Mushroom Coffee: A Step-By-Step Guide To Brewing

Mushroom coffee is a unique beverage that combines the rich, dark flavours of coffee with the health benefits of functional mushrooms. It is made by blending ground coffee beans with medicinal mushroom powders. The primary reason for adding mushroom powders to coffee is to gain the nutritional benefits of mushrooms, which include vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, carotenoids, and polysaccharides. The most popular functional mushroom is lion's mane, but other types such as chaga, reishi, and cordyceps are also used. Mushroom coffee can be brewed using various methods, including pour-over, Turkish coffee, drip coffee, French press, or espresso.

Choosing mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms like lion's mane, chaga and reishi are popular choices

Medicinal mushrooms have been used by humans for thousands of years, and specific types have been chosen for mushroom coffee for their unique flavour profiles and health benefits. Lion's mane, chaga, and reishi are three of the most popular mushrooms used in mushroom coffee.

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is the most commonly used functional mushroom in the Western world. It is rich in polysaccharides and may also have neuroprotective elements. Studies suggest that it may protect against forms of dementia and improve memory and cognition.

Chaga mushrooms grow on trees and may be mistaken for a burnt area. They have been used medicinally in Eastern Europe for centuries. Studies in mice have shown a correlation between chaga consumption and lower blood sugar and reduced insulin resistance. Chaga mushrooms are also high in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall health. Chaga has an "earthy" flavour similar to coffee, which makes it a popular choice for mushroom coffee blends.

Reishi is another medicinal mushroom that has been used for thousands of years. It is rich in polysaccharides and is most well-known for its use in reducing depression and anxiety. Reishi also contains compounds that may enhance immune function.

Other popular mushrooms used in mushroom coffee include cordyceps and turkey tail, which also have immune-boosting properties.

Harvesting and drying: Mushrooms are dried and ground into a fine powder

Harvesting quality mushrooms is the first step in making mushroom coffee. Mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps are popular choices for their medicinal properties and unique flavours. After harvesting, the mushrooms are carefully dried. This step is crucial as it ensures the mushrooms can be preserved and prepared for the next stage. The drying process involves techniques such as air-drying or dehydrator machines, aiming to remove moisture from the mushrooms.

Once the mushrooms are completely dry, they are ready for the next step—grinding. The dried mushrooms are transformed into a fine powder through a meticulous grinding process. This step requires specialized equipment, such as a spice grinder or a food processor, to achieve the desired consistency. The goal is to create a smooth, fine powder that can easily mix with the coffee beans.

The fineness of the mushroom powder is essential for two main reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the mushrooms mix evenly with the coffee beans, creating a consistent blend. Secondly, a fine powder increases the surface area of the mushrooms, allowing for better infusion of their medicinal compounds into the coffee during brewing.

The resulting mushroom powder is then carefully measured and combined with high-quality coffee beans in precise ratios. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect balance between the flavours and health benefits of both the mushrooms and the coffee. The blend is then roasted to bring out the rich flavours and create a harmonious fusion of coffee and mushrooms.

Blending: The mushroom powder is blended with ground coffee beans

Blending is a crucial step in the process of making mushroom coffee, where the mushroom powder is combined with ground coffee beans to create a unique and nutritious beverage. Here are some detailed insights into the blending process:

Firstly, sourcing high-quality coffee beans is essential. The beans are carefully selected for their rich flavour and smooth taste, forming the perfect base for the mushroom coffee. Sustainable sourcing is also an important consideration for some companies.

The next step is to choose the right medicinal mushrooms for the blend. Mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps are popular choices for their distinct flavours and health benefits. These mushrooms are carefully harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder, retaining their nutritional properties.

The blending process involves combining the ground coffee beans and mushroom powder in precise ratios. This step is crucial to ensure a perfectly balanced flavour and maximum nutrient retention. Expert blenders may have their own unique techniques to achieve the desired taste and consistency.

The blended product can then be roasted to bring out the rich, full-bodied flavour of the coffee beans while enhancing the delicate flavours of the medicinal mushrooms. Roasting techniques can vary, but the goal is always to create a harmonious combination of flavours that appeals to coffee lovers and health enthusiasts alike.

After blending and roasting, the mushroom coffee is typically packaged and shipped to customers worldwide. Eco-friendly packaging is often used to ensure sustainability in addition to taste and health benefits.

The blending process allows for experimentation with different ratios of coffee to mushroom powder to cater to individual taste preferences. Some may prefer a stronger coffee flavour, while others might enjoy a more prominent mushroom taste. It's all about finding the perfect balance that satisfies the taste buds and delivers the desired health benefits.

Roasting: The blended mixture is roasted to bring out the flavours

Roasting is a critical step in the process of making mushroom coffee, and it involves carefully applying heat to the blended mixture of ground coffee beans and medicinal mushroom powder. This step transforms the raw ingredients into a delicious and aromatic brew, enhancing the flavours and unlocking the full potential of the beverage.

The primary goal of roasting is to bring out the rich, full-bodied flavour of the coffee beans while preserving the delicate notes contributed by the medicinal mushrooms. Expert roasters utilise their knowledge of temperature and time to ensure that each batch is roasted to perfection. They understand that different mushroom varieties, such as Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, or Cordyceps, have unique flavour profiles that must be carefully considered during the roasting process.

The roasting process also plays a crucial role in developing the aroma of mushroom coffee. As the blended mixture heats up, volatile compounds are released, creating the enticing fragrance that coffee enthusiasts crave. These aromatic compounds contribute significantly to the overall sensory experience of drinking mushroom coffee, enhancing the pleasure of each sip.

Additionally, roasting influences the colour of the final product. The application of heat causes the coffee beans and mushroom powder to undergo a transformation, resulting in a darker, richer hue. This visual aspect is essential, as it provides consumers with an indication of the flavour profile and the level of roasting achieved.

While roasting brings out the flavours and aromas, it is also essential to consider the potential impact on the nutritional benefits of the medicinal mushrooms. Some heat-sensitive nutrients and compounds may be affected by the roasting process. Therefore, striking a balance between flavour development and preserving the medicinal properties of the mushrooms is a delicate art that expert roasters strive to perfect.

Ultimately, the roasting step in mushroom coffee production is a complex and nuanced process that requires a deep understanding of coffee beans, medicinal mushrooms, and the interplay between them. By carefully controlling the roasting parameters, expert roasters can create a beverage that delights the senses, delivers health benefits, and provides a unique coffee experience.

Brewing: Brew using a French press, espresso or pour-over method

Mushroom coffee is made by blending ground medicinal mushrooms with coffee beans. This drink typically uses medicinal mushrooms such as lion's mane, turkey tail, reishi, chaga, and cordyceps. To create the blend, dried mushrooms are finely ground and mixed with ground coffee beans. The resulting mushroom coffee blend can be brewed using various methods, including French press, espresso, or pour-over.

French Press

The French press method allows for full immersion brewing, resulting in a rich and flavourful cup of coffee. This method uses a brewing technique called 'immersion brewing', which enables maximum absorption of water and grounds to extract more beneficial compounds from the mushroom coffee during the brewing process.

To brew mushroom coffee using a French press, start by adding coarsely ground coffee to the press, along with the mushroom powder. Pour in hot water just off the boil, or around 200°F (93°C), and stir gently. Let the mixture steep for about 4 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired strength. After steeping, press down the plunger slowly and steadily halfway, then pour the brewed coffee into your mug or cup.

Espresso

For espresso, the recommended amount is about 7 grams of ground mushroom coffee per shot of espresso. The grind size for espresso is finer than that of a French press.

Pour-Over

The pour-over method offers control over the brewing process, allowing you to customise factors like water temperature and pouring technique. For pour-over, wet the coffee filter, add coffee grounds, and slowly pour hot water in a circular motion over the grounds, allowing the coffee to bloom. The water temperature for pour-over should be between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C).

Frequently asked questions