Plate II.

Functional mushrooms

Lion's mane, turkey tail, cordyceps, reishi and maitake. These five have been cooked, brewed and studied for centuries. Here's what they are, how to use them, and what science is looking at, in plain English.

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Fresh & dried

5 specimens

Monographs

Get to know them

01

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

Our flagship. Shaggy white cascades that cook up like seafood.

In the wildOn wounded or dead hardwood trees in temperate forests
Flavour & textureSweet and delicate. Seared, it's tender and stringy, a lot like crab or lobster
In the kitchenTear into thick 'steaks', press in a hot pan with butter until golden on both sides. Great in risotto and on toast.
Traditional useEaten and used in traditional practice across China and Japan for centuries.
What's being studiedTwo groups of compounds, hericenones and erinacines, are being studied for their effects on nerve growth factor. Most results so far come from lab and animal studies, and human research is still early.
We offerFresh — 200 g, 500 g, 1 kg
Order fresh — from $20.00
02

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

Banded like a turkey's fan, and one of the most widespread fungi on earth, including right here in SA.

In the wildFallen logs and stumps, worldwide
Flavour & textureTough and leathery, so it isn't eaten whole. Brews into a mild, earthy tea
In the kitchenSimmer a small handful in water for 1–2 hours for tea, or add it to stock and remove before serving.
Traditional useBrewed as a tea in Chinese and Japanese herbal traditions for a very long time.
What's being studiedIts polysaccharides (known as PSK and PSP) are among the most researched mushroom compounds, mainly for immune function. Research is ongoing and isn't a reason to use turkey tail instead of medical care.
We offerDried — 100 g
Buy dried — $35.00
03

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

Bright orange, grown on grain and entirely insect-free. The cultivated relative of the famous wild Himalayan cordyceps.

In the wildIn the wild it grows from insect pupae in forest soil. Ours is cultivated on grain
Flavour & textureMild, savoury-sweet and slightly nutty
In the kitchenSteep as a tea, simmer in broths and soups, or toss into a stir-fry at the end.
Traditional useCordyceps species have long been valued in Tibetan and Chinese traditions.
What's being studiedA compound called cordycepin is being studied for energy and exercise performance. So far the results are mixed and early.
We offerDried — 100 g
Buy dried — $55.00
04

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

The lacquered red 'lingzhi': a shelf of polished wood on a living mushroom.

In the wildOn hardwood stumps and the bases of trees
Flavour & textureWoody and bitter. One for the teapot, not the frying pan
In the kitchenSimmer thin slices for 1–2 hours. Pairs well with ginger, cinnamon, honey or cacao.
Traditional usePart of Chinese herbal tradition for more than 2,000 years.
What's being studiedIts triterpenes and beta-glucans are being studied for immune function, sleep and stress, but the human evidence is limited. Reishi may interact with blood-thinning and blood-pressure medication, so check with your GP.
We offerDried slices — 100 g
Buy dried — $39.00
05

Maitake

Grifola frondosa

'Hen of the woods': a ruffled, layered cluster that roasts beautifully.

In the wildAt the base of oaks and other hardwoods
Flavour & textureRich, earthy and a little peppery. The frilly edges go crisp when roasted
In the kitchenPull into clusters, roast hot with oil and salt until the edges char. Brilliant in tempura.
Traditional usePrized in Japanese cooking and folk tradition.
What's being studiedIts beta-glucans, including the 'D-fraction', are being studied for immune function and blood sugar.
We offerFresh — 200 g, 500 g, 1 kg
Order fresh — from $20.00

Food first. We sell our mushrooms as food. Traditional uses and research are shared for interest only and aren't health claims. Our mushrooms aren't intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, talk with your GP before adding functional mushrooms to your routine.