Monkey head mushroom: What Is It & How To Cook

by

Dave Shelton

If you’re looking for a new and interesting mushroom to add to your supplement or cooking repertoire, look no further than the monkey head mushroom. This curious-looking fungus is delicious when cooked, and has a flavor that’s a perfect blend of savory and earthy. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the monkey head mushroom, and provide some tips on how to cook it.

What is Monkey Head Mushroom?

The monkey head mushroom is called lion’s mane mushroom. This uniqe-looking fungus is an edible mushroom in the tooth fungus group.

Unlike its close cousin, the shiitake, lion’s manes are not commonly cultivated and are instead found growing wild on dead or dying hardwood trees. While they can be found throughout the United States, they are most commonly found in the northeastern region.

monkey head mushroom

The monkey head mushroom gets its name from its appearance, which is said to resemble a monkey’s head. The top of the mushroom is covered in long, flowing “hair” that is white or cream-colored.

Monkey head mushrooms are prized for their medicinal properties and are sometimes used as an herbal supplement.

Health Benefits of Monkey Head Mushrooms

monkey's head mushroom health benefits

1) Brain Health

Monkey head mushrooms can improve cognition and increase the release of nerve growth factor.

Studies have shown that Lion’s mane can help to improve memory and cognitive function in elderly patients suffering from cognitive decline. It may even help patients suffering from Alzheimer’s [1].

It can also help to improve cognitive function in healthy adults. In addition, Lion’s mane has been shown to increase the release of nerve growth factor, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your brain power, add some monkey head mushroom to your diet!

2) Boost Immune System

Looking to give your immune system a boost? Consider adding monkey head mushroom to your diet.

This edible mushroom is thought to increase the activity of the intestinal immune system, which helps to protect the body against infection.

Lion’s mane is also a source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

One study even showed that monkey head mushrooms extended the lifespan of mice injected with deadly bacteria by over 4 times [2]!

3) Boost Metabolism

The monkey head mushroom is said to have a variety of health benefits, including the ability to boost metabolism. Studies performed on obese rats have shown that these mushrooms can improve fat metabolism and lower triglyceride levels [3].

So, if you’re looking for a way to give your metabolism a boost, consider adding monkey head mushroom to your diet.

How To Cook

Let’s dive into the exact steps you need to take to cook these delicious mushrooms!

Finding the Shrooms

If you’re looking for fresh monkey head mushrooms, your best bet is to head to your local specialty health store. These stores typically carry a wide variety of fresh mushrooms, including the monkey head mushroom.

However, if you’re looking for dried mushrooms, you may be able to find them at your local grocery store.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try growing your own mushrooms. The monkey head mushroom is relatively easy to grow, and it can be a fun and rewarding project.

Clean Your Fresh Monkey Head Mushrooms

While they may look daunting to clean, the first step is actually quite simple: wash them in a bowl of water.

Start by shredding the mushrooms into small pieces and placing them in a bowl of water. Next, simply pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel and chop them up to about 1/4″ thick.

Mushrooms In Dried Form

If you buy your monkey head mushroom from a grocery store, they were likely dried mushrooms. But don’t worry, the steps are nearly the same as with a regular monkey head mushroom.

Soak the mushroom in warm water for about 20 minutes. This allows them to rehydrate and expand to their full size. This will help to rehydrate & remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the mushrooms.

Simple cooking

Cooking Lion’s Mane mushrooms is easy – simply sauté them 2-3 minutes each side. Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a pleasantly chewy texture, making them a great addition to any stir-fry or pasta dish. The intense heat of the grill or stovetop will caramelize the natural sugars in the mushrooms, giving them a sweet and smoky flavor.

Add Some Flavor

If you are looking to add some flavor to your monkey head mushroom, add soy sauce & some seasonings!

Some common seasonings that can be used to add flavor to lion’s mane include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and rosemary. You can also use herbs and spices such as basil, thyme, oregano, paprika, and cumin.

Where To Buy

If you are just looking for lion’s mane in supplement form, check out our best 6 supplement article shown below!

Best Lion’s Mane Supplements

Read our expert review of the top 6 best lion’s mane supplements. All are available online. Special deals are available for My Fitness System readers!

Read More

The Bottom Line

Monkey head mushrooms, also called lion’s mane mushrooms, are one of the most interesting and unique-looking mushrooms out there. But these fungi aren’t just pretty to look at–they offer a variety of health benefits that make them well worth trying. If you’re looking for an interesting new addition to your diet, give lion’s mane a try!

FAQs – Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Is monkey head mushroom healthy?

Monkey head mushrooms are rich in a variety of polysaccharides, antioxidants, and amino acids which make them extremely healthy. They’ve been used medicinally in traditional Chinese cuisine for centuries and are gaining popularity as a health food in the West.

Is Lion Mane mushroom same as monkey head mushroom?

Yes, the monkey head mushroom is also called lion’s mane. The scientific name for this mushroom is Hericium erinaceus, and it is native to North America and Europe.

Is monkey head mushroom bitter?

Monkey head mushrooms have a seafood-like taste. However, some people report a bitter aftertaste from this mushroom. This has a unique taste compared to other medicinal mushrooms.

Is Lion’s Mane mushroom poisonous?

No, Lion’s Mane mushroom is not poisonous. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – it’s known for being a medicinal mushroom that has many health benefits. And there are no poisonous look-a-likes.

Is Lion’s Mane psychedelic?

No, Lion’s Mane is not psychedelic. Money head mushroom is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in Asia for its nerve-regenerative and cognitive benefits. Recent research has shown that it may be effective in treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

What is another name for monkey head mushroom?

If you’re looking for another name for monkey head mushrooms, you might want to try lion’s mane, Hericium erinaceus, Yamabushitake, or Bearded tooth mushrooms. All of these names refer to the same type of mushroom.

About Post Author

Dave Shelton

Dave founded My Fitness System to pursue his true passions of health & fitness. He has dedicated his life to studying exercise, general well-being, and health supplements. This site was created to share Dave’s years of experience in the fitness industry and provide quality information to the people.

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