Lion's Mane
Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom that is grown or harvested for both culinary and medicinal uses. Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its long spines, occurrence on hardwoods, and tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines. It has a unique combination of texture and a flavor that many people describe as reminding them of crab or lobster meat.
Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom that is grown or harvested for both culinary and medicinal uses. Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its long spines, occurrence on hardwoods, and tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines. It has a unique combination of texture and a flavor that many people describe as reminding them of crab or lobster meat.
Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is an edible mushroom that is grown or harvested for both culinary and medicinal uses. Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its long spines, occurrence on hardwoods, and tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines. It has a unique combination of texture and a flavor that many people describe as reminding them of crab or lobster meat.
Recently lion’s mane has been touted as the next big superfood. As more and more people are switching to a plant-based diet we are looking for alternatives to meat. Lion’s mane is a wonderful alternative. It has a rich umami flavour which is perfectly accompanied by a convincingly meat-like texture. This combination of qualities make it the perfect meat-free alternative.
Not only is it delicious but it is full of health benefits. Recent studies have suggested that lion’s mane is a catalyst for neuroregeneration triggering a number of investigations worldwide into the possible therapeutic and medicinal benefits for this fancy fungus. It has been shown to reduce memory loss in mice as well as preventing neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques. A lot of people are now taking lion’s mane supplements to combat a number of neurological diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Like most gourmet mushrooms lion’s mane is also full of antioxidants and compounds that help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood stream. In mice it has been found to contain an anti-inflammatory which also has been show to reduce anxiety and depression.