Sarah Brown
Mushroom tea is a popular beverage, especially in Russia and Baltic countries, where it is believed to have several health benefits, including aiding digestion, heart health, and even cancer treatment. The tea is made by infusing edible or medicinal mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, Chaga, or Reishi, in hot water. The process involves simmering fresh or dried mushrooms for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the beneficial compounds, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, to be extracted. Mushroom tea can be enjoyed on its own or paired with spices and herbs to enhance the earthy flavours of the mushrooms. Preparing mushroom tea is a simple process that offers a versatile and healthy beverage option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms | Lion's mane, chaga, turkey tail, cordyceps, reishi, morels, lingzhi, black hoof, oyster, scaly hedgehog, shiitake |
| Other ingredients | Spices, herbs, flowers, cayenne, black pepper, maple syrup, oat milk, honeysuckle flowers |
| Preparation method | Boil water, add dried yarrow flowers, steep, strain, rewarm, whisk in mushroom powder |
| Health benefits | Increased alertness, digestive aid, immune-boosting, increased energy, better sleep, gut health support |
| Time | Quick and easy to prepare |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing mushrooms: Lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi are popular
- Dried vs fresh: Dried mushrooms are often sold as extracts, but fresh can be used
- Boiling water: Use a kettle or stove top to boil water for tea
- Simmering: Simmer mushrooms for 30 minutes to an hour to extract beneficial compounds
- Add-ins: Honey, maple syrup, and milk are common additions to mushroom tea
Choosing mushrooms: Lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi are popular
Choosing the right mushroom is an important step in preparing mushroom tea. Each variety of mushroom has unique benefits and distinct flavours. Lions mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi are popular mushrooms used to make tea.
Lions Mane is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and boosts endurance and immunity. In Asia, it is renowned as a nerve and brain protector. It is often paired with Rhodiola, a mood enhancer from Siberia. The light aroma of rose from the Rhodiola is highlighted with rose petals and strengthened with Lion's Mane's protective properties.
Chaga, known as the 'King of Mushrooms', is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, offering powerful healing and anti-aging properties. It has been used since around 4000 BC and is commonly found on Birch trees in the coldest regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Chaga tea has a pleasant, earthy flavour and lacks a strong mushroom taste. It can be sweetened with honey or milk to create a creamier beverage. To preserve its nutrient density, brew the tea at a temperature between 160-175°F (71-80°C) and steep for 4-6 minutes.
Cordyceps, native to grassy alpine meadows, is particularly popular in herbalism and culinary traditions due to its pleasant savoury flavour. It is believed to have been first used by ancient herders in Northern India and Tibet, who noticed that their healthiest livestock grazed on a mushroom called yarsa gumba. Cordyceps tea is said to have cardiovascular health benefits and may help increase overall fitness levels. To prepare the tea, heat water to 208-212°F and steep for 3-5 minutes.
Reishi mushroom, also known as the 'mushroom of immortality', is a rare medicinal mushroom that has been a part of Chinese culture for over 2000 years. It is believed to promote healthy cell growth, improve immune function, and support healthy blood pressure. While some reishi mushroom teas are said to have a bitter taste, blends are crafted to provide a sweet, spicy flavour. It is recommended to avoid drinking Reishi mushroom tea if you are taking blood thinners.
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Dried vs fresh: Dried mushrooms are often sold as extracts, but fresh can be used
Dried mushrooms are often sold as extracts, but fresh mushrooms can also be used to make mushroom tea. The availability of fresh and dried mushrooms tends to differ. Generally, you need to forage or grow fresh mushrooms, whereas dried mushrooms can be purchased in stores. Fresh mushrooms are rarely sold because they need to be picked and sold within a couple of days to avoid spoilage. On the other hand, dried mushrooms can be stored indefinitely, making them a convenient option.
Dried mushrooms are popular due to their long shelf life, lasting up to a year or more when stored properly. In comparison, fresh mushrooms have a much shorter shelf life, typically lasting about a week in the fridge. To extend their freshness, keep fresh mushrooms in a paper bag or a breathable container.
Fresh mushrooms offer a subtle, delicate flavour and a firm, moist texture. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and antioxidants. However, drying mushrooms alters their potency, flavour, and effects. Dried mushrooms have a more concentrated flavour and can add depth to soups and sauces. While drying may reduce some water-soluble nutrients, they still retain most of their minerals and fibre.
When using dried mushrooms, it is necessary to rehydrate them before consumption. Simply soak them in warm water for 20-30 minutes, and you can even use the soaking liquid as a broth for cooking. Certain mushrooms, like oysters, can be ground and added to dry spice mixes.
Both dried and fresh mushrooms can be used to make mushroom tea. The type of mushroom used depends on personal preference and accessibility. Fresh mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and cordyceps are commonly used, while dried mushroom powders made from Lion's Mane, chaga, and turkey tail are also popular for tea.
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Boiling water: Use a kettle or stove top to boil water for tea
Boiling water is a crucial step in preparing mushroom tea. You can use a kettle or a stove top to heat the water to the desired temperature. Here are some detailed instructions on how to boil water for mushroom tea:
If you're using a kettle, fill it with fresh, cold water. Ensure the kettle is clean and free of any residue or impurities that may affect the taste of your tea. Plug in the kettle and turn it on. Wait for the water to reach a rolling boil. This method is convenient and safe, as most modern kettles automatically shut off once the water has reached a boil.
For a stove top, you'll need a pot or saucepan and a source of heat, such as an electric or gas stove. Fill the pot with fresh, cold water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat to a medium or high setting and bring the water to a boil. Keep a watchful eye on the pot to prevent the water from boiling over and causing a mess or safety hazard.
Once the water has reached a rolling boil, you have the option to stop heating it. Boiling releases oxygen from the water, which can improve the flavour extraction from the mushrooms. However, some people prefer to let the water cool down a bit before pouring it over the mushrooms or mushroom powder. This slight cooldown, around 30 to 60 seconds, can help optimise the brewing temperature for mushroom tea, typically between 90°C and 95°C.
The amount of water you boil will depend on the desired number of servings. A general rule of thumb is to use one cup of water for each serving of tea. However, you may adjust this based on your preference for a stronger or milder brew. Remember that the amount of water will also influence the steeping time, with more water often requiring a longer steeping duration.
By following these instructions, you'll be able to boil water effectively and safely using either a kettle or a stove top. This step forms the foundation of preparing a delicious and healthy cup of mushroom tea.
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Simmering: Simmer mushrooms for 30 minutes to an hour to extract beneficial compounds
To prepare mushroom tea, you can use mushrooms like Lion's Mane, chaga, turkey tail, cordyceps, reishi, or even mushroom powder. The process of simmering mushrooms in water helps release active ingredients such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes, which are known for their health benefits.
To begin, heat your water using either an electric kettle or a stove top and a pot. The next step is to simmer the mushrooms. Simmering mushrooms for 30 minutes to an hour is an effective way to extract the beneficial compounds from the fungi. This prolonged simmering process helps rupture the cell walls of the mushrooms, allowing water-soluble compounds to be released into the tea.
The hot water extraction method is particularly effective for extracting polysaccharides, which are responsible for the immune-boosting properties associated with medicinal mushrooms. By simmering the mushrooms for an extended period, you can maximize the extraction of these beneficial compounds.
It is important to note that hot water extraction may not capture all the beneficial compounds present in mushrooms. While it is excellent for extracting polysaccharides and some triterpenes, it may not effectively extract fat-soluble compounds such as certain triterpenoids and sterols, which require an alcohol-based extraction process.
By following the simmering instructions provided, you can ensure that you are extracting the maximum amount of beneficial compounds from the mushrooms to create a nutritious and healing mushroom tea.
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Add-ins: Honey, maple syrup, and milk are common additions to mushroom tea
Honey, maple syrup, and milk are common additions to mushroom tea. These add-ins can help to improve the taste of your tea and make it more palatable. Mushroom tea is known for its health benefits, but it can be an acquired taste for some. The mushrooms used to make the tea can be tough to chop and challenging to digest, resulting in nausea and vomiting. However, adding certain ingredients can help to enhance the flavour and make it easier on the stomach.
Honey is a popular choice for sweetening mushroom tea. It can be added directly to the tea or used to muddle fresh berries, which can also be included in the tea. Honey has its own health benefits and can help to balance out the earthy flavour of the mushrooms. Maple syrup can also be used in a similar way, providing a different flavour profile that may be preferred by those who do not like the taste of honey.
Milk is another common addition to mushroom tea. It can be added directly to the tea to make a latte-style drink or used in place of water during the brewing process. Milk can help to reduce the intensity of the mushroom flavour and make the tea creamier and more soothing to the stomach. This is especially beneficial for those who find the nausea-inducing effects of mushroom tea unpleasant.
In addition to honey, maple syrup, and milk, there are other ingredients that can be added to mushroom tea to improve its taste and make it more enjoyable. Fresh ginger is often used to aid digestion and can help to reduce nausea. Mint is another ingredient that can help to mask the mushroom flavour and make the tea more refreshing. Other herbs and spices, such as cayenne, black pepper, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and lemongrass, can also be added to enhance the flavour and potential health benefits of the tea.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom tea is an infusion of mushrooms in water, made using edible or medicinal mushrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms. Medicinal mushroom tea is a delicious way to get the health benefits of mushrooms without having to cook a full meal.
You can use mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Reishi. In Korea, mushroom teas are made from edible mushrooms such as black hoof mushroom, lingzhi mushroom, oyster mushroom, scaly hedgehog, and shiitake mushroom.
The process involves simmering dried or fresh mushrooms for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also use mushroom powders. Bring two cups of water to boil and pour over dried yarrow flowers. Allow the flowers to steep for 20 minutes before straining the tea into a separate pot. Rewarm the yarrow tea and whisk in mushroom powder blend, maple syrup, and oat milk.
