Today, we’re embarking on an exciting journey into the world of functional mushrooms, focusing on the crucial role of extraction. Specifically, we’re talking about the magic that happens when you combine both hot water and alcohol extractions.
Ready to learn how to get the most out of these nutrient-packed fungi?
Let’s dive in!
Why Extraction Matters in Functional Mushrooms
Before we go any further, let’s address the elephant in the room: why is extraction so important?
Well, functional mushrooms contain valuable compounds that are not easily accessed by our digestive system when the mushrooms are in their raw form. Their cell walls are pretty tough to break down.
Extraction processes help to liberate these beneficial compounds, making them easier for our bodies to absorb.
In short, extraction is the key that unlocks the treasure chest of goodness within these fungi.
The Traditional Approach: Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction is the traditional method and has been around for ages. In this approach, mushrooms are simmered in boiling water for a set amount of time to draw out water-soluble compounds, like polysaccharides.
These are then concentrated into a potent liquid, offering a versatile mushroom “tea” powder that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Unveiling the Depths: Alcohol Extraction
On the flip side, we have alcohol extraction, which targets different, often complementary, sets of compounds.
Alcohol, usually in the form of ethanol, is great for drawing out substances like triterpenes that aren’t water-soluble.
The mushrooms are soaked in alcohol for several weeks, after which the liquid is evaporated to leave behind a concentrated substance. These extracts often come in powder or tincture form and offer their unique set of benefits.
The Synergy of Dual Extraction
Now, here comes the twist. Why choose between hot water and alcohol extraction when you can have the best of both worlds?
Combining the two creates what’s known as a dual extract, a substance that harnesses a broader range of beneficial compounds from the mushroom.
This synergistic approach ensures you’re not missing out on any potential goodness.
It’s like listening to a full orchestra rather than just a single instrument—every element adds to the overall experience.
The Takeaway
Extraction is not just a process; it’s an essential step in making functional mushrooms truly functional for human consumption. By combining both hot water and alcohol extractions, you’re tapping into a fuller spectrum of what these amazing mushrooms have to offer.
So there you have it, the inside scoop on why both hot water and alcohol extractions are the dream team when it comes to functional mushrooms. Now you can explore these incredible fungi in a way that maximizes their potential benefits. Cheers to unlocking the full magic of functional mushrooms!
And that’s a wrap, my friends! I hope you found this article enlightening and inspiring. Here’s to your next mushroom adventure!
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on our Facebook group and Discord channel.
Shine bright, do good, flow strong.
Asha ✨
2 Comments. Leave new
You say usually freeze drying yet your extract powders are spray dried aren’t they? You cant actually freeze dry alcohol (or dual) extracts – it’s only good for HWE.
You say full spectrum. This term was coined by companies who mix myceliated extracted with fruiting body extracts as marketing gimmick to make sonmething sound better or whole when it fact it just means not pure fruiting body extract, to me at least.
I thought you used only fruiting body extracts (except for chaga and cordyceps)?
Hi Robin, you are right!
“Full-spectrum extract” is quite a lucid term and is indeed used very loosely.
In our case, I meant that all the good nutrients from the mushrooms are in the extract. “Dual-extract” would have been more clear where I wrote that, because we use both hot water and alcohol extraction.
I have updated it for clarity. And yes, we spray dry and indeed only use the fruiting bodies, we don’t add mycelium as we also state on all our product pages.
Really appreciate you pointing that out! 🙏