John Miller
Mushroom extraction is the process of breaking down the tough chitin cell walls of mushrooms to make the beneficial compounds inside more readily available to our bodies. The most common method of extraction is the hot water method, which is the most traditional. Other methods include alcohol extraction, dual extraction, and modern techniques such as solid-phase extraction and supercritical fluid extraction. The extraction method can influence the efficiency of obtaining compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which have therapeutic benefits. One source outlines a process for extracting mushroom goo, which involves cooking mushroom powder with everclear/ethanol/methanol in a crock pot until it becomes a gooey substance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Mushroom extract, Blue Dragon |
| Traditional Extraction Methods | Tea preparation, Chewing method |
| Modern Extraction Techniques | Solid-phase extraction, Supercritical fluid extraction, Ultrasonic bath, Butane hash oil (BHO) extraction |
| Traditional Solvents | Water, Alcohol |
| Modern Solvents | Naphtha, Chloroform, Xylene, Carbon dioxide |
| Extraction Yield | Varies with species and extraction method |
| Storage | Refrigerator/Freezer |
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What You'll Learn
Using hot water
It is important to note that the temperature of the water should not exceed 60°C, as higher temperatures can damage the alcohol-soluble triterpenes found in mushrooms like Lion's Mane. The hot water extract can be followed by an alcohol extract to create a dual extraction, but the order of the processes is crucial to preserving the beneficial compounds.
The hot water extraction method is often used to create tinctures, which are liquid extracts that contain the beneficial compounds of the mushrooms. To create a tincture, the dried mushroom powder is combined with alcohol, typically vodka or ethanol, and stored in a warm, dark room for several weeks. The mixture is regularly shaken to help with the extraction process. Finally, the alcohol is evaporated, leaving behind a dried powder that contains the alcohol-soluble compounds.
The hot water extraction method is a simple and traditional way to extract the beneficial compounds from mushrooms. However, it is important to consider the temperature of the water and the potential for a dual extraction process to ensure the preservation of all the beneficial compounds.
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Using alcohol
Mushroom extraction is the process of extracting medicinal compounds from fungi. The two most common methods are hot water extraction and alcohol extraction. Pure alcohol is rarely used when making extract powders. When both water and alcohol are used, it is called a dual extract. The choice of extraction method and mushroom species significantly influence compound yields.
Alcohol extraction is a process that involves using alcohol as a solvent to extract medicinal compounds from mushrooms. Some compounds found in mushrooms, such as triterpenes, are soluble in alcohol. The type of alcohol used can vary, with some people using grain alcohol, vodka, brandy, or ethanol.
To perform an alcohol extraction, you will need:
- A solvent, such as ethanol or grain alcohol
- Mushrooms
- A container, such as a mason jar or crockpot
- A strainer or filter
- Immerse the mushrooms in the alcohol. You can use powdered or dried mushrooms, or you may need to grind or chop fresh mushrooms. Ensure the mushrooms are completely covered by the alcohol.
- Soak the mushrooms for an extended period, typically around two weeks, regularly shaking or stirring the mixture.
- Strain the mixture, retaining the mushroom solids.
- Add hot water to the mushroom solids and soak for several hours or up to a day.
- Strain out the mushroom solids again.
- Combine the water and alcohol in the desired ratio, typically with more water than alcohol.
- Evaporate most of the alcohol, leaving a concentrated solution containing the extracted compounds.
It is important to note that alcohol extraction may not be suitable for all mushrooms, and some compounds may be better extracted using hot water or other methods. Additionally, the quality and freshness of the mushrooms can impact the extraction process and the final product.
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Using dual extraction
Mushroom extraction is the process of breaking down the chitin in the fungal cell wall to make the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The process of dual extraction involves using both water and alcohol to obtain a full spectrum of compounds available in the mushroom.
To perform a dual extraction, start by filling a quart-sized glass jar halfway with dried mushrooms. Fill the jar with alcohol, ensuring the mushrooms are completely covered, and leave about a half-inch space at the top of the jar. Place parchment paper between the jar and the lid to prevent the alcohol from corroding the lid. Let the jar sit on the counter for two weeks to a month, shaking it daily. When ready, strain the mushroom-infused alcohol into another jar. This is your alcohol extraction.
The next step is to prepare a hot water extract. Bring half a gallon of water to a simmer in a stock pot and add the mushrooms from the alcohol extract to the simmering water. This will help to isolate triterpenes and sterols, which are primarily non-water-soluble. For certain mushrooms, there may not be any primary water-insoluble compounds of note, in which case a dual extraction may not be necessary.
The final step is to combine the alcohol and water extracts. Shake the alcohol extract jar daily or more often to maximize extraction. Label your new mushroom double extract with the ingredients and the date it was made. It is important to use the correct solvent when performing a dual extraction, as many mushrooms do not need dual extraction and may potentially be negatively impacted.
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Drying and grinding mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are properly dried, it's time to grind them into a fine powder. This can be done using a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder. It is recommended to pulse the processor or blender on and off initially to break up large pieces, and then maintain a constant pulse to ensure a consistent texture. The grinding process may need to be repeated several times, depending on the type of mushroom, to achieve a fine powder.
The resulting mushroom powder can be stored in an airtight glass jar, maximizing its shelf life by keeping it away from direct heat and light. This powder is a versatile ingredient that can be added to meals, providing plant-based protein and dietary fiber without the strong umami flavor of fresh mushrooms.
For those interested in creating a mushroom extract, also known as "mushroom goo," the process becomes more complex. The powder obtained from grinding dried mushrooms is immersed in a solvent such as Everclear, ethanol, or methanol. This mixture is then cooked at a low temperature until it reduces to a gooey substance. This step helps to dissolve the chitin and protein bonds, releasing the active compounds and valuable polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, found in mushroom cells. The final product can be stored in the freezer, maintaining its potency for over two years.
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Using an ultrasonic bath
Ultrasonic extraction is a highly efficient method for extracting compounds from mushrooms. It is a fast and mild extraction process that can produce high-quality mushroom extracts. The process involves using high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles in a liquid. When these bubbles collapse, they release intense localized shear forces that break down cell walls and release the contents of the cells into the liquid. This technique can be used to extract bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and other substances from mushrooms.
To use an ultrasonic bath for mushroom extraction, follow these steps:
- Prepare the mushrooms: Chop or grind the mushrooms into a fine powder. The amount of mushroom material will depend on the desired yield and the capacity of the ultrasonic bath.
- Choose a solvent: Select a solvent that is suitable for your specific application. Common solvents used in mushroom extraction include water, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, or mixtures of water and ethanol. The choice of solvent will depend on the compounds you want to extract.
- Fill the ultrasonic bath: Place the chopped or powdered mushrooms in a suitable container, such as a glass beaker or flask. Fill the container with the chosen solvent, ensuring that the mushrooms are completely submerged.
- Control the temperature: Maintain a low temperature during the extraction process. Consider using an ice bath or a refrigerated ultrasonic bath to keep the temperature consistent and cool.
- Set up the ultrasonic bath: Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines on setting up and operating your ultrasonic bath. Adjust the amplitude, power, and duration according to your requirements. The settings may vary depending on the type of mushrooms and the desired compounds to be extracted.
- Sonicate the mixture: Immerse the horn (sonotrode) of the ultrasonicator into the suspension of mushrooms and solvent. Ensure that the sonotrode does not touch the walls of the container. Set the amplitude to 100% and sonicate for approximately 10 minutes. The sonication time may vary depending on the mushroom species and desired compound extraction.
- Separate the extracted compounds: After sonication, separate the mushroom pieces and debris by straining or filtering the mixture. You can use filtration, distillation, evaporation, or precipitation techniques to separate and purify the extracted compounds.
- Optional second extraction: You can perform a second extraction run using either water or ethanol on the remaining mushroom material from the filtration step. This can help improve the yield of extracted compounds.
- Remove the solvent: Use an evaporation system or other suitable method to remove the solvent from the extracted compounds. This step may vary depending on the solvent used and the desired final product.
- Store and use the extract: Store the extracted compounds properly, following relevant guidelines for the specific compounds and applications. The extracted compounds can then be used for various purposes, such as creating medicines, dietary supplements, functional food ingredients, tinctures, or tonics.
It is important to note that the specific steps and settings may vary depending on the type of ultrasonic bath, the mushroom species, and the compounds you want to extract. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and conduct thorough research before attempting any extraction procedure.
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