Nấm hương is a familiar ingredient in many Asian dishes. However, the preparation of Nấm hương before cooking has raised concerns among homemakers. Should we soak Nấm hương in hot or cold water to retain its flavor and nutritional value?
1 Nutritional Value of Nấm hương
Nấm hương contains high amounts of fiber and Vitamin B, but is low in calories. It is used as a culinary ingredient and as a medicinal herb in traditional East Asian medicine. In 15g of dried Nấm hương, you can find:
- Calories: 44
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Minerals: Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Iron
- Active Compounds: Riboflavin, Niacin, Copper, Selenium, Manganese, and Folate
- And other compounds such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, lipids, and amino acids.
Nutritional Value of Nấm hương
2 Soaking Nấm hương: Hot or Cold Water?
If you’re wondering whether to soak Nấm hương in hot or cold water, the correct answer is warm water! At temperatures below 70°C (158°F), Nấm hương will soak evenly, retaining its natural aroma and beneficial nutrients. Make sure not to soak for more than 2 hours to prevent the mushrooms from disintegrating. Soaking mushrooms properly will enhance the appeal and nutritional value of your dishes.
Soaking Nấm hương: Hot or Cold Water?
3 Tip for Quick Soaking of Nấm hương
For evenly soaked, soft, and quick-to-prepare Nấm hương for your delicious dishes, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- Dried Nấm hương
- White Sugar
- Warm Water (around 70°C or 158°F)
Quick Soaking Tip for Nấm hương
Instructions:
Begin by rinsing the Nấm hương under running water to remove any dirt or impurities from the surface.
Take a clean bowl and fill it with warm water. Then, add a small amount of white sugar and stir until it dissolves.
Place the cleaned Nấm hương into the bowl of warm sugary water. Gently squeeze and rub the mushrooms to help them absorb the liquid. Within 3-5 minutes, you’ll notice the mushrooms starting to expand.
Once the mushrooms have softened, remove them from the soaking liquid and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
The correct answer is warm water below 70°C.
In conclusion, we have answered the question: Should Nấm hương be soaked in hot or cold water? The best answer is warm water below 70°C. This soaking method ensures even soaking, preserves the delicious flavor, and maintains the nutritional benefits of Nấm hương.
Finding the Highest Nutritional Value in Bitter Melon

Are you looking for tips on how to select the best quality bitter gourd? Learn how to take advantage of the many health benefits of this flavorful vegetable by choosing the freshest and tastiest option available!