The Bountiful Benefits of Mushrooms

by Laurie Richardone

What would you think about eating a mushroom that looks a little like the scruff of a lion?

I get it, not totally convinced about lion’s mane mushroom? What if I told you that it’s associated with major brain repair, potential cancer-fighting power, and has mouth watering culinary uses.

As we age our brain does not maintain itself the way it used to. Mushrooms can be the key that unlocks the door in keeping our brain healthy. Lion’ s mane mushrooms use compounds called hericenones to produce and simulate growth factors.

This compound helps brain cells grow bigger, which translates to better brain function and improved memory. Personally, I have been eating lion’s mane mushrooms for more than a year, along with consuming high quality extracts of Lion’s Mane, and I notice a visible difference in memory.

Lion’s mane mushroom is a nootropic food; meaning: it’s used to enhance memory or other cognitive functions. It is very popular in traditional Chinese medicine, and its ancient wisdom, which is thousands of years old.

A large body of research has focused around this brain-boosting mushroom in the last few years, and the results are nothing short of astounding.

One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry lists the benefits by stating lion’s mane mushroom is “antibiotic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, anti-fatigue. That is a high dose of health benefits; and, they are scrumptious to cook with.

On a culinary level, you can do amazing things with this advantageous mushroom. You can transform them into croquettes that you might believe are actually crab cakes that many of us love so much. These croquettes make a beautiful vegetarian dish that will wow your friends.

Great news: You can find Lion’s mane mushrooms at our very own North Asheville Tailgate Market at Black Trumpet Farm.

The best time to harvest Lion’s mane mushrooms is in the spring and early summer.

I encourage you to spend a bit of time in the kitchen and make delicious Lion’s mane croquettes this summer that will satisfy all food lovers.

To your good health

If you are a curious person or cook, join me on my Podcast ~ a taste for all seasons.

Listen to the latest episode. Farming With The Seasons

I will be having a conversation with two of our very own farmers exploring the benefits of seasonal eating.

All shows on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Now Available ~ Asheville Cooking Classes ~ Master Seasonal Plant Based & Gluten- Free Cooking.

Laurie Richardone is an inspirational seasonal chef and certified health coach.

To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com/contact