Lion's mane mushroom (dried)

猴頭菇

strengthens the spleeneases indigestioncalms the spirit養胃

The dried fruiting body of the lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), a round shaggy 'monkey's head' sold whole. Soaked and squeezed through several changes of water to shed its bitterness, it turns spongy and absorbent, drinking in the broth and giving stomach-comforting soups a soft, meat-like texture.

TCM properties

Nature · neutral　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · spleen、stomach

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy lion's mane is used to strengthen the spleen, aid sluggish digestion, nurture the stomach and settle the spirit — the classic mushroom for stomach-nurturing soups.

Cautions — read first

Not for anyone allergic to mushrooms and fungi.
People with gout should take care (mushrooms carry purines).

Preparation

After soaking, squeeze and rinse it several times over to get the bitterness out, then trim off the hard base.

Origin

東北山林為野生傳統；現各地人工栽培 — Dried 猴頭菇 not observed at AU domestic retail (marketplace imports only); fresh AU-grown lion's mane (Mycoharvest) is the local stand-in

Availability in Australia

Common at Asian grocers

Pairs well with

Almond mushroom (dried)Cordyceps flower (cultivated)Chestnut Dried Chinese yam

Soups that use this ingredient · 2

Lion's mane mushroom soup with Chinese yam and figsA$17–25

猴頭菇淮山無花果瘦肉湯

strengthens the spleenwhets the appetiteeases indigestionAll year

百子櫃Lion's mane mushroom (dried)· 2百子櫃Dried Chinese yam· 40 g (1 tael)百子櫃Dried fig· 4百子櫃Dried longan flesh· 8 g (2 mace)百子櫃Candied honey date· 2街市Lean pork· 300 g

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”

Double-boiled chicken with lion's mane mushroomA$12–16

猴頭菇燉雞

strengthens the spleeneases indigestionreplenishes qi3h slow fireAll year

百子櫃Lion's mane mushroom (dried)· 30 g街市Fresh chicken (whole or half)· 30 g街市Lean pork· 25 g街市Chicken feet· 2百子櫃Goji berry / wolfberry· 3 g

“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”