The Hericium erinaceus, or lion’s mane mushroom has quite a lot of properly being benefits. One look at suggests it improves prolonged and short-term cognition in youthful adults. One different posits that the mushroom might in the reduction of despair and anxiousness.
These claimed properly being benefits have resulted in it being a most well-liked complement. Nonetheless can the mushroom current the equivalent benefits when utilized in meals?
Do consumers want Lion’s Mane as a meals?
Lion’s mane is traditionally a complement. However it certainly has confirmed to be versatile in cooking, and attracted considerable curiosity amongst consumers contained in the context of meals, in response to Elliot Webb, managing director and founding father of Metropolis Farm-It.
“The demand for lion’s mane mushroom in meals is shortly rising as further consumers seek for sensible substances that assist whole properly being and wellness. Whereas lion’s mane has traditionally been customary in complement sort, its versatility in cooking and the rising curiosity in sensible meals have led to its rising use in frequently meals.”
Metropolis Farm-It produces latest and dried lion’s mane for the UK market, partly meant as a plant-based meat numerous in meals.
Does it nonetheless have the equivalent sensible benefits?
Lion’s mane, when utilized in meals, may very well be cooked in quite a few strategies, and used for quite a lot of options. When it’s produced with type, fairly than merely vitamin, in ideas, are its sensible benefits threatened?
In response to Webb, certain strategies can get the proper out of lion’s mane.
“Cooking doesn’t alter the sensible benefits. Nonetheless, to entry the proper sensible benefits in lion’s mane, it should be alcohol or heat extracted so that the bioactive compounds activate which is why steeping when you make tea is so environment friendly.”
What does it type like?
Whereas recognized primarily for its sensible benefits, when used throughout the context of meals, the type of lion’s mane is entrance and centre.
The mushroom has a “delicate, barely sweet and earthy flavour, which is usually compared with seafood like crab or lobster,” explains Webb. It moreover has a “tender, meaty texture,” which absorbs flavours when cooked.
It would most likely, Webb suggests, be utilized in quite a lot of meals along with soups, stir-fries, risottos, burgers, and tacos. Hong Kong meals tech agency OmniFoods has even launched a lion’s mane steak.
“Its meaty texture makes it an excellent addition to vegan and vegetarian recipes, providing a satisfying chew whereas absorbing the flavours of sauces and seasonings,” says Webb. “It moreover works properly in straightforward preparations like sautéing with garlic and olive oil for a quick aspect dish.”