How Do You Eat Maitake Mushroom?

The advised method of preparing to eat maitake mushrooms depends on whether you will be consuming them in convenient powder (supplement) form or whole. If you are thinking about eating maitake mushrooms as they can then you will want to ensure they are cooked thoroughly to ensure both safeties as well as taste. The risks of eating uncooked maitake mushrooms might not be completely determined, by many, (due to lack of scientific study) therefore begging safe is always best. Alternatively, if you decide to opt for a more convenient powdered supplement, there are several ways you can include the powder into your diet; mixed into suitable foods and beverages. You could mix a spoonful of maitake powder, with honey into your morning tea or coffee; very convenient and takes little to no time at all. If you do decide to cook the mushroom, over taking supplements, then you can eat the mushrooms cooked to accompany a meal. The choice is yours whether you defied to buy maitake mushrooms to cook *for consumption) or whether you go for a slightly more convenient powdered supplement at maitake. Both can enhance the flavour of what you are pairing the mushroom with as well as remain just as effective; for medicinal purposes. 

What is the best way to eat maitake mushrooms? 

The ‘best’ way to eat maitake mushrooms is entirely down to you and your very own preference. There is no better way, as such, to take maitake mushrooms. Many people find the convenience of maitake mushroom supplement powder a better way to include it in their diets whereas some individuals prefer to eat the mushroom cooked to accompany a meal. Whichever source of maitake mushroom you decide to take, both are still believed to offer significant benefits to your health. You can mix a serving (2g) of powdered maitake into breakfast smoothies to begin your day on a healthy start. Alternatively, you could cook mushroom stock with maitake; which is also very popular. The choice is yours. So long as you are mindful of serving the maitake correctly, you should begin to feel the benefits within at least 8 weeks. This frame could be sooner depending on your intended use as well as prolonged (in some cases) if maitake is being taken to help more prominent symptoms or health concerns like lowering cholesterol or blood sugar levels. If you are considering maitake supplements, or any supplement for that matter, then you should get advice from your GP first to ensure that they will be right for you and your needs.

Does cooking maitake affect their healing abilities?

The believed healing capabilities of maitake mushrooms are not known to be affected (or lessened) when they are cooked and ready for consumption. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest that cooking maitake mushrooms make them ‘less’ effective at improving our immunity and all the other benefits they can offer! 

What does cooked maitake mushroom taste like?

If you are not typically a fan of the unique texture or taste of ‘normal’ cooked mushrooms then you might not enjoy the taste of cooked maitake mushrooms. How well the mushroom is cooked can contribute heavily to the taste therefore you might not enjoy them if supermarket mushrooms are not your thing. Even though each type of mushroom has a distinctive taste difference, chances are if you are not a fan of Oyster, Button or even Portobello mushrooms, then cooked maitake might not be your thing. If that is the case then you can still source maitake in supplement form as powder or capsules where you may taste a hint of pepperiness but not likely mixed into food or taken with water. Cooked maitake has an earthy as well as peppery taste that many people enjoy although it is quite strong therefore might be an acquired taste. When you go food shopping, if you regularly buy common mushrooms for cooking, due to how they taste, chances are you will likely enjoy maitake mushrooms. Mushrooms are not for everyone, that's why it’s helpful to be able to source maitake in supplement form for those who prefer it baked on taste, texture or even just for convenience. No cooking or prep involved with supplements maitake; all the work is done you for. 

Can you add powdered maitake to beverages?

You could mix a spoonful of maitake powder into a stir-fry or similar meal for a peppery kick to your food and get your daily dose of the supplement. If mixing a spoonful into your cooking seems too much effort or not convenient enough, why not put a spoonful into your drink? You can add 2-5g of powder to your morning tea or coffee with a hint of honey to balance the flavour; a very popular use of maitake powder! Alternatively, if you worry about the maitake affecting the taste of your drink then you could add a spoon to breakfast smoothies. You will be less likely to taste it amongst all the fresh goodness in smoothies; a sneaky way to incorporate a health supplement without ever tasting it! So, whether you decided to use powdered maitake as a seasoning for your food, a sneaky immunity boost to your smoothie or combined it with honey in your morning coffee; you can be sure that maitake can be added conveniently into your diet. Plus, you can still get all the benefits that they are believed to offer. Don't let the thought of the powder tasting like an earthy mushroom put you off by adding a spoon to your morning beverage or smoothies; you’re likely to not be able to taste a difference. Although, your body will know and therefore slowly begin to absorb the nutritional benefits!