Cooking with Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms have been revered for their healing properties for centuries as traditionally people have used them to recover from illnesses, boost immunity and as a part of a general wellness routine. Functional mushrooms were particularly popular in East Asia and have been a part of the traditional medicine in China to promote health and longevity. Recently, research and real case studies of healing have made functional mushrooms popular worldwide with the demand growing across the US and Canada.  Of the over 10,000 different varieties of mushrooms, only a few can be classified as functional or medicinal due to the presence of biologically active compounds that support overall health and well-being.

Some of the most revered functional mushrooms include Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi, Cordyceps and Turkey Tail as they offer a multitude of health benefits including boosting immunity and promoting longevity, enhancing cognition and memory, increasing stamina and energy, reducing inflammation, and promoting nervous system health. Additionally, some functional mushrooms offer protection against cancer, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Functional mushrooms such as Shiitake, Maitake and Lion’s Mane can make good culinary choices due to their versatility and umami taste which can be added to multiple dishes. Sliced fresh mushrooms, or soaked, dried mushrooms once sautéd in olive oil make good additions to soups, pizza, curries, omelettes, frittatas, stews, miso soup, stir-fries, noodles, or rice dishes like risotto. Lion’s Mane offers a seafood-like taste. Other functional mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail and Chaga are not ideal for cooking because of their bitter taste and their powder or extracts have been traditionally used in teas or added to broths.

Today, most functional mushrooms are available in a powdered extract making it an easy addition to your diet through juices, smoothies, coffee, hot chocolate, soups, and more. With the high potency of the mushroom extracts, it is best to start with a small amount, usually between one to three teaspoons per day is recommended. Medicinal mushroom extracts in the form of liquid tinctures offer the fastest solubility and make a great addition to drinks and meals.

Organic Mushrooms Extract powder or capsules are convenient for daily use and offer accurate dosing. It is recommended for daily usage and is convenient to consume with water or mixed into smoothies, drinks, or food.

Organic Mushrooms offers 100% natural extracts of functional mushrooms that can be steeped in hot water to create flavorful teas. Warm beverages are possible with a variety of functional mushrooms, especially Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps and offer immense health benefits while leaving a calming effect on your mind and body.

Organic Mushrooms tinctures are extracts of mushrooms in alcohol and water which are concentrated, offering the fastest solubility and are convenient to use on the go. You can consume tinctures by putting the liquid under your tongue for the fastest absorption or add them to beverages, soups, and other culinary preparations.

Some functional mushrooms such as Shiitake, Maitake and Lion’s Mane can be used in culinary applications as they can be added -fresh or dried- into different recipes, from stews to stir-fries, to soups. Stir-fries, stews, roasted dishes, or soups offer a clever way to add flavour and nutritional value to your dishes.

Functional foods and pre-mixed beverages are being offered by several companies making them even simpler to incorporate into your daily routine and getting that vital nutrition for your mind and body. Mushroom powder-infused products, such as coffee, chocolate, or energy bars are quite popular.

According to experts, raw functional mushrooms often need to be processed to release their active compounds; otherwise, they pass through your body without providing benefits. Organic Mushrooms extract powders are a better way to make functional mushrooms more effective for the human body than consuming raw mushrooms. While adaptogenic mushrooms are generally safe, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine, especially if you have health conditions.