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How Long Should Mushroom Tea Steep?
Mushroom teas offer numerous health benefits, from stress relief and immunity support to cognitive enhancement and relaxation. You can use mushroom tea as part of your morning wake up, afternoon boost, or evening relaxation regimen; various mushroom species vary in their effects – Reishi is great at unwinding while Lion’s Mane can improve focus. In order to get maximum enjoyment out of these teas it’s essential that you select an appropriate variety and brew it correctly in order to get maximum benefit out of each brew session.
Mushrooms contain polysaccharides that play an integral part in supporting immunity through tea blends. These substances are stored within their cell walls, and need to be broken down by hot water in order to be absorbed by our bodies. The longer your brew steeps, the stronger its flavor and more effective its nutrients will be.
If using whole mushrooms, cut into smaller pieces or mix in powder form before combining with hot water in a pot. For an easier experience, use a French press with lid for easier brewing. Once boiling occurs, add enough water to cover your mushrooms before simmering for several minutes before enjoying your dish!
Once your mushroom tea has cooled slightly, straining to remove mushroom pieces is the next step! Add honey or lemon juice for extra flavor or use an herbal blend such as hibiscus, licorice or chai to add a unique twist.
As previously noted, certain varieties of mushroom tea may become quite bitter when brewed for too long, especially Turkey Tail and Chaga varieties which tend to taste earthy when prepared this way. If this happens frequently to you, try shortening brewing times or adding more liquid into your mix in order to balance out its taste.
For mushroom tea to taste best, the typical method involves mixing ingredients with boiling water and then turning down to simmer. This allows the natural compounds of mushrooms to be extracted without being overshadowed by other flavors; honey, herbs or citrus juice may be added for enhanced flavors in your tea brew.
As a general guideline, it’s recommended that mushroom tea be brewed either in the morning or afternoon so you can ensure its consumption before bedtime. This will prevent becoming overfull or falling asleep too quickly while still providing your body with beneficial compounds. Likewise, newcomers to mushroom tea may benefit from starting slowly with small doses and gradually increasing them until you become comfortable with its effects.