WHAT IS A LION’S MANE MUSHROOM?

The name is not a coincidence, this mushroom literally looks like the shaggy mane of a lion.  Also known as a monkey head or pom pom mushroom, they  In Asia they are native to Asia, Europe and North America. Not only are they popular in food, but this mushroom is used to steep tea as well.  And unlike the meaty shittake or more smoky portobello, lion’s mane is described as having a more seafoody flavor (like sacha inchi seeds).

WHY ARE LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS GOOD FOR YOU?

Work or live with someone who has wild mood swings?  Yeah, what a joy, right?  Well this mushroom is famous for supposedly improving both memory and mood!  While lion’s mane has the same health properties as other fungi, it also might have regenerative nerve properties.  To read more about this click here!  But be careful, as of today there is no conclusive evidence to support this.  But there are a lot of sketchy websites are now promoting their sales of extracts supposedly made from this mushroom.

WHEN ARE LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS IN SEASON?

Partial to beech and other hardwood trees, this mushroom are a late summer and fall harvest.  It is possible to raise them indoors as well.

HOW SHOULD LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS BE STORED?

Like other mushrooms in a bag with a paper towel in your refrigerator.  Remember that air circulation is important.  If your lion’s mane starts to get droopy or mushy, then your normal 5 to 7 day window of use has contracted to use them now (if they’re still ok).  You can always blend them into a sauce or soup if they’re borderline ok.

WHAT ELSE IN NATURE HAS THE NAME LION’S MANE?

Well, let us introduce you to the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish!  Also known as the Giant jellyfish, this deadly lurks in the cold North Atlantic waters as by the Baltic Sea and Australia .  They can grow to over 7 feet in length.  They have stinging tentacles with which to pull in their prey which are vaguely reminiscent of, you guessed it, like something you’d find on a lion!