What is chaga?
Chaga, or Inonotus obliquus, is a species of mushroom that grows on white birch and young cherry trees. It appears as a hard, black, cracked mass. The interior is rusty brown.
Benefits of Chaga
Rich in antioxidants, chaga has been used for several centuries, first for its medicinal properties, but increasingly for gastronomic reasons.
How to make chaga tea
Here's how to make chaga tea. Follow these simple steps to enjoy the benefits of this amazing mushroom.
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| 🔍 Information | Details |
| ⏱️ Preparation time | 15 minutes |
| 🍳 Maceration time | 24-36 hours |
| ⏲️ Total time | 24-36 hours and 15 minutes |
| 🔧 Difficulty level | Easy |
| 🍽️ Portions | 8-10 |
| 🔥 Calories (approximate) | 5 per serving |
| Ingredients |
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To get the most out of chaga's medicinal properties, we suggest the cold maceration method. The mushroom's active molecules are sensitive to heat. That's why we don't recommend using boiling water to prepare your infusion.
Note: You can store the chaga pieces in the freezer or in a dry place to repeat the previous steps 2 or 3 times until the chaga is completely used. As long as the chaga produces a colored tea, you can re-infuse it.
| Instructions |
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Questions and Answers about Chaga Infusion
What is the best method for preserving chaga?
Chaga can be stored in the freezer or in a dry place. This allows the pieces to be reused several times until they no longer produce colored tea.
Can you use hot water to brew chaga?
To maximize the medicinal properties of chaga, it is best to use a cold maceration method. Boiling water can degrade some of the active molecules in the mushroom.
How many times can chaga pieces be reused?
Chaga pieces can be reused 2 or 3 times, as long as they produce a colored tea.
What does chaga infusion taste like?
Chaga tea has a slightly earthy and woody taste. You can add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
What is the shelf life of chaga tea?
Chaga infusion will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you heat chaga tea?
Yes, you can heat the infusion slightly to enjoy it as a hot drink.
What are the health benefits of chaga?
Chaga is rich in antioxidants and has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is known to boost the immune system and improve overall health.