About the Broth
What is functional mushroom broth?
Functional mushroom broth combines traditional savory broth with functional mushroom ingredients such as Lion's Mane, Chaga or Maitake. Two River Gourmet Mushrooms makes shelf-stable functional mushroom broths designed to be enjoyed on their own or used for cooking.
What is the difference between mushroom broth and bone broth?
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones. Two River's mushroom broths are vegan: their savory, umami flavor comes from mushrooms, miso, tamari, vegetables and aromatics rather than meat or bones. They are also shelf-stable, so they can be stored in the pantry until opened.
Can I drink mushroom broth by itself?
Yes. Two River broths are ready to use: open and drink as is, or heat and sip like a cup of warm tea. Chaga does not fully dissolve, so stir or shake the Chaga broth before serving.
Can I use mushroom broth instead of vegetable or bone broth?
Yes. Use it as a stock substitute in soups, ramen, risotto, curries and vegetarian gravy. Because the broths are already seasoned with miso and tamari, taste before adding extra salt.
Is Two River Mushroom Broth vegan and gluten-free? What are the allergens?
The broths are vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free. The Lion's Mane and Chaga broths contain soy (from tamari and miso) and sesame. The Maitake broth contains coconut.
Does Two River Mushroom Broth need to be refrigerated?
No. The broths are shelf-stable and packed in cartons, so unopened cartons can be stored in the pantry.
What makes Two River's functional mushroom broth different?
Two River is a working organic mushroom farm, so its broths start with people who grow mushrooms for a living. The recipes were developed over about two years with food scientists at the Rutgers Food Innovation Lab and the UNC Food Innovation Lab. The result is a plant-based, preservative-free broth that is ready to sip or cook with.
About the Mushrooms
What are the benefits of Lion's Mane?
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is the functional mushroom most often tested in human studies of mood and cognition. In a 16-week trial of Japanese adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment, those taking 3 grams of Lion's Mane daily scored better on cognitive tests than the placebo group, and the gap faded after they stopped. Results in healthy young adults have been mixed, and reviews describe modest cognitive and mood benefits mainly in middle-aged and older adults. Most studies use concentrated supplements, and larger, longer trials are still needed
What are the benefits of Chaga?
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a wild fungus that grows on birch trees. It is best known for antioxidant activity linked to its polyphenols, melanin, triterpenoids and beta-glucans, and it is also studied for anti-inflammatory and immune effects. Most of this evidence comes from laboratory and animal research rather than human trials. Chaga is high in oxalates, which matters for some people (see the safety question below).
What are the benefits of Maitake?
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an edible mushroom eaten widely in Asia and used in traditional medicine. Its beta-glucans are studied for immune activity, and preclinical research points to possible effects on blood sugar, blood lipids and inflammation. Human evidence is still limited. Maitake is also a culinary favorite with a rich, savory flavor, and Two River grows it fresh on the farm.
Are functional mushrooms psychoactive?
No. Lion's Mane, Chaga and Maitake are non-psychoactive, and they are not psilocybin mushrooms. The Two River broths also contain no coffee, tea or other added caffeine sources.