Yunnan specialty Shan Zhen Morel Mushrooms

Morels are one of the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. They are not farmed like grocery store mushrooms, cremini, portobello, oyster, etc. but gathered in the wild. The part that we eat is the fruiting body of the underground organism called mycelium that has a complex symbiotic relationship with trees. Morels are delicious. Even people who don’t like mushrooms often love morels because of their meaty texture and earthy, nutty flavor.

Morels are a precious food and medicine with rich nutrition and remarkable effects. Rich in amino acids and organic germanium, morels nourish the kidney and brain. They are aphrodisiac. Morels will generally contain significant amounts of Iron, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorus, Zinc, Vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Riboflavin and a decent dose of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Selenium, Thiamine, Vitamins E and B6. Morels are also loaded with antioxidants, balance blood sugar, and repair liver-damage. Plus, they are high in protein and fiber.

Morels’ anti-cancer effects are obvious, it has a strong inhibitory effect on fibroids cells. It has been called "land fish" in the United States and used as a high-quality neutraceutical supplement in developed countries in Europe and the United States.

Morel Chicken Soup 

Main effects: “Yiweixiaoshi,” regulating Qi and reducing phlegm, which means it improves digestion and immunity. 

Ingredients: for 2-3 persons

½ chicken (3 grams of raw meat)

20 grams of morel mushrooms (dried)

20 grams of dried huai shan (Rhizoma Dioscorea, Chinese white yam)

3 red dates (jujube)

2 grams of goji berries 

2 slices of raw ginger, chopped

Cooking method: 

Wash and chop the chicken into pieces, reserve the pieces in cold water. Soak the mushrooms in warm water for 1/2 hour after washing. Discard the water. Rinse the dates and goji berries. Add all ingredients to the soup pot, add 1.5-2 liters (6-8 cups) of water. Cook for 15 minutes on high heat, skim off any foam from the water to remove excess fat, and simmer on low heat for one hour. Add a small amount of salt to season.