What a strange name for a mushroom! With its white, cascading hairs covered in countless spines, the lion's mane is quite a sight. Consuming it might even give you a bit of this regal animal's strength: whether you cook it or take it as a supplement, the lion's mane is beneficial for cognitive and digestive health. We'll explain why and how to prepare it to reap its benefits!
Where does this creamy-white, oval-shaped mushroom come from? While it has been used in China since the Han Dynasty as a treatment for stomach ailments and memory problems, Hericium erinaceus is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. This elegant mushroom takes root on the stumps of oak, beech, and maple trees and appears between late summer and autumn. A word of caution for those with sensitive noses: in the wild, it smells like curdled milk!
Why consume it: its benefits
The mushroom is rich in two small molecules: hericenones and erinacins, which have the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. According to a Malaysian study , this ability helps limit neuronal degeneration. Lion's mane mushroom could therefore become an important element in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The mushroom appears to have a beneficial effect on memory, concentration, and depressive disorders, and several studies are underway to better understand its properties.
In addition to being beneficial to our brain, Hericium erinaceus is rich in trace elements and minerals: zinc, phosphorus, selenium, iron, potassium, and germanium. It also has a beneficial effect on our metabolism and immune system in general, thanks to the action of its beta-glucans (polysaccharides).
It's also worth noting that what made this mushroom famous in China thousands of years ago is still relevant today. Indeed, thanks to the presence of five saponins—molecules known for their anti-inflammatory properties—the mushroom is said to relieve intestinal and digestive problems. Consuming lion's mane mushroom is believed to reduce the occurrence of chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers by protecting the mucous membranes from certain bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori .
How to consume the Hedgehog Hydnum?
This mushroom is said to have a flavor somewhere between lobster and seafood. To try it for yourself, browse the aisles of your local Asian grocery store in search of fresh or dried flesh. Dried, it can be enjoyed in soups. Fresh, it's a great addition to stews, gratins, or can be stir-fried.
From a mycological perspective, it is available in powder or capsule form as a dietary supplement. It can also be consumed as a mother tincture, which is diluted in water.
If you wish to combine mycology and gastronomy, the lion's mane mushroom is available in our "Spark" and "Decaf" coffee range.
A culinary recipe: Espresso lemonade
With the warmer weather coming, here's a refreshing recipe that's just as unusual as the hydne.
The necessary ingredients:
-
1 cup of sparkling water
-
The juice of a freshly squeezed lemon
-
A few ice cubes
-
1 cup of your cold Spark coffee
-
1 ounce of coffee syrup
-
One or two lemon slices for decoration
-
1/2 cup cane sugar (optional)
Recipe for homemade Spark coffee syrup:
Add your cold coffee and caster sugar to a hot saucepan and reduce over low heat until it reaches a slightly syrupy consistency. Let it cool.
Tip : Don't throw away your leftover coffee, put it in the fridge and reuse it for your syrup!
Let's get started preparing your espresso lemonade:
Step 1: Take your favorite water glass and put some ice cubes in it.Step 2: Stir in your coffee syrup
Step 3: Pour your sparkling water and lemon juice over the ice.
Step 4: Stir everything together.
Step 5: Add the lemon slices and enjoy!
