Mushroom coffee – coffee infused with functional mushrooms – is the newest trending wellness beverage for coffee enthusiasts and health nuts alike. Brewing Mushroom coffee delivers both delicious flavor and possible benefits such as energy increase, enhanced focus and reduced stress levels.
You’re probably aware mushroom coffee combines your usual coffee beans with functional mushroom extracts.
Now, I know you’re probably imagining a cup of muddy, fungi-tasting sludge, but trust me, it’s much better than that. The mushroom extracts typically come in a powder form and mix with the coffee grounds to create a surprisingly smooth and complex drink.
How is Mushroom Coffee Made?
The great thing about mushroom coffee is that it’s super simple to make. You can buy it as:
- Ground Coffee: Brew as you would normally with your grounds, using any method you prefer such as French Press, pour over or drip machine.
- Instant Coffee: Add hot water and stir for a quick cup.
- Pods: If you have a single serve coffee machine, you can buy mushroom coffee pods to use in it.
The possibilities are endless with mushroom coffee, but I’m going to share with you my personal favorite ways to brew this special blend and maximize its benefits.
1. French Press:
- Use coarsely ground mushroom coffee (the same grind size as you would use for French press).
- Pour hot water (right below boiling) into the French press.
- Steep time 4-5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Press the plunger and pour.
2. Pour-Over:
- For pour-over, use a medium-fine grind setting.
- Wet your filter with hot water to get rid of the papery flavor.
- Pour hot water with temperature approximately (195-205°F) in a circular pattern from the center to the edges for even extraction.
- Enjoy the subtle notes and complexity of the mushroom coffee.
3. Cold Brew:
- Use coarsely ground mushroom coffee in a cold brew maker.
- Add cold, filtered water to the grounds.
- Steep 12-24 hours in the fridge, depending on how strong you like it.
- Pour and enjoy a smooth, cold brew with hints of the mushrooms.
4. Espresso Variations:
- Mushroom coffees for espresso machines should be ground very fine.
- Pull a shot of mushroom espresso and enjoy it as is, or use it as a base for lattes, cappuccinos, or Americanos.
- Experiment with different milk or milk alternatives to create your perfect mushroom coffee beverage.
The Right Grinder for Mushroom Coffee:
I personally like to use a burr grinder for mushroom coffee. Burr grinders allow for a more uniform size which is optimal for extraction and therefore flavor. Conical burr grinders are often the go to because they allow you to get both a coarse and fine grind which is useful if you plan on using your grinder for other brewing methods like french press as well.
Choosing Your Ingredients
The key to a great mushroom coffee experience comes down to the ingredients you select so here are some guidelines:
- Pre Ground or Whole Bean: While many mushroom coffee products are conveniently pre ground I would suggest opting for whole beans if possible as grinding your own beans right before brewing maximizes freshness and allows you the most amount of control over extraction.
- Known Brands: Opt for high quality, organic ingredients from brands that you know and trust. Do some research on their sourcing and be sure they use mushroom suppliers that are reputable and well established.
- Mushroom Powder Quantities: Most mushroom coffee on the market today will be sold as a pre mixed blend which means the ratio of coffee to mushroom powder is already optimized for your benefit however if you are feeling bold you can try your own hand at mixing your own coffee and mushroom powder. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of coffee to mushroom powder and adjust from there based on your taste preference. You can even try different varieties of mushrooms to create your own custom blend.
The most common types of mushrooms used in these blends are:
- Lion’s Mane: Has potential cognitive effects, aiding in focus and memory.
- Chaga: Rich in antioxidants and thought to aid in immune function.
- Cordyceps: Used traditionally for energy and athletic performance.
- Reishi: Known for its meditative properties and possible aid in stress levels.
Each type of mushroom brings its unique flavor notes to the coffee, creating a symphony of earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet undertones.
Tips & Tricks To Make Mushroom Coffee At Home That Tastes Good:
Here’s some other tips & tricks to help you take your mushroom coffee experience to the next level:
- Taste Adjustment: If the mushroom taste is overwhelming, consider using less mushroom powder or a mushroom blend with a less “earthy” mushroom base. Adding a pinch of salt can also help to balance out the earthiness.
- Spices & Sweeteners: Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom add beautiful complimentary flavours to the earthy notes that brew mushroom coffee perfectly. If you’re craving sweetness, try adding natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or stevia.
- Milk & Creamer: Plant based milks and dairy work really well with mushroom coffee. For a subtle sweetness and creamy texture try oat milk or almond milk. For a richer, more indulgent drink try whole milk. Experiment to find your favourite.
- How To Store: Keep your mushroom coffee in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. If using whole beans, it’s best to grind just before use for freshest flavour. Pre-ground mushroom coffee should be used within a few weeks for best flavour.
- Water Quality: Filtered or bottled water is best as chlorine or other impurities in the water can create unwanted flavours that may interfere with the delicate flavour notes of the mushroom coffee.
Five Compelling Reasons to Brew Your Own Mushroom Coffee:
- Uncompromising Quality: Handpick premium mushroom extracts, like those from Real Mushrooms, ensuring you receive the full spectrum of beneficial compounds for optimal health benefits.
- Elevate Your Experience: Ditch the instant stuff and savor the superior taste of freshly roasted, locally-sourced coffee beans, perfectly complementing the earthy notes of the mushrooms.
- Transparency and Trust: Take full control of your ingredients, knowing exactly what you’re consuming and where it came from, for peace of mind and a truly personalized experience.
- Tailored to You: Customize your brew to match your unique preferences and health goals, choosing specific mushrooms and adjusting ratios for a flavor profile and nutritional boost that’s perfect for you.
- Economical and Eco-Friendly: Save money and reduce waste by avoiding single-use packets. Brewing your own is not only kinder to your wallet but also to the environment.
Crafting the perfect cup of mushroom coffee involves careful dosing and measuring of both coffee and mushroom powder, followed by mixing, steeping, immersion brewing, blending for a smooth consistency, and frothing for a luxurious finish.
Conclusion:
So take a moment in the morning to drink your mushrooms! Regardless of any extraordinary health claims, you are still getting the nutritional benefits of all those vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. And you’re doing it so easily you won’t even notice that it’s a health-promoting habit!
FAQ
- Mushroom coffee is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, limited research exists on its long-term effects, especially for specific groups like pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have any concerns or underlying health conditions, consult your doctor before incorporating mushroom coffee into your diet. It’s also important to choose reputable brands that provide transparent information about sourcing and ingredient quality.
Mushroom coffee does not typically taste like mushrooms. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms is subtle due to processing, so the drink mostly tastes like regular coffee, sometimes with slightly nutty or earthy undertones.
The best time to drink mushroom coffee depends on individual preferences and goals. Generally, morning or early afternoon is ideal to benefit from the energy boost and focus, without interfering with sleep due to the caffeine content. However, some people prefer mushroom coffee blends with adaptogens like reishi for relaxation in the evening.
