How To Make Mushroom Tea
Mushroom tea is a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy the benefits of your favorite mushrooms. Whether you’re sipping it for relaxation, immune support, or cognitive enhancement, mushroom tea is versatile, easy to prepare, and customizable to your taste. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making mushroom tea, from selecting the right mushrooms to brewing the perfect cup.
Why make Mushroom Tea?
Mushroom tea is not just a delicious beverage—it’s also a convenient way to unlock the health benefits of functional mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, and turkey tail have been used for centuries to support immunity, reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall wellness. Brewing them into tea makes their bioactive compounds more accessible, especially for mushrooms with tough cell walls that are difficult to digest.
Choosing the right Mushrooms…
You can use fresh, dried, or powdered mushrooms to make your tea. Dried mushrooms are the most common choice due to their long shelf life and ease of use.
The first step in making mushroom tea is selecting the right species based on your goals.
Reishi is known for its calming properties and immune support, making it ideal for evening teas.
Chaga is packed with antioxidants, supports overall health, and is often brewed as a dark, earthy tea.
Lion’s mane is a favorite for cognitive health and focus, making a light, slightly savory tea.
Turkey tail is celebrated for its immune-boosting properties and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Preparing your mushrooms
If using whole dried mushrooms, break them into smaller pieces or grind them into a coarse powder to increase surface area and release more of their beneficial compounds during brewing. If using fresh mushrooms, clean them thoroughly with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dirt.
Ingredients for Mushroom Tea
1 to 2 teaspoons of dried or powdered mushrooms (adjust based on desired strength)
2 to 3 cups of water
Optional add-ins: honey, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, or other herbs for flavor
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mushroom Tea
Boil the water
Bring 2 to 3 cups of water to a boil in a small pot or kettle. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the dried mushrooms
Add the dry, powdered mushrooms to the simmering water. For larger pieces, you can use a tea infuser or cheesecloth to make straining easier later.
Simmer the tea
Allow the mushrooms to simmer in the water for 20 to 30 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger the tea will be. Stir occasionally to ensure the mushrooms are evenly steeped.
Strain the tea
Remove the pot from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or tea infuser to remove any solid particles. Press or squeeze the solids to extract every last drop of the brewed tea.
Customize your tea
Enhance the flavor and health benefits of your tea with optional add-ins. A spoonful of honey adds sweetness, a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor, and a slice of fresh ginger adds warmth and spice.
Tips for customizing your mushroom tea
For a creamier tea, add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk.
To balance the earthy taste of mushrooms, try blending them with herbs like mint, chamomile, or rooibos.
If using chaga, consider brewing it in a slow cooker for several hours to create a rich, espresso-like tea.
How to adjust the dosage
The strength of your mushroom tea depends on the amount of mushrooms you use and how long you brew them. A general starting point is 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried mushroom pieces or powder per serving. If you’re new to mushroom tea, start with a smaller dose and see how your body responds. For a larger batch, multiply the ingredients accordingly. For example, if you want to make four servings, use 8 teaspoons of mushrooms and 8 to 12 cups of water.
Reusing mushrooms
Don’t throw away your mushroom pieces after brewing—they can often be reused for a second or even third batch of tea. Each subsequent brew will be lighter in flavor and potency, so adjust brewing times as needed.
Storing mushroom tea
If you have leftover tea, let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before drinking.
Common mistakes to avoid
Boiling instead of simmering can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in mushrooms. Always simmer gently.
Skipping the straining step can leave sediment that affects the texture and taste.
Using too much mushroom powder can result in an overly strong, bitter flavor.
Final thoughts
Making mushroom tea is a simple and enjoyable way to incorporate the benefits of functional mushrooms into your daily routine. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can brew a flavorful and health-boosting cup of tea tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking a calming reishi tea before bed, an antioxidant-rich Chaga tea for wellness, or a focus-enhancing lion’s mane brew to start your day, mushroom tea offers a delicious and versatile way to enjoy these remarkable fungi. Experiment with flavors, dosages, and brewing methods to find your perfect cup.