Michael Davis
Mushroom juice may sound like an unusual concept, but it is an easy and nutritious way to consume mushrooms. Mushrooms are inexpensive and packed with micronutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a recognised superfood. Juicing mushrooms can be an excellent way to quickly absorb all their beneficial properties. While some may be hesitant to try it, mushroom juice can be a tasty and healthy addition to your diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Juicer types | Breville Juice Fountain centrifugal juicer, Omega Slow Masticating Juicer |
| Mushroom types | Raw or cooked, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Button mushrooms |
| Mushroom characteristics | High in protein, good source of fiber, low in calories, cholesterol-free, inexpensive, rich in potassium, high in protein |
| Storage | Store in a paper lunch bag in the refrigerator |
| Cleaning | Use a small brush with dry bristles or a damp paper towel to clean |
| Juicing process | Steam, boil, or simmer mushrooms and push through a strainer, or add dehydrated mushroom powder to a beverage |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing mushrooms for juicing
When choosing mushrooms for juicing, it is important to select fresh, organic mushrooms that are free from any discolouration or black spots. Fresh mushrooms should have a dry, yet not dried out, skin and should not feel slimy to the touch. It is also important to avoid washing mushrooms as they are soft and will absorb water. Instead, use a small brush with dry bristles or a damp paper towel to gently remove any dirt from the surface.
When selecting mushrooms for juicing, it is also essential to consider the variety. Button mushrooms are the most popular choice for juicing as they are readily available in local supermarkets. However, there are other functional mushroom varieties, such as Chaga and Turkey Tail, that offer additional health benefits such as improved gut health and immune-boosting properties. These functional mushrooms are often available as tinctures, which can be easily added to juices.
When choosing mushrooms for juicing, it is important to consider their nutritional content. Mushrooms are a good source of potassium, protein, and fibre. They are also low in calories, sodium, and cholesterol, making them a nutritious addition to any juice. Additionally, mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as ergothioneine, which can boost overall health.
It is worth noting that mushrooms are sensitive and porous, so it is important to handle them with care. They should be stored in a cold part of the refrigerator in a paper bag and used as soon as possible, preferably within a week of purchase or harvesting, to ensure maximum freshness and nutrient retention.
Lastly, it is important to exercise caution when picking wild mushrooms as many varieties are poisonous. It is generally safer to purchase mushrooms from a local supermarket or a reputable source. If you are on medication or have a food intolerance, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming large quantities of mushrooms.
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Preparing mushrooms for juicing
Before juicing, mushrooms should be cleaned. The skin of the mushroom is porous, so a small brush, like a toothbrush, can be used to gently remove any dirt. Alternatively, a damp paper towel can be used to wipe them off. There is no need to peel mushrooms before juicing.
While many types of mushrooms can be juiced, button mushrooms are the most popular choice and are readily available in supermarkets. They are safer to buy than picking wild mushrooms, as many varieties are poisonous. If you are on medication or have a food intolerance, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming large quantities of mushrooms.
Organic mushrooms are preferred for juicing, and they can be used either raw or cooked. The juicing process can be done in a variety of juicers, depending on your preference for fibre content and noise level. For example, a centrifugal juicer is quick but noisy, while a slow masticating juicer retains more nutrition and is quieter.
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Juicer options
There are several types of juicers that will work to varying degrees. Here are some of the best options:
Breville Juice Fountain Centrifugal Juicer: This juicer is a good option for those who want simple juice extraction without fiber. It produces juice quickly but can be quite noisy.
Omega Slow Masticating Juicer: This juicer offers a quieter, slower juicing experience with optimal nutrition retention. It is a good choice for those who want to retain the most nutrients from their mushrooms.
Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer: This juicer is quiet and powerful, handling both soft and hardcore ingredients with ease. It is easy to use and clean, but it comes with a high price tag of $550.
Nutribullet Slow Juicer: If you're looking for a high-quality juicer that won't take up too much counter space, the Nutribullet Slow Juicer is a good option. It is a more compact and affordable alternative to the Nama J2.
When choosing a juicer for mushrooms, consider the noise level, ease of use and cleaning, nutrition retention, and your budget. Some juicers may be better suited for certain types of ingredients, so it's important to research and select the one that fits your specific needs.
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Adding ingredients to mushroom juice
While mushroom juice on its own is a good source of fibre and is high in protein, low in calories, and cholesterol-free, it can be enhanced by adding other ingredients.
One way to add ingredients to mushroom juice is to steam the mushrooms, dice them, and then put them through a sieve or strainer. This will give you mushroom juice to which you can add other liquids. For example, to two ounces of carrot juice, add one whole mushroom, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 5 ounces of soy milk. You can also add mushroom juice to other beverages or foods in powder form.
You can also add ingredients to mushroom juice by sautéing or roasting mushrooms and then using the leftover liquid in the pan. This liquid can be added to pasta, risotto, oatmeal, soups, stews, sauces, rice, polenta, quinoa, or bread. If you evaporate the leftover liquid in the pan, you can intensify the mushroom flavour and then add it to dishes.
If you are using fresh mushrooms, it is best to juice them within a week of purchasing or harvesting. Organic mushrooms are preferred for juicing, and they should show no signs of discolouration or black spots. Fresh mushrooms should be stored in a cold part of the refrigerator in a paper lunch bag.
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Health benefits of mushroom juice
Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of juicing, mushrooms can be juiced, and they offer a plethora of health benefits.
Firstly, mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium, ergothioneine, and glutathione, which are potent antioxidants. These compounds work together to protect the body from physiological stress, reducing the visible signs of aging and preventing cell damage. Additionally, a 2021 study from Spain found that mushrooms, along with other polyphenol-rich foods like coffee, cocoa, and red wine, may help protect against cognitive decline in older adults.
Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D, which is unique among produce. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, helping to maintain and build strong bones, and it also boosts immune function and reduces inflammation. Furthermore, mushrooms contain vitamin B6, which supports red blood cell development, and B vitamins in general, which have been linked to a lower risk of depression.
In terms of heart health, mushrooms are a great choice. They are naturally low in sodium and rich in potassium, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent plaque buildup on arterial walls. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of fiber, which improves insulin resistance and supports gastrointestinal health by encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
When it comes to juicing mushrooms, it's important to select fresh mushrooms that are dry but not dried out and free from discoloration or black spots. They should be juiced as soon as possible, preferably within a week of purchase. You can juice them raw or cooked, and organic mushrooms are preferred. If you're using a juicer, there are various types to choose from, depending on your preferences regarding noise, speed, and nutrition retention. Alternatively, you can make mushroom juice by steaming and straining them, or simply adding dehydrated mushroom powder to your beverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are full of nutritional properties and are considered a superfood. They are a good source of potassium, protein, and fiber, and are low in calories and cholesterol. They also contain the micronutrient ergothioneine, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Button mushrooms are the most popular type of mushroom for juicing. However, many other types of mushrooms can be juiced, including raw or cooked mushrooms. If possible, organic mushrooms are preferred.
Fresh mushrooms should not feel slimy and should have dry skin. Use a small brush to lightly scrub away any dirt on the skin. If you cannot use them right away, keep the mushrooms in a paper lunch bag in the refrigerator and try to juice them within a week.
There are several types of juicers that will work to varying degrees. A centrifugal juicer produces juice quickly but can be noisy, while a slow masticating juicer is quieter and retains more nutrition. Alternatively, you can steam the mushrooms and push them through a strainer, or dehydrate them and use the resulting broth.
Mushroom juice has a unique flavor profile and can be added to various recipes. You can experiment with different ingredients to discover new tastes.
