A healthy soup prepared from snow fungus which has plenty of health and skin benefits and from nashi pear. Snow fungus (white fungus) also known as white wood ear is a natural tree fungus. It grows naturally in tropical areas (where it can be found on dead wood), and is also cultivated commercially for both culinary and traditional medicinal uses. This particular soup, also known as White Fungus Soup, may not have the most attractive name. But it is a traditional, sweet dessert to serve after a big Lunar New Year meal, which is why we’re posting it this time of year. Add pears to my version, for some added sweetness and health.