Today, functional mushrooms are seen everywhere. New companies selling functional mushroom products are constantly popping up, and more and more articles continue to pour out about them. This all begs the question: when did this all start, and what first sparked the wave of interest in functional mushrooms? In today’s blog post, we are going to explore the 1970s mushroom boom and how it sparked modern interest in both the scientific community and the wellness industry.

The Rise of Alternative Health

In the 1970s, there was a growing shift toward alternative health practices, with more people questioning conventional medicine. As the wellness movement began to take shape, people turned to natural remedies, including mushrooms. In particular, reishi, shiitake, and maitake were used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their health-boosting properties, and this knowledge began to spread to the West.

Early Scientific Interest

Alongside cultural shifts, the 1970s also saw the beginning of scientific research into the medicinal properties of mushrooms. Early studies focused on polysaccharides— a key compound found in mushrooms. Although much of the research was preliminary, it sparked curiosity about the health benefits of these fungi.

Health Food Stores and Growing Awareness

As health food stores gained popularity during this time, functional mushrooms started to appear in niche markets. Consumers looking for natural alternatives to pharmaceutical products began exploring mushrooms like reishi for their immune-supportive properties. Books and articles began to spread knowledge, and while claims that mushrooms could cure chronic diseases were not scientifically backed, the interest in their health benefits continued to grow.

Legacy of the 1970s Mushroom Boom

While the functional mushroom movement didn’t become mainstream until much later, the 1970s set the stage for the explosion of interest we see today. Early exposure to functional mushrooms in health food stores, along with increasing scientific attention, planted the seeds for future growth in the wellness sector. Today, functional mushrooms are recognized for their potential benefits, from immune support to cognitive enhancement.

Conclusion

The 1970s was a pivotal time for functional mushrooms. With growing exposure to the West and their inclusion in local health food stores, word about these little gems began to spread rapidly. Although, at the time, there were few scientific studies to back up the claims floating around about them, they still gained traction among individuals looking for natural alternatives to modern medicine. Fast forward to today, and functional mushrooms are everywhere. With countless studies showing promising results, the craze around these little mushrooms isn’t fading anytime soon—or at all.

If you enjoyed learning about the 1970s mushroom boom, check out our other blog posts, where we cover similar topics just like this one.

In recent years, functional mushrooms have gained immense popularity among health-conscious consumers. These mushrooms are now featured in a variety of wellness products, including powders, capsules, and even gummies. As the trend grows rapidly, it’s only natural that consumers have more questions about both the products and the mushrooms behind them. In today’s blog post, we’ll address a common question among functional mushroom enthusiasts: Why does the colour vary between different batches of the same mushroom?

What Causes Colour Variation in Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are harvested from nature and cultivated under a variety of conditions. Factors such as the substrate (material the mushroom grows on), growing environment (humidity, temperature, light exposure), and the mushroom’s age can all contribute to subtle differences in their appearance. These factors are often beyond the control of farmers, yet they play a key role in the colour of the mushroom.

1. Natural Biological Variation
   Just like apples from the same tree can differ slightly in shade, each lion’s mane fruiting body is unique. Genetics within the strain can cause subtle differences in pigment intensity or the length and density of the spines, resulting in some mushrooms looking darker while others appear brighter.
   
2. Substrate and Cultivation Methods
   The substrate—whether it’s wood, soil, or a specialized growing medium—can impact the mushroom’s pigmentation. Mushrooms absorb nutrients from their environment, and different substrates can influence the final colour of the fruiting body. Additionally, cultivation methods (such as controlled indoor environments or open-air farms) can contribute to colour differences. This is especially true for species like Reishi, which can change colour based on growth conditions, shifting from light golden hues to deeper red tones.
   
3. Mushroom Maturity
   The age and stage of the mushroom at harvest can also affect its appearance. Younger mushrooms may appear lighter in colour, while more mature fruiting bodies can display darker, richer hues. As mushrooms continue to grow, their pigmentation may naturally change, but this doesn’t impact their active compounds.

Does Colour Affect Potency?

One of the most important points to emphasize is that colour variation does not impact the potency or effectiveness of the functional mushrooms. The active compounds found in functional mushrooms, such as beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and ergothioneine, are not influenced by the colour of the mushroom. These compounds are present regardless of whether the mushroom is lighter or darker in colour.

Potency is determined by factors such as the species of mushroom, the cultivation process, and how the mushrooms are processed and prepared. At Organic Mushrooms we use a 10:1 extraction ratio for all of our mushroom products. This means that for every 10 parts of raw mushroom material we process, 1 part of concentrated extract is produced, ensuring extreme potency.

Why Colour Variation Shouldn’t Be a Cause for Concern

Despite being an entirely natural phenomenon, some consumers may mistakenly believe that colour differences signify a change in the mushroom’s quality. It’s important to remember that colour in mushrooms, especially in functional varieties, is not a direct indicator of health benefits. What matters most is the quality of the mushroom and how it has been processed to retain its potency. As long as the mushrooms are harvested and handled properly, their effectiveness will remain intact regardless of colour.

If you are purchasing functional mushrooms from a trusted source, it’s highly unlikely that colour variations between batches would indicate any underlying problem. Instead, it’s simply a reflection of the natural growing process.

How to Choose the Best Functional Mushroom Products

To ensure you’re getting the highest quality functional mushrooms in products you purchase, here are a few tips:

• Check for Lab Testing: Look for brands that provide lab reports or Certificates of Analysis (COA). These reports verify the potency of the mushrooms and ensure they meet quality standards. You can find our COA’s at our Transparency page on our website.
  
• Read Consumer Reviews: Reviews from other customers can give you insight into the consistency and effectiveness of the product, regardless of its appearance.
  
• Choose Trusted Brands: Reputable companies that specialize in functional mushrooms often have quality control measures in place to ensure that colour variation doesn’t affect the final product’s potency.
  

Conclusion

In summary, finding colour variations in mushroom products from the same batch is totally normal! These colour variations are due to factors like the growing process, mushroom maturity, and even the processing methods used to prepare mushrooms for products. So, next time you see a functional mushroom product with a slightly different colour than you remember, don’t worry, it’s just as potent and will function the same! 

If you want to learn more about functional mushrooms, what they are, and how you can start your functional mushroom journey, check out our blog page for more information!

At Organic Mushrooms, we offer many different products in several convenient forms. We provide our products in gummies, tinctures, capsules, and powders, giving you the freedom to choose the form that best suits your lifestyle. Some of our products also allow for creative ways to supplement, especially with our powder and tincture products. In today’s blog post, we’re going to go over some creative ways to use our products.

Mushroom-Infused Coffee or Tea

Start your day with a boost by adding mushroom powder to your morning coffee or tea. This is a simple way to incorporate mushrooms into your routine. Whether you mix in lion’s mane for a new twist to your morning coffee or enjoy reishi with your evening tea, it’s a great way to blend mushrooms into your favorite beverages.

Add Mushroom Powders to Smoothies

Smoothies are an excellent way to sneak mushroom powders into your diet without noticing much difference in taste. Just add your preferred mushroom powder to a smoothie, and it’s an easy way to incorporate functional mushrooms into your day. Whether it’s cordyceps or lion’s mane, these powders blend seamlessly into any smoothie recipe.

Bake with Mushroom Powders

If you love to bake, consider adding mushroom powders to your recipes. You can include reishi or lion’s mane powder in cookies, muffins, or cakes. The best part? Mushroom powders are nearly tasteless, so they won’t alter the flavor of your favorite baked goods, but still let you enjoy the benefits of functional mushrooms.

Mushroom-Infused Salad Dressings

For something savory, try adding mushroom tinctures to your salad dressings. A few drops of turkey tail or reishi tinctures can easily be incorporated into vinaigrettes or marinades, giving a subtle depth of flavor to your meals without any extra effort.

Post-Workout Shake

If you’re into fitness, adding mushroom powder to your post-workout shake is an easy and effective way to continue your wellness routine after exercise. You can mix cordyceps or reishi powder into your protein shake to create a simple, effective way to round out your workout routine.

Make Mushroom-Infused Desserts

For a fun twist, try adding mushroom powders like chaga or reishi to your favorite desserts. You can blend them into ice cream, chocolate mousse, or energy balls. Mushroom powders can subtly enhance the flavors of your sweets, making it an easy way to include mushrooms in your diet.

Incorporate Mushrooms into Your Water

If you prefer water over other drinks, consider adding a few drops of mushroom tincture to your water throughout the day. Reishi or chaga tinctures mix easily into water and can be a refreshing and simple way to enjoy mushrooms while staying hydrated.

Conclusion

With a bit of creativity, you can incorporate powders and tinctures into just about anything. From water and baked goods, to beverages and salad dressings, you can sneak your mushroom supplements into every meal of the day! If you have more questions about our products and how to incorporate them into your everyday life, contact us today for more information.

As we continue to move into 2025, several innovations and advances in the wellness industry have emerged, specifically with functional mushrooms. New extraction methods and even personalized products are just a few of the recent developments. In today’s blog post, we are going to explore functional mushrooms in 2025, what’s changed, and what’s new.

More Advanced Extraction Methods

One of the key factors in the growing popularity and effectiveness of functional mushrooms is the advancement of extraction techniques. In 2025, we’re seeing more companies using cutting-edge processes like dual extraction and supercritical CO2 extraction to ensure that consumers are getting the highest quality and most potent products.

• Dual Extraction: This method is already common but is becoming even more refined in 2025. By using both alcohol and water to extract the beneficial compounds from mushrooms, this technique ensures that both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds — like beta-glucans (immune-supporting polysaccharides) and triterpenoids (anti-inflammatory compounds) — are included in the final product. The result is a more bioavailable and effective supplement.
  
• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: This newer extraction method uses carbon dioxide in its supercritical state to extract pure compounds from mushrooms, without the need for harmful solvents or chemicals. Supercritical CO2 extraction is not only environmentally friendly but also preserves the full spectrum of beneficial compounds, enhancing potency and purity.
  

These advanced extraction methods are creating products that are both stronger and cleaner, allowing functional mushrooms to reach their full potential in promoting health and wellness.

Personalized Mushroom Blends for Individual Needs

As we move toward a more personalized approach to health, the future of functional mushrooms lies in custom mushroom blends that target specific wellness goals. In 2025, consumers can expect more products tailored to their unique health needs, thanks to advances in both technology and our understanding of mushrooms’ effects on the body.

Personalized blends may target:

• Cognitive Health
• Energy and Performance
• Immunity Support

These personalized solutions will likely be available in various forms, from capsules and powders to functional beverages like teas and coffees, allowing people to create a daily wellness routine that fits their specific needs.

Functional Mushrooms in Food and Beverages

While functional mushroom supplements have been popular for years, 2025 is ushering in a new wave of functional mushroom-infused foods and beverages. In 2025, consumers will see a broader range of mushroom-based products on the shelves, including:

• Mushroom-Infused Snacks: From protein bars to chips and popcorn, mushrooms will be integrated into convenient, on-the-go snacks, allowing people to get the benefits of functional mushrooms without having to take supplements.
  
• Mushroom-Infused Beverages: Already making waves in the wellness industry, functional mushroom beverages will become even more innovative in 2025. Expect to see a rise in mushroom coffee blends, mushroom teas, and mushroom elixirs that combine different varieties of mushrooms for an added health boost. Companies are also experimenting with functional mushroom infusions in sparkling waters and kombucha, creating refreshing drinks that promote energy, focus, and relaxation.
  

Enhanced Research and Education

As the demand for functional mushrooms grows, so does the body of research supporting their health benefits. In 2025, we can expect more scientific studies to emerge, validating the therapeutic effects of mushrooms in treating conditions like inflammation, anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases.

With more research comes increased education. Expect to see more resources and platforms dedicated to educating consumers on how to best incorporate functional mushrooms into their routines. Whether through online courses, interactive apps, or more engaging product labels, transparency and education will be key trends in the functional mushroom industry moving forward.

The Global Rise of Functional Mushrooms

While functional mushrooms have been popular in certain regions (particularly in Asia), 2025 is set to be the year when their use becomes even more widespread across the globe. Thanks to increased awareness and demand, functional mushrooms will become more readily available in markets worldwide. Whether you’re in North America, Europe, or beyond, functional mushrooms will be more accessible than ever before.

Conclusion: What’s Next?

The future looks bright for functional mushrooms, with global awareness rising and companies creating products more geared toward specific needs, it’s never been better. 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for functional mushrooms and the wellness industry as a whole. Expect to see a rise in innovation and products in the functional mushroom industry over the next couple of years. If you have more questions about recent advances and innovations, contact us for more information.

At Organic Mushrooms, we believe that in order to deliver great mushroom products to our customers, we first need to start with fully organic mushrooms. Free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, our mushrooms are naturally grown, leaving you with a product sourced from mushrooms as close to nature as possible. Continue reading today’s blog post to learn why going organic matters when it comes to functional mushrooms.

No Harmful Chemicals or Pesticides

One of the biggest reasons to go organic is to avoid the harmful chemicals used in conventional farming. Non-organic products are often grown with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides — chemicals that can linger on the food you eat or in the supplements you take.

When you choose organic, you’re opting for products grown without these harmful chemicals. Organic farming relies on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to keep plants healthy. This means you’re getting a cleaner, safer product that’s free from pesticides and artificial additives, allowing your body to thrive without the burden of toxic chemicals.

Supporting Sustainable Farming Practices

Going organic isn’t just good for your health — it’s also better for the environment. Organic farming uses fewer synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, reducing the risk of water pollution, soil degradation, and harm to local wildlife. By supporting organic agriculture, you’re contributing to more sustainable farming practices that help preserve the environment for future generations.

Organic farms also tend to use crop rotation and cover crops, which help prevent soil erosion and maintain healthy, fertile soil. This not only benefits the planet but also ensures that the land can continue producing high-quality crops for years to come. When you buy organic, you’re supporting farming practices that protect the Earth’s ecosystems and reduce the carbon footprint of your food and supplements.

Better for Biodiversity

Organic farming promotes biodiversity by avoiding monoculture farming, which is the practice of growing only one type of crop over vast areas. This practice can deplete the soil of specific nutrients and make crops more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Organic farms, on the other hand, tend to grow a diverse range of plants, which supports a healthier ecosystem with a wider variety of plant and animal life.

Transparency and Trust

One of the greatest advantages of going organic is the transparency it offers. Organic certification ensures that the products you’re consuming have been grown, processed, and handled in accordance with strict regulations. When you choose organic, you know exactly what’s in your food or supplement, and you can trust that it meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

At Organic Mushrooms, we pride ourselves on transparency. We source our mushrooms exclusively from local, Canadian, organic farms, and we never use fillers or additives in our products. When you choose our organic mushroom supplements, you’re getting exactly what’s on the label: pure, potent mushrooms with no hidden ingredients.

Conclusion

Don’t settle for mushrooms that have been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides. Opt for the healthier choice: organic. Our products are Canadian-sourced and 100% organic, ensuring that they are as close to natural as possible, free from fillers and additives. If you have more questions about organic, why it matters, and why we opt for it, contact us today for more information.

At Organic Mushrooms, we believe that great products start with quality ingredients. That’s why we make our functional mushroom products with only the best, Canadian-sourced, 100% organic mushrooms. Unlike other functional mushroom companies that source their mushrooms from overseas, our products are 100% Canadian, made with Canadian mushrooms.

Our products are free from fillers and binders. When you buy an Organic Mushrooms product, you are getting 100% of the mushroom, with no fillers added. This ensures that our customers get exactly what they pay for.

100% Canadian-Sourced and Grown Organic Mushrooms

When you choose Organic Mushrooms, you’re supporting local, sustainable farming practices. All of our mushrooms are grown right here in Canada, using organic farming methods that prioritize the environment and your health. By sourcing directly from Canadian farms, we ensure that every mushroom is grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or harmful chemicals — just pure, clean mushrooms, ready to nourish your body.

Not only does this help promote the health of the land and the farmers, but it also means that our mushrooms are fresher and more vibrant than those sourced from other regions. Freshness and quality matter when it comes to getting the most out of your supplements!

No Fillers — Just Pure Mushrooms

Many mushroom supplements on the market today use fillers, binders, or other unnecessary ingredients to bulk up their products. Not us. At Organic Mushrooms, we’re committed to keeping our blends as pure as possible. Our mushroom products contain 100% mushrooms, with absolutely no fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients. Every capsule, gummy, powder, or tincture is packed with only the powerful, health-boosting compounds you need.

Why does this matter? Well, fillers dilute the effectiveness of your supplement, meaning you’re not getting the full benefit of the mushroom’s therapeutic properties. With us, you’re getting a product that’s as close to nature as possible, delivering maximum potency with every serving.

10:1 Extraction Ratio for Maximum Potency

One of the standout features of our products is our 10:1 extraction ratio, which ensures high potency and purity. So what does this mean for you?

Our proprietary dual-extraction process uses precisely controlled hot water and steam methods to extract both water-soluble and heat-stable bioactives. This approach captures the full range of beneficial compounds found in our mushrooms — including those typically obtained through alcohol extraction — allowing us to deliver a complete, alcohol-free extract.

The result is a clean, potent product that maximizes bioavailability and effectiveness, helping support enhanced immunity, improved cognitive function, and increased energy.

Why Our 10:1 Extracts Are More Effective

You may have noticed that many other mushroom supplements use raw mushroom powders or low-potency extracts. While these can still offer some benefits, they are often less bioavailable and less potent than our high-quality, 10:1 extracts. Here’s why:

• Higher Concentration of Active Compounds: Our 10:1 extraction process means that each serving of our products contains a higher concentration of the beneficial compounds found in mushrooms. These active compounds, such as beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and polyphenols, are what give mushrooms their therapeutic properties. With a higher concentration, you’re getting a more effective product.
  
• Better Absorption: Because the extract is concentrated, your body can absorb the active compounds more efficiently. This means you’ll experience the benefits more quickly and at higher intensity than with raw powders or lower-potency extracts.
  
• Maximized Wellness Benefits: Whether you’re using mushrooms for stress relief, immune support, focus, or overall vitality, the 10:1 extract ensures that you’re getting the most out of every dose, helping you reach your wellness goals more effectively.
  

Sustainably Sourced, Mindfully Made

We take pride in our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Our mushrooms are grown in harmony with nature, ensuring that each harvest supports local ecosystems and promotes biodiversity. From the soil to the final product, we carefully consider every step of the process to ensure that our products are not only good for you but also good for the planet.

Our focus on organic, Canadian-grown mushrooms means that every batch meets the highest standards of quality. We believe in transparency, so you can trust that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bottle.

Experience the Organic Mushrooms Difference

When it comes to choosing a functional mushroom supplement, quality should always be your top priority. That’s why at Organic Mushrooms, we use only the best, most sustainable ingredients and extraction methods to ensure you get the purest, most potent products on the market. With our 10:1 extraction ratio, 100% Canadian-grown organic mushrooms, and commitment to quality, we are confident that our blends are a step above the rest.

Ready to experience the difference? Check out our shop and discover our full range of mushroom supplements designed to support your health, naturally.

Final Thoughts

By choosing Organic Mushrooms, you are supporting a Canadian company that offers only Canadian products. Our mushrooms are grown and sourced in Canada, not overseas like other companies. Free from fillers and additives, our products are pure and potent, ensuring that you get what you pay for. 

Using our 10:1 extraction ratio, our products are extremely potent, meaning you get more for your dollar compared to other products out there. If you want to learn more about our products, our company, and our values, check out our Transparency page for more information.

Our gummies make it easy for anyone to begin their functional mushroom journey. With their great taste and easy-to-take format, they are the perfect choice for anyone looking to ease their way into incorporating functional mushrooms into their daily lives. We try to make it as easy as possible — that’s why our serving size is just one gummy. Simply take one gummy once a day and feel the power of functional mushrooms.

Easy and Enjoyable

Let’s face it: not everyone enjoys swallowing pills or mixing powders into smoothies. Gummies offer a fun, approachable way to incorporate functional mushrooms into your daily routine — no blender or water required. They taste good, often come in fruity flavors, and feel more like a treat than a supplement.

This makes gummies especially appealing for beginners who are curious about mushrooms but hesitant to try more “hardcore” formats.

Convenient Serving Size

With mushroom powders or tinctures, it can be hard to know exactly how much you’re taking. Gummies, on the other hand, are pre-measured, so you always know how much you’re getting in each serving. This helps ensure consistency — a key factor when it comes to seeing benefits over time.

Plus, for those just starting out, gummies typically come with beginner-friendly dosages that allow your body to adjust gradually.

Great for On-the-Go Lifestyles

Functional mushroom gummies are portable, shelf-stable, and don’t require refrigeration. That makes them ideal for tossing in your bag, taking to work, or keeping in your car or gym bag. Whether you need a midday focus boost from lion’s mane or want to wind down with reishi before bed, gummies are a convenient grab-and-go option.

Cover Up the Earthy Taste of Mushrooms

Let’s be honest: many functional mushrooms have an earthy, bitter taste that’s not for everyone, except for Shiitake of course. While seasoned users may grow to enjoy it, newcomers often find it off-putting. Gummies solve that problem by masking the natural flavor with fruit juice, natural sweeteners, or herbal blends — making the experience more pleasant from the start.

Bridge the Gap Between Wellness and Habit

Because our gummies are actually enjoyable to eat, you’ll look forward to taking them everyday! Before you know it, you will have built a healthy habit of taking functional mushrooms daily. Unlike powders, which require a bit more preparation, gummies are ready to go, quick and easy.

Organic Mushrooms

Don’t let a busy lifestyle stop you from supplementing with functional mushrooms. Ease your way into it with our tasty solution, featuring every functional mushroom you could ever want. Take one delicious gummy a day and feel the power of functional mushrooms. Check out our gummies shop page for more information.

Functional mushrooms played a key role in ancient Asian medicine and culture, particularly in China, Japan and Korea. These mushrooms were praised for their culinary application and their medicinal properties, some even being referred to as the “mushroom of immortality”.

The Rich History of Mushrooms in Asian Medicine

Mushrooms have been a cornerstone of Asian traditional medicine for centuries. The use of medicinal fungi is deeply rooted in both Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, which emphasize harmony between the body and nature. Using them to promote healing within the body and even believing that they held magical or divine power.

Key Functional Mushrooms in Asian Medicine

1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
   Often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It’s been shown to promote longevity, boost the immune system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Reishi’s adaptogenic properties help balance energy levels, supporting overall vitality.
   
2. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
   Known for its energy-boosting effects, Cordyceps has long been used to enhance stamina and combat fatigue. Athletes in ancient China used it to improve endurance, and modern research supports its role in improving physical performance and energy levels.
   
3. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
   Used in both Chinese and Japanese medicine, Lion’s Mane is known for its cognitive-enhancing benefits. It is believed to support brain health, improve memory, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases by stimulating nerve growth factors.
   
4. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
   A staple in both traditional medicine and cuisine, Shiitake mushrooms are valued for their immune-boosting properties. They contain beta-glucans that enhance immune function and are also believed to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
   
5. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
   Maitake mushrooms have been used to promote liver health, improve digestion, and support immune function. They are particularly known for their ability to take down inflammation in the body.
   

Modern Applications of Functional Mushrooms

Today, functional mushrooms are gaining popularity worldwide as natural supplements. Their medicinal properties are supported by modern science, which has led to the development of mushroom-based products like powders, tincture, and capsules. These mushrooms are often used to boost immunity, support cognitive function, and promote overall health.

Incorporating functional mushrooms into your daily routine is easy, whether in a smoothie, tea, or supplement form. Their natural, organic cultivation ensures purity, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

For thousands of years functional mushrooms played a key role in traditional asian medicine. They used them to support brain health, improve endurance and to promote healing. As more and more studies come out, further conclusions will be made on whether or not these ancient cultures were on to something.

If you have further questions about functional mushrooms in ancient asian cultures, contact us today and we’d be happy to answer your questions!