Brewing chaga tea: how to do it

What is Chaga?

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is not a mushroom with a cap and a stem. It is a black, cracked lump that grows on birch trees in cold regions such as Siberia, Scandinavia, and Canada. On the outside, it looks like charred wood; on the inside, it is golden brown.

In Russia and Scandinavia, Chaga has been brewed as a tea for centuries, sometimes as a substitute for coffee or black tea. This tradition is experiencing a major revival today, as Chaga has also found a place in the world of functional mushrooms.

How to Brew Chaga Tea

For 1 cup · ready in 5 minutes

• 250 ml water
• 1 serving of Chaga powder or Chaga drops (see the packaging for the recommended amount)
• Optional: one teaspoon of honey, a slice of lemon, or a cinnamon stick

1. Bring the water to a boil and let it cool for one minute.
2. Add the powder to your mug and pour in a splash of water. Stir until there are no more lumps.
3. Add the rest of the water and stir well.
4. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes to develop the flavor. Stir again before drinking.
5. Finish it with honey, lemon, or cinnamon to taste.

With drops? Even easier: brew a cup of herbal tea or hot water and add the Chaga. Done.

Prefer pieces? Traditionally, Chaga is steeped for hours in water that is just below boiling. This gives it a full-bodied flavor, but with powder or drops, you will be ready in a few minutes.

Three Variations

Chaga Chai

Warm and spicy, perfect for cold days.

• 150 ml water and 100 ml (plant-based) milk
• 1 serving of Chaga
• A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper (or 1 teaspoon of chai spices)
• 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup

Gently heat the water, milk, and spices in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat, stir in the Chaga and honey, and let steep for two minutes.

Chaga Iced Tea

Refreshing for the summer.

• 1 cup of Chaga tea according to the basic recipe, cooled
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Ice cubes and a sprig of mint

Dissolve the honey in the warm tea and let it cool. Pour over ice and finish with lemon and mint.

Chaga Latte with Vanilla

Creamy and smooth, as an alternative to coffee.

• 1 serving of Chaga in 100 ml hot water
• 150 ml frothed oat milk
• A few drops of vanilla extract

Stir the Chaga into the hot water, add the vanilla, and pour the frothed milk over it.

What Does Chaga Tea Taste Like?

Surprisingly mild. Chaga tastes earthy and slightly woody, with a soft, almost vanilla-like undertone. It is less bitter than Reishi and tastes a bit like mild black tea. Chaga contains no caffeine, so you can drink it all day.

Tips

• Not boiling: let the water cool for one minute before adding the Chaga.
• Combine: cinnamon, ginger, lemon, and honey all pair well with it.
• Lumps? Use a milk frother or shake it in a sealed cup.
• Stick to the packaging: the recommended amount is on the label. More is not better (see below).

Good to Know

• Oxalates: Chaga naturally contains a lot of oxalates, just like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts. Consuming very large amounts over a long period of time can strain the kidneys. Therefore, stick to the recommended amount on the packaging.
• Consult your doctor if you have kidney problems or kidney stones, use blood thinners or diabetes medication, have an autoimmune disease, or are going to have surgery soon.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Chaga is not recommended.
• Chaga is a dietary supplement, not a medicine.

Chaga at MycoMore

At MycoMore, you can find Chaga by McMyco as powder, drops, and capsules, part of the TOTAL formula. For tea, the powder and drops are the most convenient. Not sure which mushroom is right for you? Use the selection guide.

Want more? Also read Mushroom Coffee: How to Make It Yourself.