If you’re someone who prioritizes health and wellness, chances are you’re familiar with the vibrant green elixir known as matcha tea. Renowned for its plethora of health benefits, matcha has long been a staple in the routines of health-conscious individuals. But what if we told you there’s a way to upgrade your beloved matcha even further?
Yes, you can do that by adding mushrooms to it. Mushroom Matcha Tea is a concoction that might sound unconventional at first but packs a powerful punch in terms of both flavor and nutrition. And the best part? Crafting your own mushroom matcha tea is surprisingly simple, promising to kickstart your mornings with a refreshing boost of energy that lasts all day long. If you are excited, keep reading to discover all there is to know about this innovative fusion.
Origins and Preparation of Matcha
Matcha itself has deep roots in Japanese culture, dating back to the 1100s when a Zen Buddhist monk brought tea seeds from China to Japan. This monk is credited with initiating “the way of tea,” a practice emphasizing careful tea preparation as a reflection of beauty and mindfulness in a chaotic world.
Authentic matcha tea is cultivated under stringent guidelines in Japan. The process involves shading the tea plants before harvest to increase chlorophyll content, giving the leaves a vibrant green hue. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder.
What Exactly is Mushroom Matcha?
Mushroom Matcha tea is a unique drink that blends traditional Japanese ceremonial matcha tea with adaptogen mushroom powder, resulting in a nutty and earthy flavor. Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated and processed green tea leaves, is whisked with hot water to create a frothy, bright green tea.
When combined with adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, or cordyceps, the tea gains additional health benefits, such as enhanced stress relief and improved cognitive function. This fusion creates a beverage that is both a traditional mindfulness practice and a modern wellness drink.
Best Ingredients For A Mushroom Matcha
If you want to learn how to make matcha tea with mushrooms, then the following ingredients will be the best:
Organic Lion’s Mane Fruiting Body
Apart from the best matcha powder, Lion’s mane mushroom is a key ingredient for mushroom matcha, acting as a neuroprotectant that supports brain health and provides a calm, steady focus throughout the day.
Organic Chaga Fruiting Body
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can boost immunity and reduce inflammation. This makes them a valuable addition to mushroom matcha for overall health and wellness.
Organic Ashwagandha Powder
Ashwagandha is well-known for its ability to reduce stress, enhance brain function, and potentially increase strength and endurance. Its adaptogenic properties make it a perfect complement to the calming effects of matcha.
Organic Maca Root Powder
Maca root powder can enhance energy, improve mood and memory, support sexual health, and balance hormone levels. Its inclusion in mushroom matcha contributes to an overall boost in vitality and well-being.
L-Theanine Powder
L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it a perfect complement to the natural caffeine in matcha.
And if you are looking for a more convenient option, you should definitely check out Mush Mouth’s Mushroom Matcha. It is packed with the ingredients listed above and more. It even has type 1 and type 2 Bovine collagen peptides that support skin elasticity, hair and nail strength, and joint health.
What are the Health Benefits of Mushroom Matcha?
With all the right ingredients, mushroom matcha can give loads of health benefits like:
Boosting Cognitive Functioning
Mushroom matcha enhances brain health through a combination of ingredients. Matcha itself provides slow-release caffeine for improved focus and alertness, and L-theanine, which promotes a calm, alert state. Lion’s mane mushroom is known for boosting brain function and memory, while ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety, enhancing cognitive performance.
Helping with Stress Relief
The blend effectively reduces stress levels. Ashwagandha lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, promoting a balanced state known as homeostasis. Ceylon cinnamon, if added, can give anti-inflammatory benefits, further helping to alleviate stress by reducing bodily inflammation.
Boosting the Immune System
Lion’s mane mushroom boosts immune health by enhancing white blood cell production. Ceylon cinnamon offers antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making mushroom matcha a potent ally against infections, colds, and flu.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Both matcha and Ceylon cinnamon are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Matcha’s high antioxidant content, including EGCg and polyphenols, combined with cinnamon, helps reduce chronic inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Aiding Digestive Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of lion’s mane mushroom and ashwagandha help soothe the digestive system. Ashwagandha aids digestion by regulating processes and reducing indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Moreover, matcha’s low acidity is gentler on the gut than coffee.
Does Mushroom Matcha Have Caffeine?
Yes, mushroom matcha contains caffeine. The matcha caffeine content can vary based on factors such as the age of the tea leaves and the steps taken during harvesting and processing. Studies have found that each gram of matcha contains approximately 18.9–44.4 mg of caffeine. Since the average matcha beverage typically includes about two grams of matcha, the caffeine content per beverage is roughly 37.8–88.8 mg.
While mushroom matcha includes caffeine, it also contains L-theanine, a relaxing amino acid found in matcha. This combination results in a balanced energy effect, making you feel both energetic and calm (which is pretty rare).
What Are The Side Effects Of Mushroom Matcha?
Mushroom matcha is generally safe to consume, but like any food containing caffeine, it may have side effects if consumed excessively. Here are some potential side effects:
Digestive Issues
Mushroom matcha sometimes contains raffinose, an oligosaccharide that can cause digestive issues in individuals with sensitive stomachs. This may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Caffeine-related Side Effects
Excessive consumption of mushroom matcha due to its caffeine content can lead to side effects similar to other caffeinated foods. These may include a fast heartbeat, anxiety, panic attacks, dizziness, and insomnia.
Precautions for Certain Groups
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with known allergies to the tea plant or its components, should consult a healthcare provider before consuming mushroom matcha.
Wrapping Up
Mushroom matcha isn’t just a trendy drink – it’s a flavorful and healthful addition to your routine. Whether you’re seeking enhanced cognitive function, stress relief, or immune support, this innovative fusion of matcha and adaptogenic mushrooms has got you covered.
While crafting your own mushroom matcha is simple, if you prefer a convenient option, Mush Mouth’s Mushroom Matcha with adaptogens and collagen is a wonderful choice. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a delicious cup of mushroom matcha, whether hot or cold. So why wait? Place your orders now!
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do you prepare mushroom matcha?
To prepare mushroom matcha, add 1-2 scoops of mushroom matcha powder to your preferred cup, mix with 2-3 ounces of hot water, then stir in 4-5 ounces of hot or cold milk.
Q2. What are the health benefits of mushroom matcha?
Mushroom matcha is highly beneficial, offering cognitive enhancement, stress relief, immune support, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q3. What does mushroom matcha taste like?
Mushroom matcha has an earthy and nutty flavor, combining the richness of matcha with the umami notes of mushrooms.
Q4. When is the best time to consume matcha tea?
Matcha tea is best consumed in the morning or early afternoon for sustained energy and focus, thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
