Taiwan tremella (銀耳) with colorful applications

Researchers show colorful, more nutritious tremella

2011/05/24 Taipei, May 24 (CNA) A research group at the Asia University in central Taiwan's Taichung City unveiled Tuesday new strains of pink, purple and yellow tremella, otherwise known as edible white fungus. Lin Chien-Yih, dean of the College of Health Science, said he and his team have developed a pesticide-free growing method for tremella and a new technology for growing colored tremella following four years of research. The group has developed optimal greenhouse conditions for growing tremella that do not require the heavy use of pesticide, which until now has been required to achieve good harvests. According to Lin, the darker the color of tremella, the better the antidioxidant benefit. The team has signed memorandums of understanding with a biotechnology farm for commercial growing and with a biotech firm for producing a line of cosmetics and health food products based on tremella extract. Shih Chung-hsung, president of the Taichung-based Echobell Biotechnology Inc., said the firm has developed facial masks, drinks, jelly and cookies made with the fungus extract. Tremella is a common ingredient in Taiwanese desserts that are popular summer treats. Advocates claim the fungus is rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants.