There is a kind of mushroom with a playful moniker. The mushroom is “lion’s mane”. In the United Kingdom, the United States and other places in Europe, people call it as “lion’s mane”. However, in the community in Asia, like Taiwan and Hong Kong, people name it as “monkey head mushroom”. What an interesting ingredient in the world!
Lion’s mane mushroom has a natural aroma and rich flavour. It has also meaty texture. Lion’s mane is the rare mushroom that contains many highly nutritious substance and is also cooked in a variety of ways. Lion’s mane is very popular ingredient in the plant-based cooking.
Healing powers of lion’s mane mushrooms
It is heard that Lion’s mane has more than 70 kinds of nutrients. The common ones are polysaccharide and phenol. However, there are two components that are uniquely found in the lion’s mane. The nutrient is erinacines and hericenones. Many people know that Lion’s mane is very good for stomach’s health. Lion’s mane mushrooms have substances that help fight ulcers, which are sores that can occur in the stomach or small intestine. These mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and pain in the body. This makes them great for people looking for natural ways to ease their stomach issues or reduce inflammation.
Besides, everyone wants to stay young, and lion’s mane mushrooms might help with that, too. They have antioxidants that fight against aging in the body. These antioxidants can help keep the skin looking youthful and the brain functioning sharply, potentially reducing the risk of age-related diseases. Lion’s mane mushrooms are also good for the heart and blood circulation. They can help the body use oxygen better and increase the amount of blood the heart pumps. This leads to better blood flow and circulation, which is essential for overall health. For those dealing with high blood sugar and cholesterol, lion’s mane mushrooms could offer natural support. They’ve been shown to help lower blood sugar levels and reduce bad cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy choice for your diet.
Generally, fungus itself contains phenolic nutrients, which can increase immunity, help people destroy cancer cells and prevent the growth of tumour. In addition to the improved immunity, Lion’s mane has another health benefits on memory improvement, our nervous system, our digestive system and our skin.
Hence, lion’s mane mushrooms are more than just a delicious ingredient. It is a powerhouse of medicinal benefits.
How to pick lion’s mane mushroom
In the world of vegetarian delights, lion’s mane mushrooms stand out as a unique treasure. Known for their meat-like texture and rich protein content, they’ve earned the nickname “vegetarian meat.” If you’re looking to try these fascinating fungi, knowing how to pick the best ones is crucial.
Picking the perfect lion’s mane mushroom is all about paying attention to the details that include the fluffiness, weight, colour, and smell.
This fluffiness is a good indicator of freshness and quality. These mushrooms should feel loose and dry to the touch. The fluffier, the better. This lightness is another sign you’re picking a good one. Heavier mushrooms might indicate they’ve absorbed moisture, which is not what you want. A slight hint of golden colour is a good sign, indicating the mushroom is just right. The smell is a major giveaway of a mushroom’s freshness. Lion’s mane mushrooms should have a clean, slightly sweet scent. If you detect any sour or unpleasant smells, it’s best to leave that mushroom behind. Fresh lion’s mane mushrooms will not have any smell of sourness.
How to remove the bitterness of lion’s mane
Although lion’s mane is a popular vegan friendly ingredient for our vegan or vegetarian cooking, in the market, it is quite rare for us to see any fresh lion’s mane. Usually, we may buy dried lion’s mane in pack. Lion’s mane has a bitter taste itself. Before cooking, it is necessary to follow up on removing its bitterness. You can remove the bitterness of lion’s mane using the following methods.
- Rinse the dried mushroom slightly
- Prepare a large of warm water, add around 2 tea spoons of corn flour, and soak them for 15 mins
- Cut off the stem, which is the most bitter part of the lion’s mane
- Pour out the soaked water. Squeeze them for about 8-9 times until the water squeezed is clear. No yellow water is seen.
- Blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute and then turn off the heat
- Rinse them in cold water and squeeze them for about 2 times. That’s it. The bitter should be removed.
Corn flour can bring out the dust and dirt hidden in the lion’s mane. Generally, other types of mushrooms like shiitake and chaga can be washed with corn flour or plain flour like the step (2).
Lion’s mane is nutritious and delicious. It is a good cooking ingredient. Plant-based lifestyle is getting popular now. We may taste the scrumptious Lion’s mane in soup, coffee and a variety of plant-based cuisines.
