Mushroom Learnings - The Tremella Mushroom

By Gail Forrer

Firstly, we must note the exquisite beauty of the unique Tremella mushroom. It’s cloaked in a snow-white, fluffy exterior, encasing a magical concoction of protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. For some, there’s extra value in its very low in calories and fat. Specifically, this gorgeous mushroom is high in vitamin D and rich in antioxidants. The fabulous fungus grows on dead wood in tropical regions, and world-wide there are over 100 Tremella species.

Centuries ago, everyone in the village (particularly in the East) would know about this food, but it would be contained there - in that bubble. Today, communication evaporates boundaries and with the absence of borders, we have access to information and knowledge about age-old, earth foods that comes from collective wisdom far beyond our home.

The sharing of knowledge underpins this blog on ‘Mushrooms learnings’ We want to share with you information gathered from the dawn of time about the Tremella mushroom – AKA, the snow fungus, silver ear mushroom, and in Japanese the white jelly mushroom.

For a long time, tremella mushrooms were only harvested in the wild. People started cultivating the mushrooms in China in 1894 during the Qing Dynasty, when it was understood that they were, in fact, mycoparasites (fungi that eat other fungi), and therefore needed other fungi for nutrition, not wood. Back then it was known as a super food not only for gut health, but also as a beauty superfood – and here’s the reasons why:

1. Many of Tremella’s health benefits are due to its high amounts of polysaccharides which are antioxidants that can help keep skin hydrated and healthy. Tremella mushrooms appear as an ingredient in many anti-ageing serums and moisturisers because of the unique polysaccharides they contain. These hydrating compounds hold 500 times their weight in water – even more than hyaluronic acid – and also stimulate the body’s production of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that acts to rejuvenate and protect the skin.

2. Consuming Tremella mushrooms regularly can help you fight inflammation! The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms reported back in 2000 that tremella mushrooms’ have strong anti-inflammatory properties and it’s all due to its wonderful polysaccharides.

3. Tremella mushrooms are loaded with Vitamin D. Not only is this vitamin essential in giving tremella their skin-boosting benefits, but vitamin D has a lot of other important health benefits for the entire body. Vitamin D can help us maintain strong bones and teeth by aiding the absorption of calcium.

• The owner of Ground New Farm Britt Ayling sources her products from ethical suppliers – Teelixir, a lifestyle brand is dedicated to empowering our global culture to make the most health-conscious decisions.

• Did you know Ground New Farm will mix this elixir in with your conscious coffee – just ask.

• Free Movie Tip: For more info: check out ‘Fantastic Fungi’ on Netflix (Yes, folks mushrooms have gone mainstream 😊)

Cheers, Gail xx