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Lion's Mane Mushrooms – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

Lion's Mane Mushroom

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Last Updated: Feb 25, 2022

What are lion's mane mushrooms?

Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, the lion’s mane is an edible mushroom in the tooth fungus group. It features long spines that resemble a hairy dog (or lion’s mane) and can be found on hardwoods. They usually grow in a single clump of dangling spines. Oddly and inexplicably, its flavor has been compared to seafood, particularly crab and lobster, with a somewhat chewy texture similar to meat. It doesn’t look like a typical mushroom either—there's no cap or no stem. In Asian countries, it’s frequently used medicinally.

Where did the lion's mane originate?

Lion’s mane mushroom is said to have been used by Buddhist monks in Asian mountains thousands of years ago. The monks claimed the fungus enhanced brain function and improved their focus while meditating. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that China began cultivating lion’s mane for mass consumption.

What are the benefits of eating lion's mane mushrooms?

The effectiveness of lion’s mane mushroom as a supplement is unclear. That's because very little clinical research has been conducted on lion's mane mushroom supplements.

How are lion's mane mushrooms grown?

The fungus first pops up as a small blob, which seems to grow “hair” and eventually becomes a spiky mushroom pom-pom. Lion’s mane is a slow-growing crop. It can take up to 2 years for them to thrive and up to 6 years before they bear “fruit.”

When they're not cultivated, lion’s mane grows wild, thriving on wood and feeding on dead trees. But it can also be found on living trees, and it grows especially well on the American beech tree.

When are lion's mane mushrooms in season?

If you’re foraging for mushrooms, you’ll have the best luck searching in late summer throughout North America.

How do you pick lion's mane mushrooms at the grocery store?

The mushroom should be fluffy, either white or pale yellow (they become darker as they age), and dry and free of any discoloration. They should also be relatively odor-free. If it smells anything like a mushroom, don’t pick it.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for lion's mane mushrooms via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for lion's mane mushrooms.

How do you store lion's mane mushrooms?

You can store lion’s mane mushrooms for up to a week. Keep them dry, and don’t wash them until you’re ready to eat them. Place them in the fridge in a crisper drawer in their original packaging or a paper bag, as long as they have enough room to breathe. Otherwise, lion’s mane mushrooms aren’t too particular. They can also be dried and ground into a powder.

How do you prepare lion’s mane mushrooms?

When you’re ready to eat them, gently brush off any dirt using a mushroom brush or pastry brush. If your mushrooms are especially dirty, rinse them under cold running water, but don’t soak them. Place them on a clean cloth or paper towel to dry. Lion’s mane mushrooms are soft, meaty, moist, and juicy. The mushrooms can be sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces, tossed with olive oil, and roasted. Or they can be cooked (and eaten) like any other mushroom. Find fresh lion's mane mushrooms on Instacart.

What can I substitute for lion's mane mushrooms?

If you can’t get your hands on some fresh lion’s mane mushroom, try substituting other fresh vegetables like:
  • Zucchini
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Garbanzo beans
  • Potatoes
  • Tofu
Anything with a meaty, chewy texture will make an acceptable substitute. Lion’s mane itself makes a great substitute for seafood. A lion’s mane “crab” cake might be a tasty meal for those with seafood allergies or vegetarians.

A different kind of mushroom

While most mushrooms grow at ground level, the lion's mane mushroom grows up high in a tree. You might find them as high as 40ft up a dead or dying tree. They don't taste like an average mushroom with their strange and unusual seafood flavor. And they offer potential medicinal benefits you won't find in any other mushroom.

Ready to try them with same-day delivery or pickup? Shop lion's mane mushrooms now.

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,800 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 100,000 stores across more than 15,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.


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