Emily Johnson
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for their purported health benefits for centuries, and today they are available in many forms, including capsules, powders and gummies. One popular way to consume mushrooms is through mushroom powder, which refers to dried mushrooms that have been ground into a fine powder. This powder can be incorporated into various dishes and drinks, adding a boost of flavour and nutrients. The best way to take mushroom powder depends on your dietary preferences and lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the different ways to use mushroom powder, from adding it to your morning coffee or tea to incorporating it into your baking and cooking. We will also discuss the potential health benefits of this versatile ingredient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Dried mushrooms that have been ground into a fine powder |
| Types of mushrooms used | Any species of culinary mushroom, including white, brown, lion's mane, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, baby bellas, oyster, reishi, and chaga |
| Benefits | Natural source of vitamin D, potassium, antioxidants, beta-glucans, and B vitamins; improved heart health, better blood sugar control, cancer prevention, improved gut health, enhanced lung function, improved brain function, lower cholesterol levels, improved arterial function, lower blood pressure, energy boost, immune support |
| Uses | Added to water, smoothies, tea, coffee, baked goods, pasta, salad, chocolate desserts, or taken in capsule form |
| Taste | Savory, earthy, mild, bittersweet, sweet, anise-like |
| Certifications | Organic, gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO |
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What You'll Learn
Add to smoothies, tea, coffee, or recipes
Mushroom powder is a versatile ingredient that can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of dishes and drinks. It is made from dried mushrooms that have been ground into a fine powder, and it offers an easy way to add umami to your meals. Here are some ideas for adding mushroom powder to smoothies, tea, coffee, or recipes:
Smoothies
Mushroom powder can be added to smoothies to boost their nutritional content. For example, Cordyceps mushroom powder can be added to a morning or post-workout smoothie to increase energy levels due to its ability to enhance oxygen uptake. Its slightly sweet and anise-like flavour pairs well with chocolate, coffee, and honey-based smoothies. Dark brown Reishi mushroom powder, with its bittersweet taste, also complements coffee or chocolate-flavoured smoothies. Chaga mushroom powder is a milder-tasting option that can be blended into smoothies for a subtle earthy flavour.
Tea
Mushroom powders such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Chaga can be mixed with tea to enhance its antioxidant content. These adaptogenic mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre that offers various health benefits. Adding a creamer to mushroom tea can help mellow out the strong flavour of the powder.
Coffee
Mushroom powder can be easily blended into coffee, adding potential health benefits to your daily caffeine fix. The Lion's Mane variety, for instance, is believed to enhance memory, focus, and brain function. Chaga and Cordyceps powders are also popular choices for coffee due to their mild earthy flavours that take on the taste of whatever they are mixed into.
Recipes
Mushroom powder can be added to a variety of recipes, including pasta, salad, baked goods, and even chocolate desserts. It boosts the flavour of dishes in a concentrated way and adds a unique umami taste. When cooking, simply add one or more teaspoons of mushroom powder, depending on how prominent you want the mushroom flavour to be.
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Take in capsule form
Mushroom powder is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. One of the most convenient ways to consume mushroom powder is in capsule form. Capsules are easy to take and can be consumed at any time of the day, just like your multivitamins or supplements. They are a great option if you're looking for a quick and straightforward way to include the benefits of mushrooms in your daily routine.
When choosing mushroom capsules, it's important to select a reputable brand that offers high-quality products. Look for organic, gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO certifications to ensure the purity and potency of the mushroom powder. Additionally, some capsules may be designed for specific purposes, such as Reishi mushroom capsules, which are known for their skin-nourishing properties and can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
The dosage of mushroom capsules may vary depending on the type of mushroom and the manufacturer's recommendations. It's always a good idea to follow the instructions on the product label and consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs. Remember that the effects of mushroom capsules may vary from person to person, and it's important to find what works best for your body.
While mushroom capsules offer a convenient way to consume mushroom powder, you may also explore other forms such as powders, teas, gummies, liquid extracts, or even cooking with mushroom powder. Each form has its own unique benefits, and you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences. Remember to do your research and opt for high-quality products to ensure you're getting the most out of these functional mushrooms.
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Make energy bars
Mushroom powder is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various dishes, including energy bars. Making energy bars is a great way to include mushroom powder in your diet, especially if you're always on the go and need a quick nutrient fix. Here's a detailed recipe for mushroom powder energy bars:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or date syrup/honey)
- 2 tablespoons ground flax meal
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts or other nuts of your choice
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mushroom powder (look for varieties like Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, or Chaga)
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter or other nut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons melted cacao butter (can be replaced with coconut oil or grass-fed butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional chocolate layer: 1 cup dark chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
- Combine the maple syrup (or alternative sweetener) with the ground flax meal and mix well. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes.
- Pulse the nuts and seeds in a food processor for short intervals of 6-8 seconds each.
- Briefly add the oats to the food processor and pulse again for a few seconds.
- Add the mushroom powder to the food processor and give it a quick pulse.
- In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter (or alternative nut butter), vanilla extract, melted cacao butter (or coconut oil/butter), and salt.
- Add the maple syrup/flax mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Finally, incorporate the nut/oat/mushroom powder mixture into the bowl and mix until fully combined. You may find it easier to use your hands for this step.
- If you're adding the optional chocolate layer, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil and spread the mixture on top of the bars.
- Place the mixture into a baking pan and bake at a temperature and duration of your choice, depending on your preferred texture and consistency.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as dried fruits, cinnamon, or other spices. You can also adjust the quantities of the ingredients mentioned above to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
These mushroom powder energy bars are a tasty and nutritious snack option, providing you with a natural energy boost and various health benefits associated with the functional mushrooms used in the recipe.
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Use in baking
Mushroom powder can be a great addition to your baked goods. It can add a unique flavour to homemade bread, buns, and more. The process of drying mushrooms brings out a "deep umami flavour", according to fungi advocate and cookbook author Andrea Gentl.
To make your own mushroom powder at home, you can dry fresh mushrooms and grind them into a fine powder. You can use a spice grinder, food processor, blender, or a mortar and pestle. Place the dried mushrooms in the grinder and pulse or grind them into a powder. Sift the powder through a mesh sieve, remove any large pieces, and grind again until the powder is uniformly fine. Transfer the powder to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, seal, label, and store in your refrigerator or freezer. The powder should last indefinitely, but it is recommended to use it immediately for the best flavour.
You can also buy dried mushroom powders and blends at specialty grocers, health food stores, or directly from farmers and foragers at greenmarkets. When adding mushroom powder to your baked goods, simply follow your usual recipe and substitute a small amount of the flour with mushroom powder. Start with a small amount, such as one teaspoon, and adjust to your taste preferences.
In addition to the unique flavour it provides, mushroom powder also offers various health benefits. Different types of mushrooms have different health advantages. For example, white mushrooms are known for their potential to enhance heart health, improve blood sugar control, and promote gut health. Lion's mane mushrooms are believed to enhance memory, focus, and brain function. Reishi and cordyceps are often associated with energy, immune, and anti-aging effects.
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Make a face mask
Mushroom powder has gained popularity in skincare routines for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and brightening properties. Chaga, Reishi, Tremella, and Shiitake mushrooms are some of the most commonly used varieties in face masks.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of mushroom powder (Chaga, Reishi, or Tremella)
- 1 teaspoon of organic cacao powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of a nourishing oil like coconut, rose seed, or jojoba (or use raw honey for a thicker scrub)
- 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, sea salt, or coffee grounds for exfoliation (optional)
- Water
Instructions:
- Mix the mushroom powder with the optional cacao powder in a small bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil or honey and mix until fully blended, creating a paste-like consistency.
- (Optional) If you want to exfoliate, add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar, sea salt, or coffee grounds and mix thoroughly.
- Adjust the consistency by adding a few drops of water at a time. The final mixture should be a damp, paste-like consistency.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes.
- Wash off the mask with warm water and pat your face dry with a washcloth.
You can also add fresh avocado or yogurt to the basic mask recipe to create a creamier mask. Simply mix the desired amount of avocado or yogurt with the other ingredients until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Note: Always do a patch test before applying any new product or ingredient to your face to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom powder is made from dried mushrooms that have been ground into a fine powder. Any species of culinary mushroom can be used, and the powder can be added to food or drinks.
There are many ways to take mushroom powder. It can be added to smoothies, tea, coffee, or recipes as you are cooking. It can also be added to water, but some may find this boring. It can also be taken in capsule form, or even as a face mask.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for their purported health benefits for centuries. Different types of mushrooms have different benefits, but some general health benefits include improved immune system function, improved cognitive function, and anti-aging effects.
