AGARICUS BLAZEI MUSHROOM, CONCH & CORDYCEPS FLOWER SOUP

Agaricus blazei mushroom, also known as the Brazilian mushroom (Agaricus subrufescens), is an edible fungus originally discovered in Brazil. It is now widely cultivated in Asia and other regions through controlled farming. The mushroom has a round to slightly brown cap and a thick stem, resembling a common button mushroom. It is often sold in dried form for easier storage, transport, and cooking.

Characteristics
Agaricus blazei has a mild, pleasant aroma with subtle almond and nutty notes. Once cooked, its texture becomes soft and silky. The dried form carries a richer fragrance and is commonly used in Hong Kong–style soups and nourishing recipes as a premium mushroom ingredient.

Cooking and Pairing Suggestions

• Soups / Stews: Add to conch soup or cordyceps flower soup to enhance umami depth and earthy aroma.
• Stir-fry: Cook with vegetables, garlic slices, or meat to retain its aroma and tender texture.
• Roasted / Baked dishes: Roast or bake whole mushrooms as a side or main dish for a deeper, savory flavour.

Interesting to Know
Agaricus blazei is often called the “Brazilian mushroom.” Despite its name, it is not the same as true matsutake mushrooms. Known for its distinct aroma and culinary value, it is regarded as one of the most prized edible mushrooms.

*The above information is provided for general ingredient knowledge only.

Dried conch slice refers to conch meat that has been sliced, sun-dried, or oven-dried to create a preserved seafood ingredient. Common types include sea conch and whelk. Once dried, the slices are firm in texture with a golden-yellow or light brown hue and a distinctive ocean aroma. When cooked, they become tender yet chewy, with a naturally sweet and savoury flavour — making them a premium ingredient commonly used in Hong Kong–style soups and seafood stews.

Characteristics
Dried conch slices have a mild, refreshing taste and a balanced nature. When simmered, they release natural umami, producing a clear, rich, and flavourful broth. As they are high in protein and minerals, they are often regarded as one of the most valued dried seafood ingredients in Chinese cuisine.

Cooking and Pairing Suggestions

• Soups / Stews: Commonly simmered with dried scallop, Polygonatum Root, red dates, black dates, or octopus to create layered flavours and seafood aroma.
• Braised Dishes: Often paired with lettuce or tofu for a soft yet bouncy texture — a popular festive banquet dish in traditional Chinese cuisine.
• Nourishing Soup Mix: Ideal for long, slow cooking to bring out deep, natural sweetness, serving as a signature ingredient in Hong Kong–style nourishing soups.

Interesting to Know
Various conch-based products can be found on the market, each with distinct characteristics:

• Frozen Conch Head: Whole conch head preserved by freezing to lock in freshness — suitable for quick cooking.
• Dried Conch Head: Air- or oven-dried with concentrated flavour; requires longer soaking and simmering.
• Dried Conch Slice: Sliced and dried for easier preparation; offers a smooth texture and rich flavour, making it the most common choice for soups.
• Conch Meat: Usually available as ready-to-eat or frozen packs for convenient home cooking.

Among these, dried conch slices are the most popular for soup-making — versatile, aromatic, and capable of bringing out a naturally sweet seafood flavour in every bowl.

*The above information is provided for general ingredient knowledge only.

Cordyceps Flower, also known as Cordyceps militaris, is a cultivated fungus sometimes referred to as “Northern Cordyceps.” Unlike wild cordyceps, it is not parasitic on insects but grown under controlled conditions using grains or beans as the culture base. The fungus has a slender, flexible shape and a bright golden-orange colour with a light, pleasant aroma. It is commonly sold in dried form for easier storage and cooking.

Characteristics
Cordyceps Flower has a delicate fragrance and a smooth texture when cooked. Once rehydrated, the dried fungus releases a natural aroma that enriches the flavour of soups. Its vibrant golden colour and clear soup tone make it a popular ingredient for enhancing the appearance and taste of dishes.

Cooking and Pairing Suggestions

• Soups / Stews: Often simmered with Polygonatum Root, Agaricus Blazei Mushroom, Astragalus Root, or Red Dates to create aromatic and flavourful soups.
• Steamed or Braised Dishes: Pairs well with chicken, pork ribs, or tofu, adding subtle aroma and tender texture.
• Stir-fry / Rice & Noodle Dishes: Can be added to fried rice or noodles for extra golden colour and aroma.

Interesting to Know
Despite its name, Cordyceps Flower is not a real flower but the fruiting body of a fungus. With its stable cultivation, affordable price, and distinctive taste, it has become one of the most popular and versatile mushroom ingredients in Hong Kong–style home soups and nourishing recipes.

*The above information is provided for general ingredient knowledge only.