Laura Smith
Extracting juice from mushrooms is a process that aims to make the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, a tough substance that our bodies lack the enzymes to digest. As a result, the beneficial compounds in mushrooms can be locked inside the cell wall. By using extraction techniques, we can break down this chitin and access these compounds. There are various methods for extracting mushroom juice, including hot water extraction, dual extraction using alcohol and water, and ultrasonic extraction. The choice of method depends on the desired compounds and their solubility, as well as the specific mushroom species.
How to extract mushroom juice
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Extraction methods | Hot water, dual extraction (hot water and alcohol), ultrasonic bath extraction, acid-base extraction, ethyl alcohol extraction, tea preparation, chewing method, solid-phase extraction |
| Tools | Conical metal filters, jelly bags, nut-milk bags, potato ricers, crockpot, ultrasonic extractor, cheesecloth, jars, pan, plate, measuring jug, filter fabric, shaker, chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA identification methods, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography |
| Mushroom species | Psilocybe, Reishi, Cordycep, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Artist's Conk, Shiitake |
| Benefits | Therapeutic effects, medicinal qualities, enhanced absorption, improved solubility, better control over elements in the final product |
| Challenges | Variability between mushroom species, complex process requiring attention to detail and safety precautions |
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What You'll Learn
- Dual extraction: Using both alcohol and hot water to extract compounds
- Solid-phase extraction: Using specialised resins or cartridges to isolate psilocybin
- Acid-base extraction: Using lemon juice or vinegar to convert psilocybin into a salt form
- Ethyl alcohol extraction: Soaking powdered mushrooms in ethanol to extract psilocybin
- Hot water extraction: Cooking mushrooms in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds
Dual extraction: Using both alcohol and hot water to extract compounds
Dual extraction is a process that uses both hot water and alcohol to extract compounds from raw mushroom material. It is important to note that not all mushrooms require dual extraction, and some may even be negatively impacted by it. The process aims to obtain a "'full spectrum' of compounds from the mushrooms.
The first step in dual extraction is typically hot water extraction. This involves using hot water as a solvent to extract water-soluble compounds from the mushrooms. The mushroom material, usually in the form of a coarse powder, is heated in hot water over several hours. It is important that the water does not boil, as this can cause vital ingredients to evaporate. The temperature and extraction time may vary depending on the type of mushroom. This process helps dissolve the chitin shell and protein bonds surrounding the compounds inside the mushroom cells. The polysaccharide content of the extract can be controlled by repeating the process. After the water extraction, the solids are separated from the liquid.
The second step involves using alcohol to extract the water-insoluble compounds from the leftover solids of the hot water extraction. The solids are added to a mixture of alcohol and water and cooked for a set period. Once done, the liquid is separated from the solids and added to the hot water extract. This results in a dual extract that contains both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds. High-proof ethanol, such as 95% grain alcohol, is commonly used for dual extraction as it effectively extracts fat-soluble compounds and is safe for human consumption in proper doses.
Dual extraction is particularly beneficial for mushrooms with high amounts of non-water-soluble compounds, such as reishi and chaga. These mushrooms contain high levels of triterpenes, which are water-insoluble compounds. However, it is important to note that dual extraction may result in lower levels of beta-glucans compared to hot water extraction alone, as alcohol causes polysaccharides to precipitate out of the solution.
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Solid-phase extraction: Using specialised resins or cartridges to isolate psilocybin
Solid-phase extraction is a modern technique for isolating psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. This method uses specialised resins or cartridges to selectively bind and isolate psilocybin from other compounds present in the mushroom material. The process begins with collecting psilocybin-containing mushrooms, which are then dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then subjected to solid-phase extraction to separate and purify the psilocybin.
During solid-phase extraction, the powdered mushrooms are treated with a non-polar solvent, such as naphtha or xylene, to extract the psilocybin. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a pure psilocybin extract. The psilocybin is then eluted from the resin or cartridge, producing a purified extract. This technique offers more precise control over the extraction process and allows for the production of standardised psilocybin extracts.
Solid-phase extraction is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety precautions. It should only be carried out by trained individuals in a controlled environment. Traditional extraction methods for psilocybin, such as tea preparation and the chewing method, have been practised for centuries by indigenous cultures and often involve the preparation of psilocybin-containing mushrooms in a ceremonial or spiritual context.
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin and its role in psychedelic therapy are continuing to gain recognition. Modern advancements in extraction techniques, such as solid-phase extraction, have emerged with the development of technology and scientific research. These techniques offer greater precision and control, enabling the production of standardised extracts and furthering scientific research into psilocybin's therapeutic potential.
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Acid-base extraction: Using lemon juice or vinegar to convert psilocybin into a salt form
Mushroom extraction is a process that makes the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The most common mushroom extraction process involves using hot water, which is often left in the final product. However, this method only extracts water-soluble compounds, and some insoluble compounds may be left in the solids that are discarded. Therefore, a dual extraction method is sometimes used, which involves an initial soak in cold water, alcohol, or a mixture of alcohol and hot water, followed by a hot water extraction.
Psilocybin extraction is a complex process that involves the isolation and concentration of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. One common extraction method is acid-base extraction, which uses lemon juice or vinegar to convert psilocybin into its salt form. This method is also known as lemon tekking or lemon tek, and it can intensify the experience of consuming psilocybin mushrooms, making it more profound and strengthening the visuals and the peak. It is reported to be less hard on the body as it involves skipping the element that causes the most stomach upset: raw mushrooms. Lemon tekking breaks down the cell walls of the mushrooms and extracts the magical compounds like psilocybin, psilocin, and possibly others like baeocystin and norbaeocystin. This leaves the stomach with less work to do and therefore less chance of feeling upset.
To perform a lemon tek, squeeze lemon juice in with the oil you use to saute the mushrooms. You can also use vinegar or other citrus juices, although the flavour they impart will differ. It is important to note that lemon tekking can cause acid reflux, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. To minimise any GI upset, it is recommended to fast for at least three to four hours before lemon tekking and to eat healthily and avoid alcohol in the days leading up to the trip.
After lemon tekking the mushrooms, they can be consumed in various traditional ways, such as through the 'tea preparation' method, which involves steeping the mushrooms in hot water to extract the psychoactive compounds, or the 'chewing method', which involves chewing and swallowing the dried mushrooms to release the psilocybin compounds.
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Ethyl alcohol extraction: Soaking powdered mushrooms in ethanol to extract psilocybin
Mushroom extraction is a process that makes the natural, beneficial compounds in mushrooms more readily available to our bodies. The fungal cell wall is made up of chitin, which is a tough substance that our bodies typically lack the enzymes to digest. As a result, the beneficial compounds in mushrooms end up locked inside the chitin cell wall.
Hot water extraction is a very traditional mushroom extraction process and is the most common. However, hot water will only extract water-soluble compounds, and some of the insolubles. To extract all the water-insoluble compounds, a solvent other than water, such as alcohol, is required.
One modern extraction technique is known as 'solid-phase extraction'. This method involves the use of specialised resins or cartridges to selectively bind and isolate psilocybin from other compounds present in the mushroom material. The psilocybin is then eluted from the resin or cartridge, producing a purified extract.
Another extraction method is ethyl alcohol extraction. This method involves soaking powdered mushrooms in ethanol to extract psilocybin. Here is a step-by-step guide to this process:
- Harvest psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
- Dry the mushrooms. The moisture content of the raw material after drying should be low compared to the total dried biomass weight. For example, the moisture content may be under 5% for smaller-scale extractions and under 10% for larger-scale extractions.
- Grind the dried mushrooms into a fine powder.
- Soak the powdered mushrooms in high-proof ethanol, such as vodka or grain alcohol.
- Filter out the solid residues.
- Evaporate the ethanol under controlled conditions to obtain a concentrated psilocybin extract.
It is important to note that psilocybin extraction is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety precautions. It should only be carried out by trained individuals in a controlled environment.
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Hot water extraction: Cooking mushrooms in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds
Hot water extraction is a traditional and common method of extracting water-soluble mushroom compounds. The process involves cooking mushrooms in hot water, which draws out water-soluble compounds. This method is similar to making tea, coffee, bone broth, or soup stock, where hot water is used as a solvent to extract compounds from raw ingredients.
To perform a hot water extraction of mushrooms, start by placing your desired amount of chopped or ground mushrooms into a jar. The mushrooms can be chopped or ground, but they should be small enough to release their compounds into the water. Then, pour hot water over the mushrooms. It is important to note that the water should be hot, but not boiling, as boiling water may negatively impact the extraction process. Allow the mushrooms to sit in the hot water for several hours. Two hours is a common duration for this step, but some prefer to let the mixture sit overnight to ensure maximum extraction. During this time, the water will extract the water-soluble compounds from the mushrooms.
After the extraction process, filter the mixture to separate the liquid from the solid mushroom remnants. This can be done using a cheesecloth, a nut-milk bag, or a potato ricer to squeeze out the mushroom juice. The liquid extract can then be collected and stored for later use.
Hot water extraction is a simple and effective way to extract water-soluble compounds from mushrooms. However, it is important to note that this method only extracts water-soluble compounds, and other compounds may be left behind in the solid remnants. To extract a fuller range of compounds, a dual extraction method can be employed, which involves using both water and alcohol as solvents.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom juice, or mushroom extract, is a substance made by extracting the bioactive compounds from mushrooms, often using a solvent such as ethanol or water.
To extract mushroom juice using water, you can use the hot water extraction method. First, chop or grind your mushrooms and place them in a jar. Then, pour hot water over the mushrooms and let them sit for at least two hours. Finally, filter the liquid through a cheesecloth or a similar fabric to separate the mushroom juice from the solids.
To extract mushroom juice using alcohol, fill a jar with chopped or ground mushrooms and cover them with vodka or 40% alcohol of your choice. Seal the jar and store it in a dark place for a month, shaking it regularly. After a month, pour the solution through a cheesecloth to separate the liquids from the solids.
Dual extraction is a technique that uses both alcohol and water to extract as many compounds as possible from the mushrooms. First, perform the alcohol extraction, then use the leftover solids for the water extraction. Finally, combine the alcohol and water solutions to create your mushroom juice.
