. As a rare edible and medicinal fungus belonging to the Morchella genus of the Morchellaceae family, what is its nutritional value? Let's explore below.
Additionally, tests confirm morels contain at least eight vitamins: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Biotin, and Folic Acid.
The nutritional content of morels rivals that of milk, meat, and fish meal. Consequently, they are internationally recognized as one of the "health foods."Morels contain tumor-inhibiting polysaccharides and active components with antibacterial and antiviral properties. They enhance immunity, combat fatigue, resist viruses, and suppress tumors. Japanese scientists discovered that morel extracts contain tyrosinase inhibitors, effectively suppressing lipofuscin formation.
Consumption Methods [Therapeutic Effects]
Morels are neutral in nature, sweet and cool in taste, and non-toxic. They benefit the stomach and intestines, aid digestion, resolve phlegm and regulate qi, tonify the kidneys and invigorate yang, nourish the brain and refresh the mind. Additionally, they strengthen the body, prevent colds, and enhance immunity.
【Consumption Notes】
Due to their rich nutritional profile, morels are suitable for all ages, particularly as an ideal health food for adolescents and middle-aged/elderly individuals. Recommended serving size is approximately 30 grams per meal. Morel Chicken Stew Ingredients: 1 young chicken, morel mushrooms, ginger, scallions, red dates, goji berries, salt, water.
Method:
1. Clean the young chicken, removing the feet and tail. Slice ginger and tie scallions into knots.
2. Place ginger, scallions, and chicken in a pot with water. Bring to a boil. Rinse morels thoroughly in cold water multiple times.
3. After rinsing, soak morels in warm water until softened. Trim off the base where sand accumulates.Rinse several more times, drain, and set aside;
4. Soak the red dates and goji berries in warm water until softened. By this time, the pot should be coming to a boil. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface;
5. After skimming the scum and bringing the pot back to a boil, add the morels, red dates, and goji berries to the pot.Simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then season with a pinch of salt before serving.
Braised Morel Mushrooms Main Ingredients: 200g morel mushrooms, 50g ham, 1 green pepper. Seasonings: 10g doubanjiang (chili bean paste), 10g soy sauce, 3g MSG, broth as needed, 10g cornstarch, 5g sesame oil, 25g peanut oil
1.Soak and clean the morels; slice ham and bell pepper into diamond shapes and set aside.
2. Heat peanut oil in a clean wok over high heat. Stir-fry bean paste until fragrant. Add broth, ham, bell pepper, morels, and soy sauce. Simmer for about 3 minutes. Season with MSG. Thicken with cornstarch slurry. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.