Making Mushroom Powder: A Step-By-Step Guide

Mushroom powder is made by drying and grinding any species of culinary mushroom into a fine powder. This powder form has a higher concentration of nutrients than fresh mushrooms and is mild in flavor, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes and beverages. It can be purchased or made at home and provides a range of health benefits, including improved nutrition, enhanced heart health, better blood sugar control, and improved gut health.

The process: dehydrate, grind, and sift

The process of making mushroom powder involves three main steps: dehydrating, grinding, and sifting. Here is a detailed breakdown of each step:

Dehydrate

The first step is to dehydrate or dry the mushrooms. This can be done by purchasing dried mushrooms or drying them yourself. If you choose to dry them yourself, you can use fresh mushrooms and dehydrate them using a food dehydrator, oven, or another suitable method. This step is crucial as it removes the moisture from the mushrooms, making them easier to grind into a fine powder.

Grind

Once the mushrooms are sufficiently dehydrated, it's time to grind them into a powder. You can use a spice grinder, blender, food processor, or mortar and pestle for this step. Simply add the dried mushrooms to your chosen appliance and process them until they reach the desired consistency. It is recommended to grind the mushrooms in small batches to ensure an even texture.

Sift

After grinding, it's important to sift the mushroom powder to ensure a uniform consistency. Use a mesh sieve or a fine-mesh strainer to sift the powder, removing any large pieces or lumps. Return these large pieces to the grinder and process them again until they are fine enough to pass through the sieve. By sifting and regrinding, you ensure that your mushroom powder has a smooth and consistent texture.

By following these three steps, you can create your own mushroom powder at home. The process allows you to unlock the versatility and benefits of mushrooms in a convenient and concentrated form, ready to be used in a variety of culinary and nutritional applications.

Different types of mushroom powder

Mushroom powder is made from dehydrated and ground mushrooms. Since any species of culinary mushroom can be used, there are many varieties available. Generally, mushroom powders can be divided into two categories: culinary powders and medicinal powders.

Culinary Mushroom Powders

Culinary mushroom powders are usually made from mushrooms available in grocery stores, such as white button mushrooms, or wild varieties like porcini. They are used to add umami to dishes, providing a strong mushroom flavour. Porcini powder, for example, is commonly added to broths and flour for making bread or pasta. It is known for its floury texture when ground and is rich in antioxidants, fibre, and plant-based protein.

Shiitake powder is another popular variety as it is affordable and contains all eight essential amino acids, as well as linoleic acid. It increases satiety, making it great for weight loss, and supports heart health and immune function.

Other culinary mushroom powders include chanterelle, lobster, morel, and hedgehog mushroom powders. These can be purchased individually or as blends.

Medicinal Mushroom Powders

Medicinal mushroom powders are more like functional superfoods, used for their health benefits. They contain a unique blend of phytonutrients, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and other enzymes that have various effects on the body.

Reishi mushroom powder, also known as the "mushroom of immortality", helps balance the immune system and defend against the negative effects of ageing. Turkey tail mushroom powder is also known for its powerful cancer-fighting properties due to its polysaccharide-K content.

Chaga mushroom powder is ranked as one of the top foods for oxygen radical absorbent capacity, making it an excellent source of antioxidants. Lion's mane powder is known for its brain-boosting properties, and maitake powder is often used for balancing blood sugar levels to manage type-2 diabetes.

Cordyceps mushroom powder is said to enhance lung function, respiratory health, and oxygen uptake, potentially increasing energy through increased ATP synthesis.

Like culinary mushroom powders, medicinal powders can be purchased individually or as blends.

How to store it

To store mushroom powder, it is recommended to use an airtight glass jar. This will ensure the powder stays fresh for as long as possible. The jar should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cabinet, and kept away from direct heat, sunlight, and moisture. Dehydrated mushrooms can last much longer than fresh mushrooms, and when stored properly, mushroom powder can last at least a year, although one source suggests using it within one month of blending for the freshest experience.

Nutritional value

Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals; they are part of the Kingdom Fungi. They are often added to dishes for flavour, but their health benefits have led many to investigate the nutritional value of mushroom powder.

Mushroom powder is made from dehydrated and ground mushrooms. It is a convenient way to take advantage of the potential health benefits of mushrooms. Culinary mushrooms are high in protein, low in sodium, and a good source of fibre. Functional mushrooms are packed with nutrients that support the body's natural immune functions and balance.

Mushroom powder is a good source of antioxidants, including glutathione, ergothioneine, polyphenols, superoxide dismutase, and peptides. These compounds found in various mushroom species have immunomodulating and other health properties.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, especially when exposed to sunlight. The vitamin D content in mushroom slices exposed to sunlight for 15 minutes was found to be as high as 17.5 μg/100 g FW. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D for men and women aged 9 to 70 years is 15 μg/day.

Mushrooms are also a source of B vitamins, selenium, and beta-glucans. They are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

What to use it in

Mushroom powder is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas on what to use it in:

Savory Dishes

Mushroom powder can be used to enhance the flavour of various savoury dishes. Its earthy and umami notes make it a great addition to scrambled eggs, soups, casseroles, sauces, and sautéed vegetables. It can also be used as a seasoning on potatoes or as a dry rub for meat, poultry, or fish. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a few pinches to your granola or tossing it with vegetables before roasting them.

Baked Goods

For those with a sweet tooth, mushroom powder can be whisked into baked goods like brownies, spice cookies, or even chocolate indulgences. Its subtle flavour can enhance the taste of your treats without overpowering them.

Beverages

Mushroom powder is also a popular addition to beverages, especially coffee and tea. It can be used to make mushroom coffee or tea, providing a bold and earthy flavour. Alternatively, it can be blended into a smoothie or shake for a nutritional boost. For a caffeine-free option, try a mushroom cacao latte or a vegan mushroom golden milk, which can aid in sleep and recovery.

Health and Nutritional Supplements

Due to its high concentration of nutrients, mushroom powder is often used as a health and nutritional supplement. It can be mixed into beverages like coffee or smoothies, providing various health benefits such as improved brain function, enhanced heart health, better blood sugar control, and improved gut health.

Homemade Spice Blends

Mushroom powder can be combined with other spices and herbs to create unique spice blends. For example, it can be mixed with coarse salt and chopped herbs to make a compound butter or blended with other spices to create an umami seasoning blend.

Frequently asked questions