Both are very salty and strong-tasting. Widely used for their flavour and aroma. Soak them in warm water for 20 minutes before using. Dried grey-black fungi which should be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes before use. They have a crunchy texture and a mild flavour.
Straw mushrooms are completely different to other Chinese mushrooms in flavour and texture.
They are only available canned. Dried chestnuts Soak overnight in cold water then simmer in fresh water for 20 minutes. Lotus nuts Available dried or canned in syrup. If dried, they should be soaked for 24 hours before use. Lotus leaves Often used to wrap food before cooking, in the same way the West uses foil.