The lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is gaining popularity for its unique appearance and impressive health benefits, particularly in boosting brain function. Known for its shaggy, lion-like look, this mushroom has garnered attention for its cognitive and health-boosting properties. In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow lion’s mane mushrooms at home, along with their remarkable health benefits, and offer tips on harvesting and cooking them.
Growing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms naturally grow on decaying hardwood trees, but you can easily grow them at home with a mushroom kit. These kits usually contain a substrate of hardwood sawdust mixed with bran to accelerate growth.
Step 1: Prepare the Kit
Start by cutting off the top corners of the mushroom bag, then roll the top tightly and secure it with tape. Squeeze out any excess air, which will naturally escape through the cuts. The goal is to allow the mushrooms to grow out from the face of the bag, so make additional cuts – one 4-inch slit along the top and an “X”-shaped cut in the center.
Step 2: Create Humid Conditions
Lion’s mane mushrooms thrive in high humidity (70-90%), which can be difficult to maintain indoors, especially during dry months. A simple method is to cover the kit with a plastic bag. Cut two small holes (about 2 inches in diameter) in the bag to ensure adequate air circulation. Avoid letting the bag rest directly on the mushrooms by propping it up using skewers through the substrate.
Step 3: Maintain Temperature and Humidity
Place the mushroom kit in a location with indirect sunlight and a stable temperature between 60-70°F (16-21°C). Mist the kit twice daily with a fine mist sprayer to maintain high humidity. This helps initiate pinning, which is the first sign of fruiting bodies forming. Once the mushrooms start to grow, avoid spraying them directly to prevent damage.
Step 4: Harvesting the Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms grow quickly, with fruiting bodies appearing in just over a week. Harvest them while they are still fresh and before they begin to release spores. Look for the characteristic hanging spines. To harvest, gently twist the mushroom at its base to detach it from the substrate.
Step 5: Rehydrating for the Next Flush
Once you’ve harvested the mushrooms, you can encourage a second crop. Remove any remnants of the previous mushrooms, then rehydrate the substrate by submerging it in cool water for a few hours. After draining, place the block in the fridge overnight to simulate cold conditions, which helps trigger another fruiting cycle. Mist the kit and maintain the same growing conditions to encourage the next batch.
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane is often referred to as the “brain-boosting mushroom” due to its cognitive benefits. Research has shown that it can promote nerve growth, particularly in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. A 2019 study found that taking lion’s mane extract for 12 weeks improved memory, focus, and overall mental function in participants.
Lion’s mane is also being studied for its potential benefits in treating neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, as it helps stimulate the growth of brain stem cells. Additionally, it may help with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Many people, including myself, find that taking lion’s mane extract improves mental clarity, focus, and helps them achieve a productive “flow state.” However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using lion’s mane, especially for medical purposes.
Drying, Storing, and Cooking Lion’s Mane
To preserve the cognitive benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms, it’s best to dehydrate them before use. Slice the mushrooms thinly and dry them in a dehydrator or low-heat oven. Once dried, grind the mushrooms into a fine powder using a grinder and store it in an airtight container with silica packets to prevent moisture.
You can add this mushroom powder to various recipes, including teas or smoothies, for a brain-boosting boost. Alternatively, lion’s mane can be cooked in a variety of ways. It has a texture similar to crab or lobster meat, making it a popular vegan alternative.
Simple Lion’s Mane Stir-Fry
To cook, slice the mushrooms and fry them without oil until they begin to brown. Add butter and season with salt and pepper for a simple, delicious dish. Lion’s mane mushrooms offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Conclusion
Growing lion’s mane mushrooms at home is a rewarding and relatively simple process that can be done in just a few weeks. Not only will you have access to fresh mushrooms, but you’ll also be able to reap their impressive cognitive benefits. Whether you enjoy them as a healthy supplement or as a flavorful addition to your meals, lion’s mane mushrooms are a powerhouse for both brain and body.