John Miller
Mushroom oil is a type of oil infused with mushrooms. It can be used for cooking, as a supplement, or for skincare. In cooking, mushroom oil is used to add an earthy, savoury flavour to dishes. Mushrooms are also a good source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant that can help ward off chronic diseases and lower the risk of cancer. In skincare, mushroom oil is said to have anti-ageing benefits and can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Cooking oil, skincare oil, herbal supplement |
| Flavors | Chilli, dried mushroom, wild mushroom & sage, truffle, shiitake |
| Mushroom Types | Porcini, shiitake, white button, portabella, cremini, maitake, king oyster, oyster |
| Health Benefits | Lowers cancer risk, low sodium, improves wrinkles, supports immune system, stimulates growth of healthy bacteria in the gut |
| Price | $1.46-$1.64 per fluid ounce |
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What You'll Learn
Health Benefits
Mushrooms have been used for their health benefits for centuries. They are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them a great addition to any diet. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help improve your everyday health and ward off chronic diseases. Here are some of the specific health benefits of mushrooms:
Cancer Prevention
Mushrooms are a rich source of the amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine, which prevents or slows cellular damage. Studies have shown that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (about two medium mushrooms) daily may lower your risk of cancer by up to 45%.
Improved Cognitive Function
Consuming mushrooms regularly can help reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment. A study in Singapore found that participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms weekly had a 50% lower risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. Other research suggests that mushrooms may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Heart Health
Mushrooms are rich in potassium and low in sodium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. They also contain heart-healthy compounds that prevent plaque buildup on arterial walls. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms are known to help keep cholesterol levels low by inhibiting cholesterol production and absorption.
Immune System Support
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin B6, which are essential for immune function. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and can be increased in mushrooms exposed to UV light or sunlight. The polysaccharides in mushrooms are linked to improved insulin resistance and gut health, stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria.
Energy and Exercise Performance
Certain mushroom species, like Cordyceps, are known for their energy-boosting properties. They can increase the production of ATP, providing energy to cells, and have been shown to improve exercise performance in older individuals.
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Culinary Uses
Mushroom oil is a cooking and baking oil with a range of culinary uses. It is made by heating chopped mushrooms in oil until the mixture begins to bubble. The mushrooms can be dried or fresh, with dried mushrooms yielding more oil. The oil takes on the earthy flavour of mushrooms and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Mushroom oil can be drizzled or glugged onto roasted sweet potatoes, soups, stews, and chowders. It can also be used to elevate salad dressings, butters, vinaigrettes, sauces, and salsas. For those with a sweet tooth, mushroom oil can be used in chocolates, candies, cakes, cupcakes, croissants, pancakes, cookies, ice cream, breads, pies, puddings, cheesecakes, turnovers, macarons, and brownies. It can be used to flavour buttercreams, custards, frostings, mousses, and fillings.
Mushroom oil can be made from a variety of mushrooms, including shiitake, porcini, and oyster mushrooms. It is a healthy option for those looking to reduce their sodium intake, as mushrooms are naturally low in sodium. They are also a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Those looking to experiment with making their own mushroom oil at home can follow a simple process. Chop mushrooms in a food processor until fine, then place them in a pot with oil and heat until bubbling. Cook for 10-15 seconds, then remove from the heat and swirl until just warm. Strain the oil through cheesecloth, squeezing well to extract as much oil as possible. Pour the oil into a sterilized jar or bottle and refrigerate. The oil will last for about one week.
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Skin Benefits
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and references to their healing benefits date back to Egyptian hieroglyphics 4600 years ago. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, mushrooms were considered a symbol of longevity and vitality.
Mushrooms are now taking centre stage in the skincare world, and for good reason. The right bio compounds in mushrooms can help achieve radiant skin and address persistent skin concerns such as skin sensitivity, dullness, dryness, redness, and premature ageing.
Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help protect skin cells from free radical damage caused by environmental exposures like UV light and pollution. Chaga mushrooms, for example, are rich in antioxidants and are especially effective in fighting free radicals and oxidative stress that can cause premature ageing. They also have superb anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for calming sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Mushrooms are also known to be hydrating. Snow mushrooms, for instance, act like a moisture sponge, pulling water into the skin to provide intense hydration. Tremella mushrooms are also rich in moisturising polysaccharides.
Mushrooms can also help brighten dark spots. Kojic acid, a well-known skin brightener, is derived from mushrooms.
In addition, mushrooms can be used as a gentle cleanser. Mushroom extract, for instance, can act as a gentle astringent to make pores look smaller and control oil.
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Types of Mushroom Oil
Mushroom oil is a versatile product with a range of culinary and health applications. The type of mushroom oil varies depending on the species of mushroom used and the method of extraction. Here are some of the most common types:
Chilli Mushroom Oil
Chilli mushroom oil is made by infusing dried or fresh mushrooms with chilli peppers and oil. The mushrooms and chillies are chopped finely and heated in oil until the mixture begins to bubble. This method extracts the flavour and nutrients of the mushrooms and chillies into the oil. The oil can then be strained, sealed in a jar or bottle, and stored in the refrigerator. This type of mushroom oil adds a spicy kick to dishes and can be used as a condiment or cooking oil.
Wild Mushroom and Sage Olive Oil
This type of mushroom oil is made by infusing olive oil with wild mushrooms and sage, resulting in an herbaceous flavour. It is a versatile oil that can be used for roasting, drizzling over soups or stews, or as a finishing oil for dishes like roasted sweet potatoes or croutons. The savoury flavour of the mushrooms and sage pairs well with poultry and pork.
Mushroom Essential Oils
Mushroom essential oils are extracted from mushrooms using methods such as hydrodistillation and solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE). These oils capture the distinct "mushroom flavour" and can be used in culinary applications or as a natural flavouring agent in the food industry. Mushroom essential oils may also have potential health benefits due to their nutritional composition.
Mushroom Biomass Oil
Mushroom biomass oil is produced on a larger scale for industrial applications. The characteristics of this oil depend on the mushroom species, chemical composition, and downstream processes such as extraction and purification. This type of mushroom oil may have potential uses in various industries beyond cuisine.
Carrier Oils with Mushroom Infusions
Carrier oils, such as olive oil or MCT oil, can be infused with mushroom extracts to create a product that combines the benefits of both the carrier oil and the mushrooms. For example, MCT oil infused with lion's mane mushroom extract is marketed as a supplement for cognitive health. Similarly, olive oil infused with reishi mushroom extract is touted for its potential immune-boosting properties.
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How to Make Mushroom Oil
Mushroom oil is a delicious and healthy addition to your meals. It can be drizzled over soups, noodle dishes, eggs, salads, roasted sweet potatoes, croutons, and more. Making mushroom oil is a fairly simple process, and you can use a variety of mushrooms, including dried packaged mushrooms like porcini and shiitake, or even fresh ones.
Preparing the Mushrooms
Start by chopping your chosen mushrooms into fine pieces. You can do this by hand or use a food processor for a quicker, more consistent result. If you are using dried mushrooms, you may want to rehydrate them before chopping, as this will make the process easier and ensure a finer texture. Alternatively, you can use fresh mushrooms and dry them yourself. Place the chopped mushrooms in a pot or saucepan.
Adding Oil and Heat
Now, cover the mushrooms with your chosen oil. You can use a neutral-flavoured oil like extra virgin olive oil, or experiment with other types of oil that complement your dish. Heat the oil and mushroom mixture on high heat. Continue heating it until the oil begins to bubble. This indicates that the mushrooms are frying and infusing their flavour into the oil.
Cooling and Straining
Once the mixture is bubbling, remove it from the heat. For added safety, you can swirl the mixture until it is just warm to prevent accidental burns. Now, it's time to strain the oil. Place four layers of cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and slowly pour the mixture through it. The cheesecloth will capture the solid mushroom pieces, leaving you with pure, flavoured oil. Squeeze the cheesecloth well to extract as much oil as possible and maximize your yield.
Storing Your Mushroom Oil
Pour your freshly made mushroom oil into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Homemade mushroom oil typically has a short shelf life, so it's best to use it within a week for optimal flavour and freshness.
And there you have it! Your very own mushroom oil, ready to elevate your culinary creations. Remember to label your jar with the date of preparation and always do a small taste test before using it to ensure it hasn't gone rancid. Enjoy experimenting with this delicious, earthy ingredient!
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom oil is oil infused with the flavour of mushrooms. It can be made from dried mushrooms such as porcini and shiitake, or dried and fresh chillies.
Mushroom oil can be used in cooking to add a savoury, earthy flavour to dishes. It can also be used as a massage oil for the skin.
Mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also low in sodium and can be used as a substitute for red meat to reduce calorie, fat and cholesterol intake.
Mushroom oil has been used for thousands of years in Asian and Siberian medicine for its immune system support and detoxification properties. It can help to keep skin looking young and smooth, and can also help with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and psoriasis.
Mushroom oil can be purchased from Amazon, Saratoga Olive Oil Co. and Amoretti.
