Blog
How to Preserve Mushroom Tea
If you enjoy mushroom tea for its taste or health benefits, proper storage and preservation methods are key to protecting your precious batches. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds which degrade over time, diminishing potency and diminishing taste. This article offers tips on how to preserve mushroom tea using various techniques so you can get the most from harvest to cup.
Mushrooms are an impressive source of nutrients, boasting antioxidants and health-promoting components to support overall wellbeing. Mushrooms have long been touted as powerful immune boosters, improving mood and energy levels while simultaneously balancing blood pressure and supporting gut health. Furthermore, mushrooms contain adaptogens which serve as natural stress reducers to support daily life activities in an effective manner.
Mushroom tea can be prepared by steeping dried and fresh mushrooms in hot water for several minutes, similar to how herb teas are prepared. This allows the mushrooms to release their medicinal properties into the liquid and creates an enjoyable and healthful beverage that may improve immunity, digestive health, brain performance and cardiovascular wellbeing. When properly prepared, mushroom tea may even improve immunity!
One way to extend the shelf life of mushroom tea is to store it in an airtight, dark container in a cool, dry location. This will slow the deterioration process while protecting both flavor and medicinal benefits of your tea. A good rule of thumb would be labeling containers with their preparation dates and conducting periodic checks for signs of spoilage (e.g. mold growth or unpleasant odors).
If possible, drying mushrooms before making tea from them will greatly extend their shelf life and retain all their nutritional and medicinal benefits. To do so, simply put them in a shallow dish with enough warm vinegar to completely cover them; once saturated, remove from the vinegar bath and place on a clean tea towel or kitchen paper until completely dried; they can then be stored in an airtight container until needed.
Another fantastic alternative to making fresh or dried mushroom teas is using pre-made mushroom extract powder, a highly concentrated form that can be added directly into hot or cold beverages and will remain effective even when stored in dark, sealed containers for extended use.
Mushroom tea can be enjoyed alone or mixed with any number of herbs, spices, fruits, roots, legumes or vegetables such as herbs, spices, roots or legumes; such as herbs such as cinnamon, ginger or turmeric and/or lemon juice and honey for sweeteners as well as lemon juice is often added for an antidepressant or anxiety relief; its benefits can also help boost immunity while decreasing inflammation levels in your system.