Reishi Mushroom

What Is Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi mushroom (called "ling zhi" in Chinese) is a mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) known in East Asia for centuries, with a hard-woody texture and a glossy reddish-brown, lacquered appearance. It is grown wild or cultivated on logs.

Unlike other edible mushrooms, its texture is very hard and woody; therefore it is not cooked and eaten directly as a food. Traditionally, it is dried and boiled to make tea, or turned into powder/capsule form for consumption.

Nutritional Values of Reishi Mushroom

100 g of dried reishi mushroom powder contains approximately 370 kcal of energy and carries high fiber; however, since the amount consumed (as tea/powder) is very small, its practical nutritional value is limited. Values are approximate.

How Should Reishi Mushroom Be Consumed?

Reishi mushroom is traditionally consumed in small amounts as tea or in powder/capsule form; it is not directly a food ingredient.

This information is general; reishi mushroom is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Reishi Mushroom?

Good reishi mushroom has a glossy-lacquered looking skin, is hard, and free of mold spots. In powder products, the smell should be fresh-mushroomy, and the color consistent.

• Skin should have a glossy-lacquered appearance
• Texture should be hard, free of mold spots
• Powder product should smell fresh-mushroomy

How Should Reishi Mushroom Be Stored?

Dried or powdered reishi is stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place; absorbing moisture can lead to mold.

Using Reishi Mushroom in the Kitchen

Reishi mushroom is most often used sliced and boiled for a long time to make tea (decoction), and added in powder form to smoothies and drinks; it does not appear directly as an ingredient in cooking.

Is Reishi Mushroom Edible?

Technically it is not toxic, but its texture is so hard and woody that chewing and swallowing it is not practical; therefore it is boiled and its liquid is drunk, or it is turned into powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is reishi tea made?

Sliced dried reishi is simmered in plenty of water over low heat for 30-60 minutes; the resulting dark, bitterish liquid is strained and drunk.

What does reishi mushroom taste like?

It has a distinctly bitter and woody taste; it is therefore often consumed with honey or other sweeteners.

Is reishi mushroom found in Turkey?

Dried slices or powder/capsule form can be found in some herbalist shops and places selling supplement products.