Reishi mushroom powder has a strong, bitter, woody taste, so the trick is pairing it with flavours that can stand up to it. Cacao, coffee, warming spices and savoury broths all work beautifully. Here are seven easy ways to use reishi powder at home.

The quick answer

Stir a small amount of reishi powder into a hot drink such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate or chai, or blend it into a smoothie. Start with a little and follow the serving suggestion on your pack. New to reishi? Read our beginner's guide to reishi mushroom powder.

1. Classic reishi tea

Stir the powder into a mug of just-boiled water and leave it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Add a slice of fresh ginger and a teaspoon of honey. For a stronger brew, simmer it gently in a small pan for 15 to 20 minutes, then strain through a fine sieve.

2. Reishi hot chocolate

Whisk 1 heaped teaspoon of cacao powder, your reishi powder and a little maple syrup into a mug of warm milk. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla. Chocolate is the best partner for reishi's bitterness.

3. Reishi coffee

Stir the powder into a freshly brewed coffee or whisk it into a latte. The roasted, bitter notes of coffee hide reishi's flavour well.

4. Reishi chai latte

Brew a strong chai, then whisk in warm milk, reishi powder and a little honey. Cinnamon, cardamom and ginger all soften the earthy taste.

5. Chocolate and banana smoothie

Blend 1 banana, 1 tablespoon of nut butter, 1 teaspoon of cacao, your reishi powder and 250 ml of milk until smooth. Add a date for extra sweetness.

6. Miso and ginger broth

Stir reishi powder into a pan of vegetable stock with a spoonful of miso, grated ginger and garlic. Simmer for a few minutes, then add noodles, greens or tofu for a quick, warming bowl.

7. Cacao bliss balls

Blitz 100 g of oats, 8 soft dates, 2 tablespoons of cacao, 2 tablespoons of nut butter and a little reishi powder in a food processor. Roll into balls, coat in desiccated coconut and chill.

Tips for cooking with reishi powder

• Mix the powder with a splash of liquid first to avoid lumps.
• A little sediment at the bottom of the cup is normal; just stir before each sip.
• Pair it with cacao, coffee, ginger, cinnamon, miso or dates.
• Store the pouch sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Before you start

Reishi isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using it if you take any medication, especially for blood pressure, blood thinning or diabetes, if you have a bleeding disorder or a liver condition, or if you're due to have surgery. Don't exceed the serving suggestion on the pack.

Shop our Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder, or browse all our mushroom powders.