Blog
Japanese Shiitake Mushroom Tea
Shiitake mushrooms are among the most beloved varieties found in Japan, thanks to their abundance of umami which brings deep flavors into various dishes.
Vegetarian dishes frequently use its meaty flavor and texture as a meat replacement, and it can be enjoyed both raw and cooked.
Shiitake mushrooms used to be produced through log cultivation; however, nowadays most are produced through mushroom bed cultivation, making it more cost-effective and readily available year round.
Health Benefits
Traditional medicinal systems have long used shiitake mushrooms to increase Qi (life force), circulation, longevity and overall health. More recent scientific research has provided convincing support for many of these claims; specifically shiitake mushroom benefits include strengthening immune systems and decreasing inflammation through its unique polysaccharide compound known as Lentinan which stimulates macrophage T-lymphocytes as well as other immune effector cells (1)
Shiitake mushrooms not only support immune health but can also help lower cholesterol levels and guard against cardiovascular disease. Their composition contains eritadenine, an inhibitor of an enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol in the body; in addition to sterols and beta-glucans which may stop extra cholesterol being absorbed through digestive tract. (2)
Shiitake mushrooms are widely acknowledged to contain antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that make them highly effective at fighting viral, bacterial and fungal infections as well as helping overcome some cancers (3). These natural compounds make these mushrooms highly effective at fighting infections caused by viruses or bacteria or fungus as well as some cancers. (3)
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants and B vitamins that are vital for optimal cell functioning and protecting cells against free radical damage. Furthermore, they contain potassium which plays an essential role in maintaining balanced blood pressure levels.
When purchasing shiitake mushrooms, look for those with lighter colors and weights; heavier varieties tend to contain more moisture which could eventually lead to mold growth.
Shiitake mushrooms add an umami punch without increasing sodium intake, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans alike. As they’re low-cal, dairy-free food options, eating shiitakes may even help people lose weight as it decreases caloric consumption. Furthermore, drinking a cup of shiitake mushroom tea prior to meals will suppress your appetite – perfect for those wanting to control portion sizes more mindfully!
Caffeine Free
Mushroom tea is an aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed both hot and cold to help improve mental clarity and energy levels. Packed with antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium potassium and zinc; low in calories fat sodium consumption and caffeine free; it can be enjoyed any time of the day – perfect for weight loss diets since its ability to suppress appetite! Or enjoy before meals to feel full faster while eating less; before bedtime to relax you for restful restful sleep.
Mushrooms are known to possess anti-inflammatory and immune system strengthening benefits. They contain compounds like eritadenine that helps lower cholesterol in the blood, beta glucans that reduce inflammation and block absorption by intestinal receptors, as well as polysaccharides like Lentinans that boost immune function by increasing white blood cell production for fighting off microbes.
Mushroom tea can be enjoyed in several ways, with one of the easiest being steeping granulated mushrooms in boiling water for approximately 10-20 minutes before straining out any loose particles or stems. This method typically works best when combined with black, green, oolong or rooibos tea and provides an enjoyable way to experience the umami flavors found in shiitake mushrooms. Mushroom tea may also be combined with herbs like turmeric or liquid aminos for enhanced health benefits and enhanced flavor profiles.
Organic Shiitake mushrooms from Kyushu’s forests of Takachiho-go are grown using traditional Japanese techniques of cultivating fungus on sawtooth oak logs in Takachiho-go, Kyushu. While this method may require more time and labor than mushroom bed cultivation, its results are much richer in umami due to the wood’s rich nutrient-rich soil as well as natural ability of the fungus to break down other substances; making our organic Shiitake the perfect way to get your daily dose of umami!
Easy to Prepare
Shiitake mushroom tea is an easy and enjoyable herbal beverage you can drink throughout the day, anytime of day. Simply combine rehydrated shiitake mushrooms with either filtered or distilled water and allow it to steep for at least 30 minutes – this nutritious drink provides an abundance of essential vitamins and nutrients while improving energy levels and mood, fighting diseases and helping with weight loss, while its anti-inflammatory properties protect against common colds and flus. Adding turmeric, salt, liquid aminos or ginger for extra flavoring or increased health benefits!
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom commonly used in Japanese cuisine and for making dashi, the traditional base for soups and broths. With an earthy flavor and meaty texture that set it apart from other mushrooms, shiitake has long been prized as an ingredient of Asian cuisine as well as being revered for its medicinal benefits; ancient Oriental healers prescribed shiitake to treat measles, coughing, sinus issues, flu, constipation stomachaches gout pain among other conditions.
Dried shiitake mushrooms can be purchased both online and at grocery stores. Rehydration requires placing them in boiling water for approximately 20 minutes until soft. You then remove any tough stems before using your mushrooms for dishes such as onion soup, steamed egg custard and rice porridge.
Dried shiitake can also be spray-dried into granules for use in soups and stews. Or it can be combined with other herbs like green, oolong and rooibos tea for flavor and health benefits. Shiitake mushrooms are popularly used as an ingredient in vegetarian and vegan cuisine because their umami flavor adds depth and complexity to soups and stews; pizza, pasta and rice/couscous dishes use them as meat replacement. When it comes to tea-making shiitake makes an excellent natural sweet choice due to its umami flavor and umami taste!
Delicious
Shiitake mushrooms boast an irresistibly buttery, earthy and meaty flavor reminiscent of porcini mushrooms – similar in taste and texture! Used widely as both an alternative protein source or meat replacement in many recipes – Shiitake mushroom has an elegant aroma not too strong but rich with subtle smokiness, making it an exquisite delicacy in food as well as being powerful medicinal mushrooms with anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that make them highly sought-after!
Shiitake mushrooms require long periods of growth before appearing, usually only twice each year. Therefore, most are grown on logs before drying to prolong storage – helping protect them from being damaged or eaten by animals and providing more consistent supplies of this delicious ingredient.
Quality shiitake mushrooms depend on both their source and drying process, with fresher mushrooms having more intense flavors and may have an unpleasant aroma than older varieties. Furthermore, lighter varieties contain less moisture content which would make them less likely to mold when exposed to humid environments.
Our Shiitake Tea Blend offers earthy and roasty notes from Genmaicha green tea combined with the umami flavors of Roasted Shiitake to produce an irresistibly tasty tea experience. Perfect for those seeking an enjoyable beverage that provides heartiness but without caffeine intake – perfect anytime of day.
Japanese shiitake mushrooms benefit from being in intimate relationship with their surrounding forest, providing an abundance of essential vitamins and nutrients, with an unparalleled flavor not found elsewhere. A favorite in traditional Japanese cooking, they also boast numerous health advantages for both body and mind – as evidenced by various teas like reishi or lion’s mane mushroom tea that have been proven to increase wellness and promote optimal health. As with any new addition to diet, please consult a medical professional prior to making changes that could alter daily routine.