Solution: balance · day

Shiitake

A rounded daytime cup with a light umami.

Quick answer · Last updated

What is shiitake and what is it used for?

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom with a brown cap, known in Japanese and Chinese cooking for its umami taste. Ra Hygge adds a double extract of the shiitake fruiting body to medium roast low acid coffee and also makes a powdered extract and the Maté Magic tea blend from it. The coffee has notes of chocolate and citrus and a light umami.

  • 100% fruiting body
  • Organic
  • Roasted in Sweden
  • 4,8 / 5 · 30 reviews

Sound familiar?

Three situations. Find your form of shiitake.

What does shiitake support?

Shiitake is the kitchen mushroom: immunity, vitality and natural umami. Available as coffee beans, filter grind, a 40 g powdered extract and in Maté Magic tea.

See the mushroom comparison

Problems it addresses

From research
  • Weak immune defence and frequent colds
  • Weak mucosal immunity (low sIgA)
  • Low grade inflammation (raised CRP)
  • High cholesterol
  • Oxidative stress
  • Imbalanced gut microbiome
  • Low energy and vitality

Read the human study

What it supports

From research
  • Lentinan, a beta glucan that activates immune cells such as T helper and NK cells
  • In a 4 week human study, 5 to 10 g of shiitake a day improved immune cell activity and raised sIgA
  • Lower CRP in the same study, a less inflammatory state
  • Eritadenine, which supports healthy cholesterol metabolism in animal studies
  • Ergothioneine, one of the strongest antioxidants in food
  • Prebiotic fibre that feeds the gut microbiome
  • Natural umami for coffee, broth and soup

Read the human study

Biohacker protocol

From research

One cup of shiitake coffee (14 g) in the morning or at midday, plus half a teaspoon of powder (about 690 mg) in soup, broth or a smoothie. Use daily for at least 4 weeks: in the human study the results came after 4 weeks of daily use.

Read the human study

Best combinations

Every mushroom is strong on its own. Combined, they create synergy that targets several body systems at once.
GoalCombinationWhenWhy it works
Immune supportShiitake + chagaMorning with coffeeBeta glucans (lentinan) plus antioxidants for everyday defence
Heart and balanceShiitake + reishiDay and eveningEritadenine for cholesterol metabolism plus reishi for healthy blood pressure
Nourishing kitchenShiitake + maitakeMidday in broth or soupTwo culinary mushrooms: beta glucans, fibre and deep umami

Which form suits you?

One mushroom, three forms. Choose by your day.

Form When Caffeine Price Right for you if
Coffee, beans Day Yes from €9,95 you want a rounded cup with chocolate notes
Powdered extract 40 g Midday Ei €29,95 you want umami in soup or broth
Maté Magic tea Afternoon Yes (maté and green tea) €8,95 you want tea instead of coffee

Shiitake products

A shiitake day

Balance and umami.

  1. Mid morning

    A cup of shiitake coffee, 14 g per cup.

  2. Midday

    Half a teaspoon of powder in soup or broth.

  3. Afternoon

    A cup of Maté Magic tea, water at 60 to 70 degrees, 3 to 5 minutes.

Shiitake in facts

Nameshiitake
Latin nameLentinula edodes
Part usedFruiting body (100%), no mycelium or fillers
Extract typeDouble extract (hot water and alcohol); 10:1 extract in the coffee
Standardised toAt least 30% polysaccharides; the powdered extract also contains at least 20% beta glucans
Caffeine per servingThe powdered extract is caffeine free; shiitake coffee and Maté Magic tea contain caffeine
AciditypH 6 to 6.5 (shiitake coffee)
OriginOrganic shiitake; coffee is organic Peruvian Arabica, roasted in Sweden
CertificatesOrganic (EU); coffee SMAK Certifiering AB, SE-EKO-03

How we make it

  1. Fruiting body, not filler

    we use only the shiitake fruiting body, with no mycelium or fillers

  2. Lab tested

    every batch is tested in a laboratory

  3. Roasted in Sweden, low acidity

    a medium roast in Staffanstorp, treated after roasting with a method patented in Finland

Questions about shiitake

The questions are written the way people actually search.

What is shiitake?

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom with a brown cap, known in Japanese and Chinese cooking for its umami taste. Ra Hygge uses a double extract of the shiitake fruiting body in coffee, powder and the Maté Magic tea blend.

What does shiitake coffee taste like?

Medium roast, notes of chocolate and citrus and a light umami. The acidity is low, pH 6 to 6.5.

How do I use shiitake powder?

Stir half a teaspoon into coffee, tea, broth, soup or a smoothie. The powder has a rich, savoury taste, so it also works well in food.

Does Maté Magic tea contain caffeine?

Yes. Maté Magic contains yerba maté and Sencha green tea, which naturally contain caffeine. The shiitake powdered extract is caffeine free.

How is mushroom coffee different from regular coffee?

Mushroom coffee is real roasted coffee with added extract from the fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms. Ra Hygge coffee is also low in acidity (Lion's Mane coffee has a pH of up to 6.0) because it is treated after roasting with a method patented in Finland.

Where can I buy shiitake coffee?

We sell shiitake coffee, powder and tea in the rahygge.ee online shop.