The Rise of Superfood Mushrooms: What They Are, What They Do, and How to Use Them

Move over kale and turmeric—there’s a new superfood trend on the rise, and it’s rooted (quite literally) in the forest floor. 

Superfood mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail are gaining serious traction in the world of wellness, and for good reason. 

With centuries of use in traditional medicine and a growing body of scientific research to back them up, these fungi are now showing up in everything from coffee blends to capsules—and even in your dinner recipes.

What Are Superfood Mushrooms?

Superfood mushrooms are functional fungi believed to offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They’re not your standard button mushrooms found in supermarket stir-fries; instead, these varieties have been used for generations in Eastern medicine for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-supportive properties.

Some of the most popular varieties include:

Lion’s Mane: Known for its shaggy appearance and brain-boosting benefits, lion’s mane is often used to support memory, focus, and nerve health.

Reishi: Nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality”, reishi is valued for its calming effects, immune support, and potential to reduce stress and fatigue.

Chaga: Rich in antioxidants, chaga is believed to support the immune system and help combat inflammation.

Cordyceps: These fungi are used to enhance physical performance, energy, and endurance—popular among athletes.

Turkey Tail: Known for its striking colours and fan-like shape, this mushroom is high in polysaccharides that may support gut health and immune function.

Mushroom Supplements: Capsules, Powders, and Elixirs

If the idea of cooking mushrooms daily doesn’t appeal to you, no worries—superfood mushrooms are widely available as supplements. You can find them in:

Capsule or tablet form: Ideal for a quick daily dose.

Powders: Easily added to smoothies, lattes, or porridge.

Tinctures: Concentrated drops taken under the tongue or mixed into drinks.

Mushroom coffee and tea: Blends of ground mushrooms and coffee or herbal teas offer a functional twist on your favourite morning brew.

When buying supplements, look for organic products with third-party testing and clarity on the type of extract used (such as fruiting body vs. mycelium), as potency can vary.

Can You Cook With Them?

Absolutely! Many superfood mushrooms can be enjoyed in culinary form. Lion’s mane, for instance, has a mild, seafood-like flavour and can be sautéed like scallops or shredded into a “crab” cake. Dried reishi can be simmered into broths and teas, though its bitter taste means it’s best used in medicinal recipes rather than everyday meals.

Cordyceps and chaga are typically not eaten whole but can be brewed into teas or decoctions. Turkey tail is tough and woody, but also great for infusions.

Here's a simple Lion’s Mane Mushroom Stir-Fry to get started:

Ingredients:

200g lion’s mane mushrooms, torn into chunks

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp rice vinegar

Spring onions and sesame seeds to garnish

Method:

Heat sesame oil in a pan, add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add lion’s mane and sauté until golden brown.

Splash in soy sauce and rice vinegar, cook for another minute.

Garnish and serve with rice or noodles.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're blending them into your morning smoothie, brewing a calming tea, or sautéing them into your supper, superfood mushrooms offer a fascinating fusion of ancient wisdom and modern wellness. As with any supplement, consult a healthcare professional before making major changes—especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.

But with benefits that span immunity, cognition, energy, and more, it’s safe to say the mushroom boom is just beginning.