Chaga mushroom tea is having a moment and we are here for it. As people become more interested in natural approaches to health and wellness, Chaga's popularity has surged!
What ARE Chaga Mushrooms?
Chaga mushrooms are one of the most medicinal mushrooms in the world and have been used for centuries! They're dark, thick, and crusty, and usually grow on golden or white birch trees.
The mushroom is harvested by breaking off a chunk from the tree bark, which is then dried in chunks or ground into a powder... mainly for tea!
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and have been shown to lower blood pressure and even blood sugar levels.
They also contain polyphenols that can help prevent cancer. In addition, according to WebMD, Chaga mushrooms contain a long list of vitamins and minerals including: vitamins B, C, and D, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, selenium, fiber, and amino acids!
Chaga Mushroom/Chaga Tea Flavor Profile
So back to the question: what does this medicinal tea actually taste like?
In short, it's described as tasting earthy/like trees and slightly bitter with hints of vanilla... which makes sense considering Chaga mushrooms contain vanillin- the same plant metabolite in vanilla bean that's used to make vanilla extract.
Some people say it's similar to coffee and thus why so many drink it as a coffee alternative. If you've ever had matcha tea, chaga's flavor profile is similar but not as sweet.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about how to make it more palatable if you're not a fan of its earthy, forest-like taste.
Creative Chaga Add-Ins
There are a few ways you can go about changing up the taste of your Chaga tea. One is by adding almond milk or coconut milk which will help to mellow out its somewhat bitter taste.
If you want to add sweetness, stir in some honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. OR, for an extra boost of flavor, try adding cinnamon, chai seasoning, or turmeric.
Feeling really adventurous and just want to experiment? Check out the link below for even MORE ideas on how to change up the flavor or sweeten your healthy Chaga treat to doctor it up more to your liking. Enjoy!
