What roles do mushrooms have in biotechnology? So many! But today we are talking about the newest fungal innovations in food science. Our guest today, Jim Alderink, is the VP of Technology Integration for the auspicious start up, MycoTechnology based in Colorado. We cover some unexpected applications of fungi and their metabolites, how they scale the technology and cover some of their most successful developments— the ClearTaste™  Bitter-Blocker and the PureTaste™  Protein that are revolutionizing food science. We discuss the potentials of fungi in biotechnology, the happy accidents ..read more

Mushrooms are having a “moment” right now, with previously rare varieties popping up at farmers markets, in supermarkets, and in the supplement aisle. (What a wonderful time to be a fan of fungi!) But mushrooms actually have been part of herbalism and cooking for millennia — all the way back to 450 BC. There are so many ways to describe the mushrooms used for health and in the kitchen: edible mushrooms, culinary mushrooms, functional mushrooms, and medicinal mushrooms.*  This blog post will break down that last term as well as share 10 of our favorite medicinal mushrooms with you.*  ..read more

There are many ecosystems where fungi act as an effective bio-insecticide. When conditions are right, these species of fungi infect their insect hosts which allow them to propagate and in some cases significantly reduce populations of their target hosts. Applications of these fungi are being explored in agriculture, pest management and ecosystem conservation. Today we are joined by a leading researcher in mycopesticide development and insect pathologist, Dr. Mark Goettel. . Mark Goettel is an Insect Pathologist recently retired from the Lethbridge Research Centre of Agriculture & Agri-Food ..read more

Dogs really are a human’s best friend, so we know that you want only the best for your furry friends. We’re often asked about whether dogs can take our products, by owners searching for a natural way to support their four-legged friends’ overall health and well-being. While some mushrooms are safe for dogs to take, our products are made for our two-legged friends. However, we can tell you more about the best medicinal mushrooms for dogs. As with your own healthy habits, it’s best to consult with your dog’s veterinarian before adding anything new to their diet. The Best Medicinal Mushroom ..read more

Morel mushrooms are a much-loved “wild” mushroom. They’re incredibly delicious and only available for a short time each year. Morel mushroom “hunters” take their hobby quite seriously, and they usually won’t share the secret locations of their stash.  These mushrooms have been resistant to attempts at commercial cultivation, so when Morel mushrooms are out of season, aficionados are out of luck until next year. You can sometimes find them dried, and adept hunters sometimes find a large enough stash to sell at local farmers markets. But for the most part, Morel mushrooms remain elusive ..read more

The strong and fit among us are always in search of the next best thing to support their performance on the track, in the saddle, or on the mat. Mushrooms for working out are really popular right now, but using some of them to promote healthy energy and stamina is actually nothing new.*  For decades, athletes in China have used Cordyceps as part of their training regimen, and now athletes in the West are taking this mushroom, too. And, traditional herbalism in China has leaned on Cordyceps mushrooms for energy for centuries!*  When it comes to mushrooms for working out, Cordyceps ..read more

Everybody’s morning routine looks a little bit different. Some people meditate. Others journal. And others exercise. But most people will drink a cup of coffee. In fact, 64 percent of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee every day.  While the caffeine in coffee may provide a morning energy boost, the negative effects of caffeine tend to catch up with people. Too much caffeine can cause detrimental imbalances in your sleep schedule, digestion, and the body’s release of adrenaline. Adding functional mushrooms to your morning routine can support healthy energy levels without riskin ..read more

Stuffed mushrooms are a cocktail party staple. Packed with a tasty filling and bursting with umami-rich mushroom flavor, they’re portable and usually bite size. Traditionally they have either a sausage or bread filling, but you can get really creative — after all, you want to serve up the best stuffed mushrooms possible.  Get our favorite tips for making the best stuffed mushrooms (including thinking “outside the cap”), plus a tasty vegetarian recipe for your next pizza night.  5 Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Mushrooms  Go beyond buttons. While white button mushrooms ..read more

Ethnomycology — the study human historical and cultural use of fungi. It is a wonderful and vast topic, and today we are joined by one of the world’s few ethnomycologists, Elinoar Shavit. We specifically focus on the desert truffle and its vital role in local communities in the middle east. With the tributes to the desert truffle, we highlight the multitudes of other vital fungi that deserve our recognition and protection globally. Be sure to check out the show notes for more information on this essential science. . Elinoar Shavit is an ethnomycologist specializing in mycological and cultural ..read more

Today we are joined by Gunther Weil, the only remaining contactable member of the Harvard Psilocybin Project. The 60s was an eventful decade for psychedelics, among many other global and national events, and included famous studies such as the Concord Prison Experiment and the Good Friday Experiment. Gunther was involved firsthand and worked side by side with notable members such as Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Ralph Metzner and man more. We have the pleasure of hearing his stories from this era enriched with detail and charisma. We share personal experiences and discuss psychedelic therapies then ..read more