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How Long Does Mushroom Tea Last in the Fridge?
Mushroom tea is an increasingly popular hot beverage touted to have numerous health advantages, from increasing energy and cognitive function, to supporting memory loss and recovery. Mushroom tea can be prepared by steeping whole or ground mushrooms in hot water for at least 12 minutes before adding other ingredients such as ginger, lemon juice or honey for different flavors and nutritional benefits. Common functional mushroom options for mushroom tea are Reishi, Lion’s Mane Cordyceps Chaga with herbs or spices like Black Pepper Cinnamon Dandelion Turmeric Cardamom or Ashwagandha as ingredients.
Mushroom tea usually boasts an earthy, umami flavor with subtle bitter or woody undertones depending on which variety of mushroom is used in its preparation. Some prefer sweetening their cup with honey or adding other ingredients for an enhanced experience, and adding ingredients such as milk or stevia may make its taste more tolerable for those who don’t care much for its taste.
Mushroom tea shares many similarities with herbal tea, yet tastes less bitter than black or green varieties. Furthermore, it contains less caffeine than coffee, providing a gentle boost without the jitters that comes from drinking coffee – ideal for those trying to reduce caffeine consumption but need an energy boost without going overboard with it. This type of beverage could also be especially helpful when trying to cut back while still needing something to perk them up!
As with other food items, mushroom tea has a limited shelf life when exposed to heat and moisture. When prepared correctly and stored in the refrigerator, however, it should last at least one week or more. If no refrigerator is available, however, freezing the tea is also an alternative, but may lower its potency slightly.
Refrigerating mushroom tea will extend its shelf life; however, to prolong its quality even further, fresh mushrooms should be used. Dried mushrooms tend to lose nutritional value over time and, when left sitting around unattended, can quickly develop mold or decay quickly if left exposed in storage conditions that are less-than-ideal. When that occurs, your mushroom tea might take on a slimy texture and look discolored; to spot signs that your mushroom tea has turned bad sooner rather than later!
Mushrooms are fungi, making them susceptible to mold and rot when exposed to liquids such as water. Brewing mushroom tea provides a protective environment which keeps this potential spoilage at bay, protecting their natural benefits which focus on activating immune systems.
mushroom tea can be purchased pre-made at many natural grocery stores, or it can easily be prepared at home using fresh mushrooms. Chopping them and simmering with boiling water can work, while some brands sell mushroom tea blends that come pre-packed and only require boiling water to add. Some contain additional ingredients such as turmeric, dandelion or ginger to further boost both taste and nutrition; enjoy your mushroom tea alone or with other beverages such as coffee or hot chocolate for optimal results.