"More Expensive Than King Crab When Dried": The Secret of a Chinese Delicacy Discovered on a Front Lawn

A type of lichen appears after rainfall

Caution advised: Not safe to eat indiscriminately

Recently, heavy rainfall in Hangzhou, China, has led to the emergence of seasonal food ingredients that are only available at certain times of the year. Photos and posts related to these foods have become a hot topic on social networking services (SNS).

According to Sina Finance on June 24, "After two days of rain in Hangzhou, posts on SNS saying 'A food more expensive than king crab is growing on my apartment lawn' have gained popularity."

After the rain in China, lichen food sources have emerged and gained popularity. China Weibo.

This food is a type of lichen—a complex organism that normally appears shriveled and dried, but absorbs water and swells after rain, transforming into a slippery texture similar to seaweed or wood ear mushrooms. In China, it is called "Shihua" (stone flower) and is considered a delicacy due to its unique texture.

One resident shared on SNS, "After having a meal, I went for a walk and discovered Shihua on the apartment lawn. Although it was covered in moss, I was so delighted that I picked a few grams and brought them home."

Lichens have become popular food items in China after the rain, gaining attention on Chinese Weibo.

After rain in China, edible lichens appear and become popular. According to China's Weibo.

Online users commented, "The taste is good, but cleaning it is troublesome," but also praised it as "soft and chewy—truly excellent." "The dried product is expensive, selling for 349 yuan (about 80,000 won) per 500g, which is more expensive than king crab." One user said it is good for dieting, explaining that they used it instead of vegetables with eggs and lost 3kg, expressing satisfaction. Recipes and tips for enjoying this ingredient are actively being shared on SNS.

This ingredient is rich in protein, vitamin C, amino acids, minerals, and calcium, and is known for its cooling properties. However, because it is cold in nature, excessive consumption may cause abdominal pain, so moderation is recommended. In particular, it should be blanched in boiling water rather than eaten raw. Sina Finance also cautioned, "Do not collect these near chemical plants or polluted water sources," adding, "Be careful on the streets as well, as there may be animal waste or pesticides present."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.