Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder
Lion's mane looks like something from the ocean floor and tastes like something from the sea: mild, slightly sweet, with a flavor often compared to crab or lobster.
What It Is
This is the powdered form of lion's mane, a shaggy white mushroom that grows on hardwood trees and has been used in East Asian cooking and folk tradition for centuries. Unlike earthy or bitter mushroom powders, it is remarkably mild, almost neutral, which makes it easy to work into foods without announcing itself.
The powder is made from dried, ground fruiting bodies. Because the flavor is gentle, it plays a supporting role in the kitchen rather than a starring one, lending a faint umami depth to whatever it joins.
What To Do
Stir a teaspoon into a smoothie, a bowl of oatmeal, or a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. It dissolves easily and will not fight whatever else is in the cup or bowl. For savory cooking, whisk it into soups, stir it into pasta sauce, or mix it into a butter you spread on toast or roasted vegetables.
Start with half a teaspoon if you are new to it. Store in a sealed container away from heat and light, and use within a year for best flavor.
