OYSTER MUSHROOMS
These are one of the most common types of cultivated gourmet mushrooms. They grow naturally on and near trees in forests around the world. Oyster mushrooms are known for their delicate texture and mild, savory flavor. They have fan-shaped caps with gills lining the underside. Usually they can be found in clusters of small mushrooms. Most common types of oyster mushrooms for cooking are: Pearl, Golden, Blue, Pink, and King Oyster Mushrooms (CHECK OUR OYSTER FAMILY HERE).
BENEFITS: highly nutritious, immune system support, lower high blood pressure, regulate cholesterol level, build strong bones, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer properties, protection against cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
LION’S MANE
These are both gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, which means they can be used in cooking recipes or can be taken in the form of supplements. They grow naturally on trunks of dead hardwood trees such as oak, maple, walnut. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are white, globe-shaped fungi with long, shaggy spines. They are known for their extraordinary lobster-like flavor and they are often used as a meat substitute. They are also called “Pom Pom” mushrooms.
BENEFITS: fight against dementia, reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting abilities.
REISHI
Reishi mushrooms are an edible type of medicinal fungus used for its healing properties for thousands of years. Depending on the environmental conditions they grow in form of antlers or develop a fan shaped caps. They have a deep red body and colors that lighten to orange and yellow toward the edges of the cap. Considering their very tough, woody texture and an earthy bitter taste, they’re usually not used in cooking recipes.
BENEFITS: boost immune system, help relax and fight depression, stimulate nerve growth promoting communication among the neurons in the brain, act like antioxidant, lower blood pressure, fight against cancer and much more.
CORDYCEPS MILITARIS
Cordyceps is a fungus that naturally lives on caterpillars high in the mountains of China. Growing Cordyceps wasn’t possible for a long time, but now they can be cultivated on a supplemented rice substrate. They are well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have been used for centuries to treat many health problems. Cordyceps mushrooms grow in long, skinny shapes with a little “club” at the top. They can be brown or bright orange in color and they don’t look like typical mushrooms. They’re most commonly used for athletic performance.
BENEFITS: boost exercise performance, anti-aging properties, help fight inflammation, fight against cancer and may reverse the side effects associated with some forms of cancer therapy, help treat diabetes, benefits for heart health and more…
TURKEY TAIL
In the wild, turkey tail grows on dead hardwood trees throughout the world. In many Asian cultures, turkey tail symbolizes longevity and health. It is widely used as a medicinal mushroom. Caps are 1 to 4 inches wide, stem-less and fan-shaped and they have striking multi-colored bands. The bands come in an array of all kinds of colors, usually grey or brown. they are not recommended as an edible or for adding to a cooked dish, they’re brewed into a tea or in liquid extract form. Turkey Tail has tremendous health-boosting benefits.
BENEFITS: boost immune system, helps reduce obesity, support gut health and digestion, cancer fighting potential, natural treatment in conjunction with other therapies.