What are the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?

In recent years, mushroom coffee has emerged as a new player in the realm of alternative wellness golden bloom mushrooms coffee beverages. Hailing from ancient traditions and now gaining momentum in modern lifestyles, this unique fusion of coffee and mushrooms has garnered the interest of health-conscious people looking for alternatives to their morning pick-me-up.

But just what benefits are associated with mushroom coffee? This blog explores the types of mushrooms used, how the caffeine content compares to traditional coffee and the impact it may have on your health.

What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a coffee alternative that combines coffee with extracts from various types of mushrooms. The mushrooms are usually harvested, dried and ground up either in a pure powder form or added to coffee grounds.

The idea is mushroom coffee combines the caffeine boost from traditional coffee grounds with the functional benefits of mushrooms, which contain a good source of B vitamins, copper, niacin and riboflavin.

Types of mushrooms used for coffee
Chaga: Chaga mushrooms are a type of fungus that mainly grows on birch trees and are known for their black and orange appearance. Chaga mushrooms contain polysaccharides, beta-glucans and antioxidants. Chaga mushrooms taste earthy and bitter, with hints of vanilla. When combined with coffee, they impart a woody flavor.

Cordyceps: Cordyceps mushrooms are a popular type of fungus that grow by infecting insects and then sprouting from their body. Once used in traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps are known for their ability to increase energy levels. These mushrooms have an earthy taste with hints of earthy and sweet notes. When combined with coffee, they provide a woody flavor.

Lion’s Mane: Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a unique type of fungus known for their physical appearance – the long spines look shaggy like the hair of a lion. They grow on dead or decaying hardwood trees in Europe, North America, China and Japan. When eaten, Lion’s Mane can have cognitive benefits and boost your mood. Cooked Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a similar meaty texture to crab or lobster, providing a savory flavor. The dried version has a mild, sweet flavor.

Reishi: Reishi mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows at the base of living and dead deciduous trees, usually native to China and Europe. These mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties. Reishi mushrooms have an earthy, bitter flavor that is rather robust.

Turkey Tail: Turkey Tail mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on dead hardwood logs and trees, particularly in forests. Their unique color shading – brown, orange, red and green – resemble the fanned tail of a wild turkey. Turkey Tail mushrooms have a subtle earthy flavor and are slightly bitter. In coffee, they provide a mild woody flavor.