Mushroom Powder: What It Is and How To Use It

Mushrooms are superfoods with high nutrient content and, medicinally, have health benefits. According to Chinese medicine, they are good energizers and disease fighters, giving them the name “elixir of life”. They have been used as medicine and simple food for centuries. You can find this fungus in dark, damp forests without the vibrant or colorful looks of vegetables and fruits. However, they contain antioxidants, disease-fighting, and other crucial nutrients the body needs. You can use mushrooms to add flavor to different diets due to their low calorie content. Some mushrooms have a meaty texture, making them suitable for meat recipes, either grilled or on buns. But what if you don’t have time to prepare fresh mushrooms? Powdered mushrooms can be a convenient, time-saving option.

1. What Is a Mushroom Powder Made From

Mushroom powder is the dried form of mushrooms that have been dehydrated and grounded into a powder. The powder contains more nutrient value in concentration for health benefits such as antioxidants, amino acids, micronutrients, and prebiotic fibers. It can season eggs, casseroles, sauces, sauteed vegetables, coffees, teas, and protein powders. A very beneficial mushroom powder to try is the Lion’s Mane mushroom powder from Nature’s Rise, which will surprise you with its brain-boosting effect. The mushroom extract is the critical component that is effective and contains 100% certified organic mushrooms. Organic mushrooms are extracted from the growing roots of mushrooms called mycelium and combined with myceliated grains.

2. How To Use Mushroom Powder in Your Cooking

• Add them to soup or stew for extra flavor and nutrition.

The mushroom powder is a good spice for stews and soups. They are added at the beginning to add flavor to the meal. You can make a stir-fry, stew, soup, sauce, or stock by adding the powder with some onions, or garlic, carrots, or celery. However, the mushroom is added when the onions become brown with dried herbs. Ensure the added amount correlates with the meal taste to increase the nutrition and flavor of the meal.

• Mix them with ground meat before cooking for a delicious burger or sausage patty.

The ground meat sausage recipe contains fresh herbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and mushroom powder. The mushroom powder and onion keep the sausage patties moist even after serving the meal and add flavor. You can prepare the meat on metal or wooden skewers or by using a stuffer. 

• Stir them into rice or quinoa for a quick and easy side dish.

Mushroom powder with brown rice or quinoa can make a complete side dish. The addition of mushrooms to the dish gives it a unique touch, of thyme and delicious flavor. You can also pair it with burgers or casseroles to serve as soup with quinoa. 

• Use them as a seasoning agent in marinades, sauces, or dressings.

Nothing adds more flavor to a salad than mushroom powder. You can mix it with pre-soaked almonds, lemon juice, vinegar, or walnuts with salt and pepper to make your favorite salad dressing, sauce, or marinades. 

• Add them to smoothies or baked goods for an added boost of nutrition.

The mushroom powder is a good blend for smoothies or baked goods by adding a teaspoon. The spice is combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cacao to add flavor and nutrients to hot chocolate, smoothies, cappuccinos, and lattes. 

3. The Health Benefits of Consuming the Mushroom Powder

• Boosts your immune system

Mushrooms have polysaccharide molecules with immunomodulatory effects, that enhance the immune system. For example, fungi can stimulate spleen lymphocytes to help maintain and boost the immune system’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria.

• Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels

The antioxidant agent in mushroom powder makes it a powerhouse for preventing the spread of radicals. In addition, the fight against oxidant stress helps lower blood pressure and eliminate bad cholesterol. 

• Prevents cancer and Alzheimer’s disease

The mushroom powder contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), which improves the immune system. It is an anticancer agent that is used in cancer drugs in Japan. In addition, it has been proven to alleviate certain cancers like leukemia and Alzheimer’s disease.

• Reduces inflammation and joint pain

The antioxidant property of mushrooms makes them suitable for fighting inflammation. The property helps the body fight free radicals, the primary cause of inflammation.

• Regulates blood sugar levels

The mushroom powder is a good regulator of blood sugar and improves blood glucose and insulin levels in the body. For example, the reishi mushroom powder reduces blood sugar and insulin levels while modifying enzymes related to blood sugar control.