
Host Defense Mushrooms are certified organic and grown on a farm in Washington State, USA. The company was founded by Paul Stamets, who is considered an industry leader in the study of mycology. The mushrooms are cultivated and processed sustainably, with a focus on maintaining organic growing conditions to ensure a pure, contaminant-free harvest. The mushroom fruitbodies and mycelium are grown using scientifically proven methods, with years of internal and third-party testing backing the process. The mushrooms are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, and are used to create dietary supplements that promote wellness and support a variety of health goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Farm | Organic |
| Location | Washington State, USA |
| Mushroom Type | Mycelium and Fruit Bodies |
| Number of Species Grown | 17 |
| Cultivation Method | Sustainable |
| Harvesting Method | Controlled |
| Contaminants | None |
| Purity | Unadulterated |
| Incubation Time | 2 weeks to 2 months |
| Founder | Paul Stamets |
| Year Founded | 1980 |
| Mushroom Products | Capsules, Liquid Extracts, Sprays |
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What You'll Learn
- Host Defense Mushrooms are certified organic and grown on a farm in Washington State, USA
- The mushrooms are cultivated sustainably, protecting wild species and their environments
- The mushrooms are harvested at the peak of growth when they produce the greatest number of compounds
- The mushrooms are grown from mycelium, which is given a food source to eat and grow through
- The mycelium is fermented, producing novel compounds that offer immune support

Host Defense Mushrooms are certified organic and grown on a farm in Washington State, USA
Host Defense Mushrooms are certified organic mushrooms grown on a farm in Washington State, USA. The company, founded by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, is called Fungi Perfecti and has been building better health since 1980. Stamets is considered the leader in the study of mycology—the science of fungi and mushrooms.
The mushrooms are grown on Fungi Perfecti's own certified organic farm, where they maintain organic growing conditions to ensure a pure, contaminant-free harvest. Their mushroom fruit bodies and mycelium are sustainably cultivated, protecting wild species and their environments. The company also devotes a portion of its proceeds to saving rare strains of mushrooms that grow within old-growth forests.
To produce mycelium, it must be given a food source to eat and grow through. This food source is called a substrate and provides the necessary nutrients for the mushroom mycelium. At Host Defense, they use sustainably harvested mushroom cultures to inoculate and ferment an organic brown rice substrate. The fermentation process produces unique novel compounds that have been shown to provide significant immune support.
The incubation period for each mushroom species varies, ranging from two weeks to two months. At Host Defense, they grow 17 different species, and they maintain complete control over all growing and harvesting processes for their mushroom ingredients. Their formulations are based on scientifically proven data to ensure quality and safety, which is why they are the best-selling mushroom supplement brand in the US.
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The mushrooms are cultivated sustainably, protecting wild species and their environments
Host Defense Mushrooms are cultivated with a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring that wild mushroom species and their natural environments are protected. The mushrooms are grown on a certified organic farm in Washington State, USA, where the company maintains strict organic growing conditions. This means that the mushrooms are cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals, ensuring that the harvest is pure and uncontaminated.
The company, Fungi Perfecti, was founded by Paul Stamets, a renowned mycologist and leader in the study of mycology (the science of fungi and mushrooms). Stamets and his team at Fungi Perfecti have a deep understanding of mushrooms and, specifically, the power of mycelium. Their years of scientific research and testing have shown that mushroom mycelium is highly immunologically active. This knowledge forms the basis of their Host Defense supplements, which utilise mushroom mycelium to support human health.
To cultivate the mushrooms sustainably, Fungi Perfecti uses sustainably harvested mushroom cultures to inoculate and ferment an organic brown rice substrate. This fermentation process produces unique compounds that provide significant immune support properties. Each mushroom species requires a different length of incubation, ranging from two weeks to two months. At Host Defense, they grow 17 different species, and they maintain complete control over the growing and harvesting processes to ensure the purity and quality of their mushroom ingredients.
In addition to their sustainable cultivation practices, Host Defense Mushrooms also contribute to the protection of wild mushroom species. A portion of the proceeds from their sales is devoted to saving rare strains of mushrooms that dwell within old-growth forests. This further demonstrates their commitment to preserving the biodiversity of mushroom species and their natural habitats. By choosing sustainable cultivation methods and supporting conservation efforts, Host Defense Mushrooms ensures that wild mushroom species and their environments are protected for the long term.
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The mushrooms are harvested at the peak of growth when they produce the greatest number of compounds
The mushrooms used in Host Defense supplements are harvested at the peak of growth when they produce the greatest number of compounds. This is a crucial step in the process as it ensures that the mushrooms are at their most potent and effective state. The harvest time can vary depending on the specific mushroom species, with some requiring a shorter or longer incubation period to reach their peak efficacy.
At Host Defense, the team maintains strict control over the growing and harvesting processes to ensure a pure and contaminant-free mushroom harvest. The mushrooms are certified organic and are grown on the company's own farm in Washington State, USA. By maintaining organic growing conditions, the company ensures that their mushroom fruit bodies and mycelium are sustainably cultivated, protecting wild species and their environments.
The founder of Host Defense, Paul Stamets, is considered a leader in the study of mycology, which is the science of fungi and mushrooms. Stamets has dedicated his career to understanding the power of mycelium and its potential benefits for human health. His expertise has guided the development of Host Defense's mushroom-based supplements, ensuring that they are formulated based on scientific research and traditional knowledge.
The mushrooms used in Host Defense supplements undergo a comprehensive double and triple extraction process, which includes fermentation. This process produces unique compounds that provide significant immune support properties. By harvesting the mushrooms at their peak, Host Defense maximizes the concentration of these beneficial compounds, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of their supplements.
In addition to their focus on sustainability and scientific research, Host Defense also contributes to the preservation of rare mushroom strains found in old-growth forests. A portion of their proceeds is devoted to conserving these strains, demonstrating their commitment to the long-term health and diversity of mushroom ecosystems. This holistic approach to mushroom cultivation and product development sets Host Defense apart in the industry.
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The mushrooms are grown from mycelium, which is given a food source to eat and grow through
Mushrooms are the reproductive structures of fungi, and beneath them lies a hidden part of the fungus called the mycelium. This network of thin fungal strands, called hyphae, explores the soil or any other substrate where fungi are growing. Mycelium has a similar function to the roots of plants, as it helps plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Mycelium feeds on and digests dead material, breaking down dead and decaying organic matter into soluble nutrients. This process makes nutrients available for trees and plants. Some plants, such as orchids, require specific fungi to germinate and grow, and mycelium can be grown from waste sources such as agricultural byproducts and forestry bi-products.
To produce mycelium, it must be given a food source to eat and grow through. This food source, called a substrate, must provide nutrients for the mushroom mycelium. At Fungi Perfecti®, an organic brown rice substrate is used to inoculate and ferment mushroom cultures. The fermentation process produces unique compounds that provide significant immune support properties.
The incubation timeline varies for each mushroom species, ranging from two weeks to two months. Mycelium requires a constant source of air, a relatively humid habitat, and must not be exposed to large amounts of water. It is also grown in molds and dried in ovens before being transported and assembled on-site.
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The mycelium is fermented, producing novel compounds that offer immune support
Host Defense Mushrooms are certified organic and grown on a farm in Washington State, USA. The company was founded by Paul Stamets, a mycologist, and is currently the best-selling mushroom supplement brand in the US.
Host Defense Mushrooms are cultivated and processed sustainably, with a focus on maintaining organic growing conditions to ensure a pure, contaminant-free mushroom harvest. Their mushroom fruit bodies and mycelium are grown and harvested using scientifically proven data to ensure quality and safety.
The mycelium is grown using a unique fermentation process that involves inoculating and fermenting an organic brown rice substrate with sustainably harvested mushroom cultures. This fermentation process is where the magic happens, as it stimulates the production of novel compounds that offer significant immune support. The specific incubation timeline for each mushroom species is carefully considered to reach peak efficacy.
The fermentation process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the mushroom species. During this time, the mycelium produces a vast array of compounds, including valuable nutrients that are essential for human health. The mycelium is then harvested at its peak, ensuring the maximum number of beneficial compounds are present.
The fermented mycelium is then incorporated into Host Defense supplements, providing a natural and potent source of immune support. The compounds produced during fermentation work in synergy with the body's immune system, offering complementary and effective immune support. This process is a testament to the power of mycelium and its ability to enhance human health through innovative and scientifically backed practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Host Defense Mushrooms are grown on a certified organic farm in Washington State, USA.
Host Defense Mushrooms are grown in organic growing conditions to ensure a pure, contaminant-free harvest.
Host Defense Mushrooms are grown with mushroom mycelium, which is highly immunologically active.
Growing Host Defense Mushrooms can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the species.
Yes, Host Defense Mushrooms are sustainably cultivated, protecting wild species and their environments.

























