How to soak fungus the fastest and softest

Soak the fungus in warm water and a small amount of white sugar for 20 minutes to quickly soak and make it soft. There are mainly five methods: hot water acceleration method, sugar permeation method, sealed shaking method, starch adsorption method, and microwave heating method.

1. Hot water acceleration method

Place the dried fungus in a closed container and pour in 40-50 ℃ warm water to completely immerse it. Water temperature can accelerate the softening of the cell wall of Auricularia auricula, reducing the soaking time by more than half compared to cold water immersion. Please note that the water temperature should not exceed 60 ℃ to avoid damaging the active ingredients such as polysaccharides in Auricularia auricula. During the soaking process, gently stir to evenly absorb water from the fungus.

2. Sugar penetration method

Add 5 grams of white sugar to every 500 milliliters of warm water and stir to dissolve. Sugar water can change the osmotic pressure and promote the rapid entry of water into the fungus tissue. The combination of sugar and the gum in Auricularia auricula can enhance elasticity, resulting in a richer taste after soaking. This method is particularly suitable for cold mixed black fungus that needs to maintain its complete form.

3. Sealed shaking method

Put the fungus and warm water into a sealed fresh-keeping box, with a water volume of three times the volume of the fungus. Shake vigorously for 3 minutes to make the water flow impact the folds of the fungus, then let it stand for 10 minutes. Mechanical force can help deep crevices quickly absorb water, making it suitable for use when time is tight. After shaking, check for any unopened hard cores.

4. Starch adsorption method

Add 1 tablespoon of starch to water and stir well. Starch molecules can adsorb on the surface of Auricularia auricula to form a hydrophilic film. This layer of film can lock in moisture to accelerate foaming and reduce nutrient loss. After soaking, rinse twice with running water to remove residual starch and avoid affecting the subsequent cooking taste.

5. Microwave heating method

Spread the fungus flat in a microwave container, submerge it with water, and heat it on high heat for 2 minutes. Microwaves cause water molecules to move vigorously and generate heat energy, which can penetrate the deep tissues of Auricularia auricula. After taking it out, let it simmer for 5 minutes to fully stretch. Pay attention to controlling the heating time to avoid excessive shrinkage.

High quality black fungus should choose varieties with intact flower shape, thick flesh, and obvious fuzz on the back. After soaking, the fungus should be consumed on the same day and stored in refrigeration for no more than 24 hours. It is recommended to pair it with vegetables rich in vitamin C such as cucumbers and carrots for cold dishes, or stew it with yam and pork ribs for soup, which can help absorb iron elements in the fungus. Avoid consuming strong tea and persimmons together, which may affect digestion and absorption. For those with weak gastrointestinal function, the single consumption should be controlled within 50 grams.