Mushroom Coffee vs. Matcha: Can You Pick a Favorite?

Fall is one of the most rewarding seasons for mushroom foraging. Cooler nights, damp soil and falling leaves create the perfect conditions for fungi to flourish. Whether you are new to mushroom hunting or just curious about what grows in your region, learning to identify common species can help you feel more connected to the season. Before heading out, remember that some mushrooms have toxic look-alikes. Always forage with a guide or field book, and when in doubt, don’t eat it. If you prefer a safer way to bring mushrooms into your daily routine, check out Fantastic Fungi’s Elixirs and Gummies made from USDA certified organic mushrooms.* Oyster mushrooms Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are among the easiest to spot. They grow in clusters on fallen logs and decaying wood, often appearing after a rainy spell. Their soft caps range from gray to pale brown, and they have a delicate flavor that works well in stir-fries and soups. Oyster mushrooms are packed with nutrients and health benefits, too.* Lion’s Mane Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is unmistakable thanks to its cascading, white spines that resemble a shaggy pom-pom. Found on hardwood trees like oak or beech, Lion’s Mane is valued not only for its seafood-like flavor but also for its support of memory and focus.* If you’re not likely to come across Lion’s Mane in the wild, you can still enjoy its benefits with Fantastic Fungi’s Mindful Elixir or Memory Gummies, which feature organic Lion’s Mane extracts.* Maitake Known as “hen of the woods,” Maitake (Grifola frondosa) forms large, frilly clusters at the base of oak trees. This mushroom has been treasured in Japan for centuries and is delicious when sautéed or roasted. Maitake also supports immune health and helps maintain blood sugar levels already within a normal range.* Fantastic Fungi’s Immunity Elixir include Maitake alongside Turkey Tail, Chaga and Elderberry for well-rounded seasonal support. Turkey Tail Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) gets its name from its fan-shaped layers that look like the tail feathers of a turkey. You’ll see it growing on logs and stumps, adding a pop of color to fall forests. Turkey Tail is one of the most studied functional mushrooms, known for its immune-supporting polysaccharides.* Since it is too tough to eat fresh, it is best consumed as an extract. Try Protect Capsules, Immunity Elixir or Energy Elixir from Fantastic Fungi for an easy way to incorporate Turkey Tail into your routine.* Foraging Safety Tips For Beginners Use a reliable guidebook or app, and confirm your finds with multiple sources Learn from local mycology groups or join a guided foraging walk Avoid areas sprayed with pesticides or close to roadways Only harvest mushrooms you are 100% sure are safe Exploring the woods in fall can be a grounding experience, whether or not you bring home edible mushrooms. And thanks to Fantastic Fungi’s organic extracts, you can enjoy the wellness benefits of mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Maitake and Turkey Tail without ever leaving your kitchen. p.s. Want all the excitement of foraging without the disappointment of coming home empty-handed? Treat yourself to the Fall Forager Box — while you can!  Photo credit: Kim Leary

When we think of mushrooms for memory and energy, two stand out right away: Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps. Lion’s Mane supports clarity and memory, while Cordyceps fuels energy and endurance.* Together, this dynamic duo offers support for cognitive and physical vitality.* Lion’s Mane for the Brain* Lion’s Mane is celebrated as a nootropic mushroom. Its shaggy, brain-like fruiting body supports memory, nerve health and mental clarity.* It’s known for stimulating nerve growth factor, which encourages neuronal growth and resilience.* Research suggests that regular use may promote memory retention and learning, particularly in older adults.* Cordyceps as a Natural Power Source* Cordyceps delivers a lift without the jitters. This wormlike orange mushroom is used in herbalism to promote stamina and energy, as well as a healthy sex drive.* A top pick for athletes, Cordyceps may promote exercise performance, according to research.* (Hint: That’s why people like it in the bedroom, too!) Try Them in These Fantastic Fungi Formulas For focused clarity and vitality: Wake Capsules* Pure and potent, these capsules feature USDA‑certified organic Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Chaga - a beautiful blend to promote mental clarity, learning and lasting energy.* We think they’re perfect for focused work and all-day endurance.* Learn more. For brain fuel: Memory Gummies* These delicious gummies blend organic Lion’s Mane, clinically studied KSM‑66 Ashwagandha and Choline to support memory, learning speed and stress‑resilient recall.* Each serving delivers Lion’s Mane for memory and recall, Ashwagandha for stress-resilient memory and Choline for learning and cognitive processing.* Learn more. For energy without the buzz: Energy Elixir* Want to pair your mushrooms with herbs? This caffeine‑free adaptogenic elixir blends triple‑extracted Cordyceps and Turkey Tail with Ginseng and Rhodiola to uplift energy, boost stamina and support stress resilience.* The vegan formula is lab‑tested for potency and made to carry you through demanding days.* Learn more. Cultivate a Calm Yet Energized Mind–Body Rhythm Curious about how to integrate these two mushrooms into your day? Start the morning with Wake Capsules for clarity and endurance.* When you start to feel tugged in multiple directions by midday, shift into focus mode with Memory Gummies, helping you concentrate during creative or demanding tasks.* Later, a dropperful of Energy Elixir can give you that extra boost until it's time to rest and relax. There’s no wrong way to integrate mushrooms into your daily routine. Experiment with a ritual that works for you and your lifestyle. Maybe it’s keeping Memory Gummies in your desk drawer, adding Energy Elixir to your herbal iced tea or cooking up Lion’s Mane for dinner!

In forests all over the world, something remarkable is happening beneath the surface, all the time. A vast, intelligent network of fungi connects trees, plants and even entire ecosystems. These invisible threads act as nature’s communication grid, allowing organisms to share nutrients, warn of danger and support one another in times of stress. Scientists have called it the Wood Wide Web, but we see the magic underfoot as a reminder of something deeper. As humans, we were never meant to go it alone. Just like the mycelial network, humans thrive when we’re connected. Yet in today’s fast-paced, always-online world, many of us feel more isolated than ever. The constant noise can distract us from what truly matters – real relationships, deep conversations and the grounding support of community. That’s why, when things get tough, we look to fungi for inspiration. Mycelium doesn’t rush. It doesn’t compete. Instead, it connects and cooperates. We believe emotional well-being is just as important as mental clarity or physical vitality. Feeling grounded, supported and connected isn’t a luxury. It’s part of a life well-lived. And just like a forest, our inner ecosystem needs care, balance and connection to thrive. Building community doesn’t have to mean big gatherings or endless commitments. It can be small and meaningful: checking in on a friend, starting a book club, sharing a homemade meal or brewing up some mushroom-infused matcha and inviting a neighbor to join you. Creating daily rituals can also help foster a deeper connection – with yourself and with others. A few drops of Mindful Elixir before meditation. A daily dose of Gratitude Elixir as part of a journaling practice. These moments become reminders that you’re not alone. Just like mycelium, we all have something to give, whether it’s a kind word or helping hand. Connection grows when we reach out and listen. True wellness includes the ability to show up for others as well as yourself. That’s why we want to help you engage more fully with the world around you. Whether it’s our Mind Capsules for focus or Chill Elixir to support calm, our formulations are created to help you reconnect with what really matters.* That’s the real power of fungi. They don’t just support ecosystems, they model a way of life rooted in collaboration, care and resilience. Let’s take a cue from the mycelial network. Let’s slow down, stay present and keep showing up for one another, to create something truly fantastic.