Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is one of the world’s most intriguing mushrooms, offering both nutritional value and medicinal properties. You can eat the whole lion’s mane; its mild flavor and texture make it ideal for consumption. Erbology lion’s mane powder can also be mixed into stews, soups or hot water for flavor enhancement. You may add half a teaspoon to tea, coffee or hot chocolate daily – though we recommend discontinuing use after 6-8 weeks.
The shaggy mushroom is part of the genus tooth fungus and known for its spine-like and toothlike fruiting bodies. Lion’s Mane is an American beech tree found in temperate forests across Northern Hemisphere winters that grows on Lion’s Mane trees.
Monkey’s Head Mushroom, Satyr’s Beard Mushroom or Bearded Hedgehog Mushroom are some of the popular mushrooms that have gained notoriety recently due to their many benefits; not just as a food trend but an ancient medicinal ingredient too! This versatile mushroom has been around for centuries!
IDENTIFICATION
Lion’s Mane mushrooms stand out with their distinctive white teeth and cluster of spines hanging from the ceiling. Though many clones exist within this genus, all are edible and safe for consumption. Lion’s Mane lions mane powder no harmful looks-alikes and is therefore safe for consumption.
Mushrooms are wildflowers that bloom during the summer and early autumn in North America and Europe. They usually grow on dead hardwood trees. Young mushrooms have white spines; however, as they age they turn yellowish-brown.
History & Uses
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long utilized Lion’s Mane as an all-purpose tonic. TCM claims it contains nutrients for the liver, spleen and lung; aiding kidneys, the heart and stomach too – Hou Tou Gu as it’s commonly known in China – with this mushroom having been traditionally used to strengthen spleens, nourish stomachs and combat cancer as well as having the capacity to replenish “life force” or Qi when insufficient.
LION’S MANE NUTRITION AND BENEFITS
NUTRITION
Hericium is high in Vitamin D and protein.
QUALITIES IN MEDICINAL
Scientists have recently paid more attention to Lion’s Mane in recent studies. It has been prominently featured in research regarding brain health and immune health. Furthermore, this herb contains plenty of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds which aid digestion and encourage healthy cell growth.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have long been used to treat infections, diabetes and wound healing. Packed full of polysaccharides, beta-glucan has been particularly proven to provide anti-tumor properties and support for the immune system in studies.
How To Grow and Harvest Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Check out our guides for more information on cultivating Lion’s Mane Mushrooms.
Growing mushrooms at home gives you the advantage of knowing when they are ready for harvesting. Their spines are distinctive and long, giving the mushrooms an easy identification marker.
When collecting wild mushrooms, look for the most desirable types. Typically, these should be white; if they’re pink or brown, that indicates they were too old to be enjoyable.
Cut away the base with a sharp knife to enable more fruiting. Keep your finds in an airtight bag or container, but be mindful that they are prone to bruising; they could turn green and bruised from lack of oxygen. Though this might seem unusual, this is perfectly normal and the fish can still be consumed.
What Does the Lion’s Mane Look Like?
Lion’s Mane has a seafood-like taste, similar to lobster or crab. They are rich, sweet and even slightly savoury; with their stringy and meaty texture that echoes crab. They make for an irresistible appetizer!
Lion’s Mane mushrooms can absorb water, so avoid submerging them in water. Instead, use a dry brush to scrub away dirt and grime before drying the mushrooms thoroughly. It is also possible to air-dry mushrooms when they’re still wet.
Due to their distinct flavor, we suggest keeping the mushrooms in a simple form. Cut them into smaller pieces using your hands and begin by sauteing in oil-based cooking that allows all liquid to release before adding any other seasonings. Sea salt and freshly minced garlic make an excellent combination.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms should be fried before freezing due to their high water content. Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before cooking any other food items; then store in an airtight container with the date marked and freeze until you need them. You may vacuum seal these mushrooms using a vacuum sealer in order to preserve flavor and prevent freezing burn. There is no need to defrost before using them in soup or skillet dishes.
To Dry
Use a dry brush to cleanse your mushrooms if needed. Cut them into smaller pieces and lay the sheets flat, then put them inside a dehydrator. Dry at 110-125 degrees Fahrenheit until your mushrooms turn hard and dry with no moisture remaining – depending on size and moisture content. Be sure to rotate trays periodically during drying to ensure even drying; once dried, store in containers that can last up to one year.
