Health Mushrooms: 6 Recipes for Vita Mushrooms

Start a culinary journey that tantalises your taste buds and nourishes your body with the potent goodness of health mushrooms. In this guide, we present six delectable recipes featuring each variety of Vita mushrooms, including Reishi, Agaricus, Wood Ear, Nameko, Snow Fungus, and Shiitake.

Follow these flavourful and nutritious Vita Mushroom recipes, each with its own unique potential TCM benefits!

1. Reishi Relaxation Elixir:

Ingredients:

• 3 Dried Reishi Mushroom Slices
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 sprigs of fresh mint (1 for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Steep the Dried Reishi Mushroom in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Add honey for sweetness and a sprig of mint.
3. Strain, garnish with fresh mint leaves, and enjoy this calming elixir for relaxation.

TCM Benefit:

Reishi is known as the "Mushroom of Immortality" in TCM, potentially promoting relaxation and may support the body's stress response.

2. Agaricus Power Breakfast Bowl:

Ingredients:

• 100g Dried Agaricus Mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• 185g Cooked quinoa
• 50g Poached egg
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• A handful of Spinach leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried Agaricus mushrooms in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain mushrooms and then sauté Agaricus Mushrooms in a tablespoon of oil until golden brown.
3. Mince the garlic clove and sauté with the mushrooms for 1 minute on a low heat.
4. Cook quinoa as instructed on packaging.
5. Assemble a bowl with cooked quinoa, sautéed mushrooms, poached egg, and spinach.
6. Season with salt and pepper for a nutritious breakfast bowl.

TCM Benefit:

Agaricus is believed to enhance vitality and strengthen the immune system according to TCM principles.

3. Wood Ear Asian Stir-Fry:

Ingredients:

• 100g Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• Mixed vegetables (1 bell pepper, 1 broccoli, 2 carrots for example)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• pinch of salt
• 185g Cooked brown rice

Instructions:

1. Soak the Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Chop vegetables into slices.
3. Stir-fry Wood Ear Mushrooms and mixed chopped vegetables in sesame oil.
4. Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey and salt and mix into the stir-fry.
5. Serve over cooked brown rice for a savoury and satisfying meal.

TCM Benefit:

Wood Ear Mushrooms are associated with promoting blood circulation and maintaining cardiovascular health in TCM.

4. Nameko Miso Soup:

Ingredients:

• 150g Dried Nameko Mushrooms
• 480ml vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp miso paste
• 1 packet of Tofu, cubed (approx. 400g)
• Green onions for garnish

• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 8 cups water
• Salt to taste

1. Combine all broth ingredients in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
3. Strain the broth, discarding solids.
4. Season with salt to taste.

Instructions:

1. Whilst the broth is cooking, soak the Dried Nameko Mushrooms in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Simmer Nameko Mushrooms and tofu in the vegetable broth.
3. Dissolve miso paste in a small amount of broth, then add to the soup.
4. Garnish with green onions and enjoy this comforting miso soup.

TCM Benefit:

Nameko Mushrooms are believed to have immune-boosting properties, which may help the body resist external pathogens in TCM.

5. Snow Fungus Berry Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 25g Dried Snow Fungus (Tremella), soaked and chopped
• 150g mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 banana
• 240ml almond milk
• 1tsp chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Soak the Dried Snow Fungus in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes then strain and place in fridge to cool.
2. Blend Snow Fungus, mixed berries, banana, and almond milk until smooth.
3. Stir in chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.

TCM Benefit:

Snow Fungus is associated with promoting hydration and could maintain healthy skin.

6. Shiitake Garlic Butter Pasta:

Ingredients:

• 150g Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced
• 200g whole wheat pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 50g fresh salted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the Dried Shiitake Mushrooms in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes then strain.
2. Sauté Shiitake Mushrooms in olive oil and minced garlic. Take off the heat and mix in the butter until melted and combined.
3. Toss cooked pasta in the mushroom and garlic mixture.
4. Sprinkle with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley for a flavourful and wholesome pasta dish.

TCM Benefit:

Shiitake Mushrooms are believed to support the body's Qi (energy) and blood circulation in TCM.