Chinese Edible Fungi

These Chinese fungi grow on trees and are highly prized for their unique and unusual texture. Besides absorbing the flavors of other ingredients in a dish, they contribute a slight earthy flavor of their own and a contrast in color. They need to be soaked and trimmed before using. Rarely eaten by themselves, they are often stir-fried with other ingredients or added to sauces. Wood or tree ears are thicker than cloud ears, which have no stems and are smaller. Both come in packages and are sold dried. They are quite brittle prior to soaking.