Emma Wilson
Mushroom tea, or shroom tea, is often associated with magic mushrooms and their mind-altering effects. However, there are many other types of mushrooms that offer medicinal benefits without the hallucinogenic effects. Making mushroom tea is a simple process that allows you to consume the mushrooms in a pleasant way, and it may even be faster-acting than eating them. In this guide, you will learn the basic steps and best practices for brewing your own mushroom tea at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Therapeutic, medicinal, mind-altering, mood-altering, hallucinogenic, pleasant, faster-acting, easier on the stomach, control over dosing |
| Types of mushrooms | Magic, Chaga, Lion's Mane, Maitake |
| Equipment | Coffee grinder, pestle and mortar, sharp knife, kitchen scissors, kettle, teapot, coffee filter, sieve, refrigerator, glass container |
| Tea type | Caffeine-free blends, yarrow tea, herbal tea, decaffeinated tea |
| Additives | Honey, ginger, maple syrup, lemon juice, honeysuckle flowers, oat milk |
| Dosage | 2-3g, 0.3-0.75g (minimum), 2-3.5g (moderate), 1:1 ratio of tea bag to cup of water, 1 teaspoon per cup |
| Brewing time | 3-5 days, 15-30 minutes, 3-5 minutes, 4-6 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 60 minutes |
| Brewing temperature | 212°F, 110°F-120°F, 170°F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your mushrooms
Choosing the right mushrooms is an important step in brewing mushroom tea. There are many species of mushrooms to choose from, each with its own unique properties and effects. Here are some popular options:
Chaga Mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus): These mushrooms are commonly found in North America and Europe, and are especially popular in Russia. Chaga mushrooms have a black exterior and vibrant orange interior, with a mild flavour that has hints of vanilla. They are known for their immune-boosting properties and high antioxidant content, including the amino acid betulinic acid, which is linked to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Chaga mushroom tea can be brewed for long periods without turning bitter and is typically consumed unsweetened, but you can add cinnamon or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Lion's Mane: This variety is known for its luxurious nature due to its rarity and unique flavour profile, which is often compared to lobster. Lion's Mane mushrooms have a sweet, savoury taste with a meaty texture that transforms into a full-bodied flavour when brewed with water. They are used to support brain health and are popular in traditional medicine.
Maitake Mushrooms (Grifola frondosa): These mushrooms are found in the northern parts of Japan and across the United States, typically growing on oak trees. Maitake mushrooms are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce pain and discomfort. They have a distinctive flavour profile that is fruity, earthy, and spicy, with a savoury rich taste known as umami due to the active ingredient L-glutamate.
When choosing mushrooms for your tea, it is important to consider the desired effects and your own personal preferences. Some mushrooms, like Chaga, are valued for their health benefits and mild flavour, while others, like Lion's Mane, offer a unique sensory experience with their distinct flavour profiles.
Additionally, it is crucial to source your mushrooms from a trusted provider to ensure quality and safety. Mushroom species can vary significantly in their potency and effects, so always inquire about the specific type you are purchasing. Remember to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it to find the amount that works best for you.
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Preparing the mushrooms
Once you've selected your mushrooms, it's time to prepare them for brewing. You can use fresh mushrooms or opt for dried mushroom powder. If you're using fresh mushrooms, you can chop them into small pieces with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Alternatively, you can use a coffee grinder or pestle and mortar to turn the mushrooms into a fine powder. The powder can be added directly to the tea infuser or teapot, steeping for 5 minutes for fresh mushrooms and 4 to 6 minutes for dried mushroom powder.
If you're using dried mushrooms, you'll need to rehydrate them before use. This can be done by pouring hot water over the mushrooms and allowing them to steep for 15 to 30 minutes. After steeping, the mushroom liquid can be used as the base for your tea.
The amount of mushrooms used will depend on the desired potency and the number of servings you want to make. A general guideline is to use an eighth of mushrooms for every 2 cups of water. However, you can adjust this ratio by increasing the water amount to 3 cups for a lower dose per cup. It's important to note that the serving size for mushroom tea should be calculated carefully, especially when using psychedelic mushrooms, as it can greatly affect the experience.
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Preparing the tea
Preparing mushroom tea is a simple process. It's an effective way to consume psilocybin and is faster-acting and easier on the stomach than eating mushrooms. The first step is to decide which mushrooms to use. Chaga mushrooms, Lion's Mane, and Maitake mushrooms are some of the most popular varieties. Chaga mushrooms, for example, are known for their immune-boosting properties and mild flavour, while Lion's Mane has a sweet, savoury flavour with a meaty essence.
Once you've selected your mushrooms, you can prepare them by either grinding them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or pestle and mortar, or chopping them into small pieces with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. The amount of mushrooms used will depend on the desired potency and the number of servings you want from your brew. A typical medicinal dose is around 2-3 grams, but it's important to start with a low dose and work your way up.
Next, boil some water. The general rule is to use one cup of water for every teaspoon of loose tea or tea bag. Place your tea bags or loose tea leaves in a cup or teapot and pour the hot water over them. Then, add your prepared mushrooms. If using mushroom powder, whisk it into the hot water until well combined.
Let the tea steep for at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes, depending on your preference. You can also add other ingredients like honey, ginger, lemon juice, or maple syrup to enhance the flavour. Finally, strain the tea through a sieve or coffee filter to remove any mushroom bits and pour it into cups or a teapot.
Remember to clean and sanitize your tea-making equipment before and after use to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure the best flavour.
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Brewing the tea
Brewing mushroom tea is simple and effective. It is also a more pleasant way to consume mushrooms, with faster-acting effects and less impact on the stomach.
Firstly, decide which mushrooms to use. Popular options include Chaga mushrooms, Lion's Mane, and Maitake mushrooms. Chaga mushrooms, for example, are known for their immune-boosting properties and antioxidants, while Lion's Mane is used to protect brain health. The type of mushroom you choose will depend on your desired effects.
Next, prepare your mushrooms. You can use fresh mushrooms or dried mushroom powder. If using fresh mushrooms, chop them into small pieces with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Alternatively, you can use a coffee grinder or pestle and mortar to turn dry mushrooms into a fine powder.
Then, prepare your tea. Bring two cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot. You can also use a tea kettle to boil the water and then pour it into a separate pot. At this point, you can also add other ingredients such as dried yarrow flowers, allowing them to steep before adding the mushroom powder.
Now, add your mushroom powder. For every 6 ounces of water, use one teaspoon of mushroom powder. You can also use tea bags, placing them directly into the cup or pot before or after adding the hot water.
Finally, let your tea steep. The steeping time will depend on the desired potency and the type of mushroom used. For most mushrooms, steeping for 10 to 30 minutes is recommended. However, Chaga mushroom tea can be brewed for longer periods without becoming bitter.
Remember to clean and sanitize your tea-making equipment to protect the tea's flavor and prevent bacterial contamination. Enjoy your mushroom tea!
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Storing the tea
Storing mushroom tea requires careful consideration of the storage environment, container type, and duration. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure your tea stays fresh and safe for consumption:
Storage Environment
Keep the tea in a cool, dry, and dark place. A pantry or refrigerator is ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature and blocking out light. Avoid exposing the tea to heat, freezing temperatures, sunlight, or areas with high humidity. These factors can promote the growth of mould and degrade the quality of your tea.
Container Type
Use airtight, sealed containers to store your mushroom tea. Glass jars or bottles are excellent choices as they create a barrier against oxygen and contaminants. If using a glass jar, consider including desiccants like silica gel packs to absorb any residual moisture. Alternatively, you can use vacuum-sealed bags or containers to minimise oxygen exposure and prolong the shelf life of your tea.
Duration and Freshness
Even with proper storage, mushroom tea has a limited shelf life. For optimal freshness and potency, consume refrigerated tea within one to two weeks. If you intend to store the tea for longer periods, consider freezing it. Freezing can preserve the tea's potency for up to several years. However, it is recommended to divide the tea into smaller portions before freezing to avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, which can affect its quality.
Remember to label your containers with the date of preparation and regularly inspect them for any signs of mould or degradation. By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure your mushroom tea remains fresh, potent, and safe for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea, or shroom tea, is commonly associated with magic mushrooms and their mind-altering effects. However, there are many types of mushrooms that offer medicinal benefits without hallucinogens.
First, decide which mushrooms to use. You can use fresh mushrooms or grind them into a powder with a coffee grinder or pestle and mortar. Next, add two tea bags to two cups of boiled water. After 3-5 minutes, remove the tea bags and add your mushrooms. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a stronger dose. Finally, strain the tea into a cup and enjoy!
Only brew enough tea that you expect to consume within 3-5 days. A teaspoon of mushroom powder makes one 6oz cup of tea.
If you don't want to drink all your mushroom tea in one sitting, store it in a glass container in the refrigerator and use within a week or two.
