Make Your Own Lion's Mane Powder
If you have got your hands on a lot of beautiful Lion's Mane mushrooms and want to preserve them in the best way, this recipe is for you. Lion's Mane powder is perfect for adding extra health benefits to smoothies, hot drinks like cocoa or soups. It is definitely worth keeping in stock!
Procedure:
- Prepare the mushrooms:
- Clean the Lion's Mane mushroom gently with a brush or damp cloth to remove dirt. Then cut them into uniform pieces — preferably large chunks, so that they dehydrate evenly.
- Dehydration:
- Place the cut mushrooms on the dehydrator trays. Make sure that they do not overlap each other so that the air can circulate freely around them.
- If using a dehydrator, set it on the lowest setting (usually called “living foods” or “low”, around 40-50°C). If using an oven, set the oven to the lowest temperature and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
- Dehydrate the mushrooms overnight (8-12 hours). You know they're ready when they crack easily and are completely dry.
- Blend the mushrooms into powder:
- When the mushrooms are completely dry, put them in a blender or food processor. Blend until they turn into a fine powder. If you want to avoid any “crunchy” pieces, you can sift the powder through a fine-mesh strainer.
- The larger pieces that remain in the sieve, you can re-grind or crush with a mortar and pestle until they are completely powdered.
- Storage:
- Transfer the fine Lion's Mane powder to an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve the freshness and health benefits. The powder can keep for up to a year, but it's so good that you'll probably want to use it long before then!
Application and tips:
- Use a teaspoon of Lion's Mane powder in smoothies for a boost in focus and cognitive functions.
- Add it to hot cocoa or tea for a soothing but invigorating drink.
- Sprinkle it over soups, stews, or sauces for an extra umami flavor and nutritional benefits.
Type: If you don't have a dehydrator, an oven will work fine. Just remember to keep the temperature low and check them regularly. The main thing is that the mushrooms are completely dry, so they can be ground to a fine powder.
