It is understood that black fungus is rich in carbohydrates, protein, iron, calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients, making it highly nutritious. Additionally, black fungus contains abundant plant collagen components with strong adsorption properties. It can dissolve and oxidize indigestible foreign objects like grain husks, hair, or sand accidentally ingested.Therefore, regular consumption of black fungus helps cleanse the digestive tract and purify the stomach and intestines. This is particularly beneficial for workers in heavily polluted industries like mining, metallurgy, and cotton/wool spinning, where frequent intake offers significant health advantages.
Additionally, Chinese studies indicate that individuals with hypertension or hyperlipidemia can reduce their risk of stroke and myocardial infarction by one-third by consuming dishes prepared with 3 grams of dried black fungus daily.Song Xin explains this is because black fungus inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood clotting, comparable to enteric-coated aspirin, earning it the nickname "food aspirin."
However, food experts in Shandong Province warn that unscrupulous vendors often dye common earth fungus to pass it off as black fungus to deceive consumers.It is understood that common earth ear mushrooms are artificially cultivated using sawdust and straw inoculated with earth ear fungus spores. They can also grow spontaneously in damp environments. These mushrooms have little nutritional value and are very low-cost—the farm-gate price for one jin (approximately 500 grams) is around ten yuan. Yet, after dyeing, they are transformed into nutrient-rich "black fungus" and sold for nearly fifty to sixty yuan per jin.Fraudsters typically pour the mushrooms into an iron pot filled with hot water, add a certain amount of ink, and thus transform the originally yellowish-brown mushrooms into black "black fungus." Currently, this counterfeit black fungus is widely sold online, while online stores selling genuine black fungus are scarce, with only a few like "Mountain Goods Bar" offering it.
Additionally, due to black fungus's high absorbency, it readily soaks up various substances including sugars and salts. Some unscrupulous vendors even soak it in magnesium sulfate to increase its weight, allowing a pound of black fungus to "gain" two or three pounds.However, as a chemical agent, magnesium sulfate is also used as a laxative and is strictly prohibited from being added to food.
Experts advise consumers that darker isn't necessarily better when selecting black fungus. Authentic black fungus features a dark brown upper surface and a grayish-white underside, while ground fungus appears yellowish-brown. Fungus treated with magnesium sulfate exhibits uniform dark brown coloring on both sides.Additionally, genuine black fungus has a natural, fresh aroma, whereas adulterated varieties emit an ink-like stench. When soaked in water, "processed" black fungus quickly turns the water jet-black. Furthermore, authentic fungus offers a crisp, pleasant chew, while magnesium sulfate-treated fungus tastes bitter and astringent, making it difficult to swallow.