The Ultimate Guide: Identifying Vietnamese vs. Chinese Wood Ear Mushrooms

The market is currently flooded with Chinese wood ear mushrooms, making it challenging for consumers to distinguish and purchase those grown in Vietnam. Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets to identifying the right source for your next purchase!

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Also known as Japanese Lion’s Mane, this mushroom variety is large in size and packed with essential nutrients for the human body.

With a small but long and plump body, this mushroom resembles a chicken leg, as its name suggests. The cap is small and narrow at the top with a diameter of about 3cm, while the stem is thick, white, and tapered, measuring 6-12cm in length.

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Lion’s Mane mushrooms are highly nutritious and commonly used in households. However, due to the influx of imported Chinese mushrooms in the market, homemakers often find it challenging to distinguish between Vietnamese and Chinese Lion’s Mane mushrooms.

Here, we provide you with some information to help you differentiate between the two and make more informed choices when purchasing mushrooms!

1Price

Depending on the season, the wholesale price of imported Chinese Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be as low as 30,000 VND/kg, and they are sometimes sold at even lower prices of 25,000 – 30,000 VND/kg, much cheaper than their Vietnamese counterparts.

In contrast, locally produced Lion’s Mane mushrooms typically range from 60,000 – 80,000 VND/kg, which is two to two-and-a-half times more expensive than the imported ones.

Producing clean mushrooms without chemicals requires a significant investment of around 3-4 billion VND for construction, technology, and equipment.

The director of a mushroom production company in Quang Ninh shared that they had invested tens of billions of VND in building an industrial-scale mushroom factory using Japanese technology, with a capacity of several tons per day. However, he was left perplexed by the influx of cheap Chinese mushrooms in the market, which he described as unreasonably priced.

2Labeling and Packaging

When buying mushrooms, you can examine the packaging and labels to verify their origin. Many imported Chinese mushrooms lack clear information about their production and expiration dates.

The packaging of these products often prominently displays advertising claims such as “No preservatives, 100% clean” and “Manufactured by: See packaging”. However, you won’t find any information about the manufacturing or expiration dates no matter how closely you look.

Additionally, Chinese mushrooms are often packaged in plain white plastic bags of 1kg or 0.5kg, with no product information or origin details, or the information is printed so faintly that it is unreadable.

To ensure you are buying safe and reliable Lion’s Mane mushrooms, always read the information on the packaging, including the production and expiration dates, the manufacturer’s details, and the product’s origin.

3Shelf Life

Like Vietnamese shiitake mushrooms, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a maximum shelf life of 7 days when stored at temperatures below 8 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, Chinese mushrooms can be kept at room temperature for up to 10 days, and some can even last up to 30 days when refrigerated.

According to PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, from the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology (Hanoi University of Science and Technology):

“All types of mushrooms can be unsafe if not properly stored. Mushrooms typically have a shelf life of 5-7 days when stored at temperatures below 8 degrees Celsius. Therefore, if mushrooms are not stored properly or are sold beyond this period, it creates favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and even dangerous bacterial toxins.”

As Vietnamese-grown Lion’s Mane mushrooms are available in limited quantities, and most of the market is dominated by Chinese imports, we hope that with this information, you can now confidently choose mushrooms that are not only delicious but also safe and traceable in their origin.

Frequently asked questions

Vietnamese wood ear mushrooms are smaller, thinner, and have a darker color compared to their Chinese counterparts. They also have a stronger, more earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

Beyond the size and color differences, Vietnamese wood ear mushrooms often have a more wrinkled appearance, resembling a human ear. Chinese wood ear mushrooms are usually smoother and more evenly shaped.

Both types of mushrooms are good sources of dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and potassium. However, Vietnamese wood ear mushrooms stand out for their higher protein content and lower calorie count.

Vietnamese wood ear mushrooms are commonly used in fresh spring rolls, salads, and stir-fries, adding a unique texture and flavor. Chinese wood ear mushrooms are often used in hot and sour soup, braised dishes, and as a topping for tofu or noodles.

You can find dried Vietnamese and Chinese wood ear mushrooms in Asian grocery stores or online. Look for ones with a deep, rich color and a slightly shiny surface. Avoid mushrooms that appear too brittle or fragile, as they may be of lower quality.
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