How to Make Mushroom Coffee (With Steps!)

Mushroom coffee is a unique and innovative way to enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms in a convenient and tasty way.

This article gives everything that you need to know about how to make mushroom coffee at home and how to get started enjoying it. But first, what exactly is mushroom coffee?

What is Mushroom Coffee and How is it Roasted?

Mushroom coffee is an infused coffee drink with the addition of medicinal mushrooms or extracts. The drink is gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional coffee, as the mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are thought to provide a range of health benefits.

The most common varieties of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee include reishi, chaga, and cordyceps. These mushrooms are commonly thought to provide the ability to boost energy, improve cognitive function, and support the immune system. These statements aren’t verified by the FDA, however, many people have experienced anecdotal benefits from their use.

To make mushroom coffee, the dried mushrooms or mushroom extract is added to ground coffee beans before brewing. This usually happens while the coffee is on the roaster but can happen at home with any coffee you own as well.

Mushroom Coffee has a similar flavor profile to traditional coffee, but with added nutty and earthy notes from the mushrooms. Some people find that mushroom coffee provides a more sustained and balanced energy boost compared to traditional coffee which only uses a surge of caffeine to boost energy levels.

 

 

Digging Deeper into the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

Reishi, chaga, and cordyceps mushrooms are all known for their health benefits when consumed in the form of dietary supplements or brewed as teas. When these mushrooms are added to coffee, they are believed to provide the same benefits. Here is a brief overview of the potential benefits of each type of mushroom:

• Reishi mushrooms: Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and are often used to help reduce stress and improve sleep. They are also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Chaga mushrooms: Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and are believed to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and antiviral properties. They are also thought to have potential benefits for heart health and may help lower blood sugar levels.
• Cordyceps mushrooms: Cordyceps mushrooms are believed to improve energy and endurance, as well as boost the immune system. They are also thought to have anti-aging and antioxidant effects.

Some mushroom coffees use one of these common mushroom varieties and others use a blend of multiple. Make sure to see if the roaster you are purchasing from specifies which mushrooms have been added to the coffees that interest you. This helps you know what works for you and what doesn’t.

It's important to note that the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee are still being researched and there is a need for more studies to fully understand their effects. However, many people who drink mushroom coffee report feeling more energetic and alert after consuming it similar to other jitter free coffees.

How Does Adding Mushrooms to Coffee Change the Taste?

Coffee, by itself, offers a world of variable tasting profiles and aroma bouquets. Adding mushrooms to the mix changes your coffee's taste but can easily complement and pair well with the notes of various coffees. The taste of the mushrooms may be more pronounced in mushroom coffee made with ground mushrooms, as opposed to mushroom extracts.

The flavor of mushroom coffee can vary depending on the type and amount of mushrooms used, as well as the type of coffee beans and the brewing method. Some people describe the taste of mushroom coffee as having an earthy and sometimes even nutty flavor. Depending on what a particular mushroom variety tastes like, you may pair them with specific types of coffee for the least amount of change in taste.

For mushrooms that are stronger with nutty flavor profiles, consider beans from Latin American and African growing regions and origins.

For mushrooms with a more pronounced earthy flavor profile, consider beans from Asia / Pacific growing regions and origins.

Overall, the taste of mushroom coffee is generally like traditional coffee, but with the added flavor notes from the mushrooms. Some people find that the taste of mushroom coffee is more balanced and less acidic than traditional coffee, making it better for those who want less of a tangy bite from their coffee.

If you're interested in trying mushroom coffee but are worried about the taste, you may want to start with a small amount of mushrooms and gradually increase the amount to your desired level. This can help you get used to the flavor and allow you to find the right balance for your taste preferences.

As with everything in the coffee world, experimentation is key and will help you find the perfect ways to make coffee.

How to Make or Get Mushroom Coffee Beans

There are a few different ways to add mushrooms to coffee:

1. Use ground dried mushrooms: You can grind dried mushrooms in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle and mix them with your ground coffee beans before brewing. The ratio of mushrooms to coffee will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of ground mushrooms for every 8 ounces of brewed coffee.
2. Use mushroom extract: Mushroom extract can be added to your coffee after brewing. Simply stir in the desired amount of extract to your hot coffee and mix well. A mushroom extract is typically more potent than ground mushrooms, so you will use less. A good starting point is to use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of mushroom extract per 8 ounces of brewed coffee.
3. Use mushroom coffee blends: If you don't want to prepare your own mushroom coffee, you can also purchase pre-made mushroom coffee blends. These blends usually contain a blend of ground coffee beans and either ground mushrooms or mushroom extract. Simply follow the brewing instructions on the package to prepare your mushroom coffee.

When adding mushrooms to your coffee, it's important to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to your desired level. This will allow you to find the right balance of mushroom flavor for your taste preferences.

 

 

How to Brew Mushroom Coffee

Here is a step-by-step guide to brewing mushroom coffee at home using the pour-over method:

1. Gather your materials: You will need ground coffee beans, ground dried mushrooms (or mushroom extract), a pour-over, filter paper, a kettle or pot of hot water, and a mug or carafe to serve the coffee.
2. Combine the coffee and mushrooms: Mix together your coffee beans and ground mushrooms (or mushroom extract) in the desired ratio.
3. Set up your pour-over: Place the filter paper in the pour-over and place it on top of your mug or carafe.
4. Heat the water: Bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil and let it stand and cool for a minute or two. The ideal brewing temperature for coffee is around 195-205°F. Boiling is 212°F so if the water is (boiled), let it cool ~10°F.
5. Grind and add the coffee: Grind your coffee-mushroom mixture to a medium-fine consistency and add it to the filter paper in the pour-over.
6. Pour the water: Slowly pour the hot water over the coffee in a circular motion, trying to wet all the grounds evenly. Use as little water as possible at first and let the ground plume. After 30-60 seconds, continue pouring the water in a circular motion to finish the brewing.
7. Let the coffee drip: The coffee should take about 2-4 minutes to brew, depending on the size of your pour-over and the amount of coffee you are brewing.
8. Remove the pour-over from your mug.
9. Serve and enjoy: Your mushroom coffee is now ready to serve. Add any desired milk, sugar, or other toppings to taste (just like you would with regular coffee).

It’s important to know that Mushroom Coffee is pretty much like any other coffee. Brew mushroom coffee any way that you prefer. The pour-over steps are just some of the simplest for many people with basic coffee brewing gear.

Enjoy the Wide World of Mushroom Coffee

Mushroom Coffee is a unique and innovative way to enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms while still getting your caffeine fix. With a similar flavor profile to traditional coffee, but with the added nutty and earthy notes from the mushrooms, mushroom coffee provides a balanced and sustained energy boost that many people find more enjoyable than the jittery feeling often associated with traditional coffee.

While the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee are still being researched, many people report feeling more energetic and alert after consuming it. Whether you're looking to try something new or are simply interested in the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, mushroom coffee is worth a try.

Explore our very own Mushroom Extract that you can add to your own coffee.

FAQs

Can you make mushroom coffee at home?

Yes you can absolutely make mushroom coffee at home. Just make sure you have the proper materials and mushroom coffee blends and you can make mushroom coffee at home.

Can you drink mushroom coffee before bed?

Yes you can drink mushroom coffee before going to bed. In fact, mushroom coffee may be a good alternative to regular coffee before bed as it can help to de-stress and reduce the jittery effects of regular coffee.

 

About the Author This article was written by Jordan O'Hara, Founder of Windansea Coffee.  You can learn more about him here.