Both cloud ear fungus and wood ear fungus are common ingredients and belong to the Auriculariaceae, a family of fungi in the order Auriculariales. Cloud ear grows in mountainous areas, and they are smaller and thinner than wood ears. Despite similar names, their health benefits and ways of cooking are totally different.
Cloud Ear vs. Wood Ear Fungus
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| Cloud Ear Fungus | Wood Ear Fungus | |
| Appearance | Smaller in size and thin; dark gray at the back and turn to black after soaking | Larger in size and think; grayish-white at the back and turn to light brown after soaking |
| Names | Black ears, black vegetable, cat ears (premium cloud ear) | Mo-er, white-backed wood ears |
| Tastes | Soft texture and lighter taste | Chunky and thick |
| Common Dishes | Steamed chicken with cloud ears, fried slices of pork with cloud ears, cloud ear salad | Wood ear soup, wood ear dumplings, wood ear salad |
| Iron per 100g (Dried) | 97.4mg | 6.14mg |
| Dietary Fiber per 100g (Cooked) | 5.14mg | n/a |
Health Benefits of Cloud Ear
Cloud ear is beneficial to your blood as it consists of abundant iron, protein, fats, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients can help produce red blood cells and prevent numerous conditions, including iron deficiency anemia, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and cancer. With anticoagulants, the effect of cloud ear on supplementing ‘qi’ and blood is even better than meats. Besides, the fiber in cloud ears can raise satiety, stimulate peristalsis, promote digestion and improve constipation.
Health Benefits of Wood Ear
Although wood ear contains less iron than cloud ear, its content is rich enough to benefit your blood. Mild with bittersweet, it can foster blood circulation, help blood clotting, nourish your ‘qi’ and lungs, relieve excessive ‘heat,’ and promote bowel movement. The glutinous substance can stick onto toxins and waste and expel them from your body. It is commonly used among postpartum ladies for clearing the pooling of blood.
Things to Take Notes When Supplementing
Daily recommended intake of wood ears or cloud ears is about 15g. Since they both promote blood circulation, pregnant and menstrual women should not eat a lot and should pay more attention before having.
Buy and Store Dried Cloud Ear and Wood Ear Fungus
While buying dried cloud ears and wood ears, you should choose those that are light in weight without any moisture. Before cooking, you need to soak them in water until they expand. The better their quality is, the greater extent they enlarge. When they get soft, you should remove the impurities before making your dishes.
As a reminder, you should not soak both cloud ear and wood ear fungus for too long, as they may go bad and develop toxins. So, do not leave your dishes, soup, or dessert overnight, and do not overeat!