I’m that person. The girl who buys organic baked beans, kombucha by the litre and orders a turmeric latte instead of a flat white at brunch… all because #health, obvs. But is it time to say goodbye to 2016’s ‘golden’ latte and let the magic ‘shroom latte take its place?
You name a trendy superfood and chances are I’ve tried it – and ‘grammed it – but this new, magic ‘shroom It drink is one I haven’t attempted… yet. Naturally though, I am super intrigued. But what’s all the hype about?
There are over 10,000 types of fleshy fungi out there, all packed with their own beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. Many are also a fantastic source of copper, potassium, and fibre. Sounding good for you? I reckon.
For centuries, mushrooms have been a staple in eastern and herbal medicine for their incredible health benefits. Shitake mushrooms, for example, have long been used in Japan as an alternative and complementary treatment of cancer thanks to their enhancing effect on the immune system. Reishi mushrooms are also popular for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to protect against liver disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression and many more ailments.
But what’s with making a cup o’ mushroom? To get all of their superfood goodness, mushrooms must be cooked or exposed to heat, hence the hot latte! Although we haven’t discovered any Kiwi baristas whipping up a mug, there are some options in Aussie if you’re ever across the ditch.
Well known for their funky lattes like charcoal, apple pie, beetroot and carrot cake, there’s a mushroom latte at Melbourne’s Matcha Mylkbar which consists of chaga mushrooms, vanilla essence, coconut milk and brown rice malt. While Sydney’s Orchard Street eatery offers an ‘immuno-shroom’ made of reishi and shiitake mushroom mixed in with either cashew, coconut, or almond milk.
So come on Little Bird Unbakery, when’s this funky hot beverage hitting your menu? Health benefits aside, we’re desperate to try one to see how it holds up on the ol’ taste buds!
