Alpha-Glucans, Starch and What They Can Tell You
Alpha-glucans rarely appear on labels but can reveal a lot. This article explains why mushrooms contain little starch, why grain-grown products can be high in it...
The Spore & Bloom Library
Notes on the science, traditions and cultivation behind functional mushrooms, from the people who make Spore & Bloom.
Extraction & Manufacturing
Common Mushroom Extraction Myths
Mushroom extraction attracts plenty of myths. This article corrects seven of the most common, from “dual extract means best” to “more heat is always better”.
Extraction & Manufacturing
How Solvent Choice Changes What Is Extracted
The liquid used to extract a mushroom decides what ends up in the extract. This article explains polarity, what water and ethanol each extract, and how...
Extraction & Manufacturing
Raw Mushroom Powder vs Extract Powder
Two powders from the same mushroom can be very different. This article compares raw mushroom powder with extract powder side by side, and explains how to...
Extraction & Manufacturing
Tincture Strength: What Does 'Strong' Actually Mean?
“Strong” and “potent” appear on many tinctures. This article explains what “strong” can and can’t mean, and how to judge a tincture beyond the word.
Extraction & Manufacturing
Filtration in Mushroom Extraction
Filtration is a small step with a big influence on a mushroom extract. This article explains why it’s done, the methods used and why sediment can...
Extraction & Manufacturing
Why Mushroom Cell Walls Matter for Extraction
The fungal cell wall is the main reason mushrooms are extracted. This article explains the barrier, how extraction gets through it and why whole powders differ.
Extraction & Manufacturing
Why Extraction Temperature Matters
Temperature is one of the most important variables in mushroom extraction. This article explains why heat helps, why more isn’t always better and how it differs...
Mushroom Biology
How Fungi Decompose Wood and Recycle Nutrients
Without fungi, forests would be buried in dead wood. This article explains how fungi break down wood, recycle nutrients and play a key role in the...
Mushroom Biology
Parasitic and Wood-Decaying Fungi Explained
Many functional mushrooms are wood-decayers or parasites. This article explains white and brown rot, insect-parasitic fungi like Cordyceps, and chaga’s in-between relationship with birch.
Mushroom Biology
Mushroom Substrates Explained
Every mushroom grows on something. This article explains substrates in nature and cultivation, why they matter and their role in sustainable growing.
Mushroom Biology
What Is a Fruiting Body?
“Fruiting body” appears on many mushroom labels. This article explains what a fruiting body is, how it forms, its different shapes and why it matters.