foraging for chaga
Foraging is a fantastic family activity. It encourages movement and learning. We especially enjoy foraging in the spring and fall months when we are not on the water. We have enjoyed hiking for many years but foraging makes for a fun “I spy” activity with our daughter. Foraging can be done just about anywhere with trees. It is a free activity that can be fun for everyone including our four-legged friends. It is also a good way to get the family outside. (We do recommend checking with the landowner before harvesting.) We started with fiddleheads which are a tasty spring vegetable found near sandy bottom streams. Then we moved on to seeking mushrooms. We typically only forage mushrooms that are easy to identify and do not have too many look-alike species. It is amazing how many different mushrooms you can find when you start looking. There are some great apps for your phone to help with identification as well. We use Picture Mushroom. Of course our digital-obsessed kiddo loves using the app as well. Not only are there health benefits to foraging but there are so many health enhancing fungi that can be found close to home.
Chaga or inonotus obliquus has been one species we have been able to consistently find as well as incorporate into our diet. Chaga is typically found on birch trees and is difficult to mistake for any other fungi. It forms in irregular masses and has the appearance of burnt charcoal. It is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Foraging this mushroom has become more popular recently. You want to harvest from larger, living birch trees and try not to harvest too much as to leave the tree exposed. Even though this fungus is hard to mistake for other fungi we always recommend using a guide to make sure you absolutely know what you have harvested before ingesting it.
Preparing chaga can be difficult and require use of a chisel to break into pieces. We prefer to dehydrate it. Once it is fully dehydrated we use our espresso grinder to blend it down to a fine powder. It can be left in larger pieces and used for tea. Creating a chaga tincture is also another common way to prepare this fungus.
Chaga has excellent evidence for health benefits. It is loaded antioxidants and is known to boost immunity. It reduces inflammation, blood sugar and cholesterol. This results in cardiovascular benefits. It is also known to have anti-cancer properties in mice studies focusing on colon cancer and may be beneficial as a supplement to help prevent colon cancer. It is also an adaptogen which promotes balance in mood and reactions to stress. It is known to increase energy and stamina. The high levels of melanin are thought to promote skin health and appearance as well. There are lots of reasons to consider adding chaga to your morning coffee.
There are many different chaga recipes available. We replace 2 tablespoons of ground coffee with two tablespoons of ground chaga for our morning coffee. The natural earthy notes and vanilla flavors go well with warm drinks. Chaga is commonly found in tea. Ground chaga can be added to a tea bag or larger pieces can be simmered to create a tea. Another favorite is a chaga hot cacao for a sweet treat. This recipe is similar to the one we make at home and can be adjusted for desired sweetness. Chaga can also be added to smoothies for a cold treat with extra health benefits.
If you are looking for a fun family activity this spring we definitely recommend getting outside and into the woods for a foraging adventure. If you want to learn more about fungi there is an event coming up in Portland this spring, Maine Fungi Fest.