What Is Mushroom Coffee, And Should You Drink It?

Mushroom coffee is worth trying no matter where you are on the caffeine spectrum. What is mushroom coffee? According to Finnish entrepreneur and 13th-generation farmer Tero Isokauppila, founder of Four Sigmatic, it's an excellent way to fortify your morning boost. In fact, he's on a mission to make the world's healthiest coffee. By adding dried matsutake mushrooms that have been boiled and liquefied into an extract — mushrooms must be cooked to reap the health benefits — the resulting coffee contains extra nutrients and minerals. Check out the video below to see how it's made:

Persuading people to get past the initial mental image of how they think mushrooms look and taste has been one of Isokauppila's biggest challenges. He likens it to what we saw with raw fish four decades ago, when consumers found the notion "gross." The California roll helped convince consumers to give sushi a try, because they could see the roll had familiar food elements. That got people to try it, and now sushi, sashimi, tartare and ceviche are popular throughout the country.

Mushrooms' earthy flavor complements bold, roasted coffee beans, providing a smoother flavor as well as high levels of antioxidants and other compounds that may enhance your focus and thinking capabilities. Studies have suggested they're great for lowering anxiety and supporting the adrenal glands. Geranium, also found in mushrooms, enables the body to use oxygen more efficiently while reducing damage caused by free radicals. Might as well stock up on extra benefits while you're pouring a cup, right?

Four Sigmatic's packets use mild-tasting Arabica beans from Central America so as not to entirely overpower the delicate flavor of the mushroom extract. They don't have the same strong or bitter taste most associate with traditional coffee, and the mellow brews even lack the telltale jitters, energy crashes and rough-on-the-tummy acid. Looking for a gentler, healthier coffee with a boost other than caffeine? Mushroom coffee may be your best bet.