Can You Eat Lion’s Mane Raw?

Yes, lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) can be eaten raw.

Lion’s mane mushrooms are a captivating marvel of nature, both in appearance and potential benefits. Resembling a cascading waterfall of white tendrils rather than the typical mushroom cap, their unique aesthetic stands out in the fungal world. Beyond their intriguing looks, lion’s mane boasts a history of medicinal use in traditional Asian practices, with modern research hinting at its potential neuroprotective properties and benefits for cognitive health.

Equally suited for a gourmet dish or a health supplement, lion’s mane mushrooms beautifully bridge the gap between culinary delight and natural remedy, truly earning their place as one of nature’s most fascinating fungi.

If you decide to eat lion’s mane mushrooms raw:

Wash thoroughly: Like any vegetable or mushroom, make sure to wash lion’s mane thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants.
Consider flavor and texture: Raw lion’s mane can have a slightly bitter or peppery taste that is milder when cooked. The texture raw may be more rubbery or chewy compared to when it’s cooked.
Safety: While lion’s mane is generally considered safe to eat raw, some people might have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions to raw mushrooms. It’s always a good idea to try a small amount first to see how you react.

Table of Contents

Eating Lion’s Mane Raw

Medicinal benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Lion’s mane is often taken for its purported medicinal benefits. It has compounds that have been studied for their potential neuroprotective and cognitive-boosting properties. Cooking shouldn’t diminish these properties significantly, but if you’re consuming lion’s mane specifically for these potential benefits, you might want to consider eating them raw, or even in other forms such as supplements or extracts.

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, scientific research has begun to explore the potential medicinal benefits of lion’s mane, revealing various bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. Here are some of the purported medicinal benefits:

Neuroprotective and Cognitive Benefits:
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF): Lion’s mane contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones that might stimulate the production of NGF, a protein essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons.
- Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that lion’s mane can help improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration. This has made it a focus of research related to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects:
- Some animal studies and limited human research suggest that lion’s mane can have antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, potentially due to its influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and NGF.
Antioxidant Properties:
- Lion’s mane mushrooms possess antioxidant properties which can combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is implicated in aging and many chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
- Some studies suggest that lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in conditions characterized by inflammation.
Immune System Support:
- Research has shown that lion’s mane can boost the immune system, in part by increasing the activity of certain cells that fight infection.
Gastroprotective Effects:
- Traditional use of lion’s mane includes treating gastric ulcers and other digestive issues. Some research suggests that the mushroom can protect the stomach lining, inhibit the growth of H. pylori (a bacteria linked to ulcers), and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Anticancer Properties:
- Some in vitro and animal studies have shown that lion’s mane extracts can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, including those of the liver, colon, stomach, and blood. However, human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
- Preliminary research suggests that lion’s mane might help reduce blood sugar levels in mice. More research is needed to establish its effects on human blood sugar regulation.
Cholesterol Reduction:
- Some studies in rodents have shown that lion’s mane can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

It’s essential to note that while these potential benefits are promising, many of the studies are preliminary, involving animals, or limited in scale. Further research, especially large-scale human clinical trials, is necessary to better understand the potential medicinal benefits of lion’s mane and how they might be harnessed therapeutically. If someone is considering using lion’s mane for its medicinal benefits, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

Whether you choose to eat it raw or cooked, lion’s mane is a unique mushroom that offers both culinary enjoyment and potential health benefits.

How To Choose The Best Fresh Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms are distinctive with their appearance resembling a shaggy white waterfall of tendrils. When buying fresh lion’s mane mushrooms for consumption, here are some tips for identification and selection:

Appearance:
- Look for lion’s mane mushrooms with long, white, shaggy spines. The spines should be moist and not dry or brittle. As they age, they might take on a yellowish or brownish hue. It’s best to select mushrooms that are mostly white, indicating freshness.
Texture:
- Fresh lion’s mane mushrooms should feel moist but not wet or slimy. A slightly spongy texture is normal, but avoid those that feel too soft or mushy.
Smell:
- Fresh lion’s mane mushrooms should have a pleasant, mild, and earthy aroma. Avoid mushrooms with off or sour smells, which might indicate spoilage.
Size:
- While size doesn’t directly correlate with freshness, choose mushrooms that fit your purpose. If you’re cooking for a group or want to prepare stuffed lion’s mane, you might want larger specimens. For general use or to mix in with other ingredients, smaller mushrooms can be just as good.
Avoid Contaminants:
- Inspect the mushrooms for signs of mold, excessive dirt, or any other contaminants. While some dirt is normal and can be easily cleaned off, excessive grime or mold is a sign to avoid that particular mushroom.
Storing:
- Once you’ve selected your lion’s mane mushrooms, it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in a paper bag in the refrigerator. The paper bag helps absorb excess moisture and prevents the mushrooms from becoming slimy.
Cleaning:
- Before cooking, gently brush off any dirt from the mushroom. Some people prefer to tear lion’s mane into chunks rather than cutting it, as tearing can help maintain its unique texture.
Ask the Seller:
- If buying from a farmer’s market or specialty store, don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the freshness of the mushrooms, their source, and any tips they might have for selection and preparation.

Remember, as with any wild mushroom, if you’re foraging on your own, make sure you’re 100% confident in your identification skills. While lion’s mane is quite distinctive, there’s always a risk when collecting wild mushrooms without proper knowledge. Always err on the side of caution. If you’re new to foraging, go with an experienced guide or stick to buying from reputable sources.

How To Properly Store Lion’s Mane

Storing lion’s mane mushrooms correctly is crucial for maintaining their freshness, flavor, and texture. Here’s how to store them:

Clean with Care: It’s best not to clean lion’s mane mushrooms until you’re ready to use them. Introducing moisture by washing can speed up decay. If you must clean them, do so lightly and avoid soaking them in water. Instead, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any dirt.
Paper Bag Method:
- Place the mushrooms in a paper bag, which can help absorb excess moisture. This method allows the mushrooms to “breathe” and prevents them from getting slimy.
- Fold over the top of the bag and store it in the main compartment of your refrigerator.
Container with Paper Towels:
- Place a paper towel at the bottom of a container. Put the mushrooms on top, and then cover them with another paper towel.
- Close the container loosely to allow some airflow, and then store it in the refrigerator.
Avoid Plastic Bags: Do not store lion’s mane mushrooms in sealed plastic bags. The lack of airflow and trapped moisture can cause the mushrooms to deteriorate quickly.
Duration: Properly stored, fresh lion’s mane mushrooms should last in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. It’s best to consume them as soon as possible for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing for Longer Storage:
- If you have more lion’s mane mushrooms than you can eat within a week, consider freezing them. First, slice or tear the mushrooms into smaller pieces.
- Blanch them quickly in boiling water for about 2 minutes. Immediately after blanching, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and pat the mushrooms dry with paper towels.
- Spread the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Stored this way, they can last for several months.
Drying: Drying is another preservation method. Clean and slice the mushrooms, then spread them out in a single layer on a screen or rack. They can be air-dried in a warm, well-ventilated area, or you can use a food dehydrator. Once completely dry, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

How Long Does Lion’s Mane Stay Good?

By storing lion’s mane mushrooms properly, you can maintain their unique flavor and texture and enjoy them in various dishes. When stored properly in a cool dry place with proper air flow, they can stay good for 5-7 days.

Dried lion’s mane mushrooms, when stored correctly, have a much longer shelf life than their fresh counterparts. Properly dried and stored lion’s mane mushrooms can remain good for:

Duration: Typically, dried lion’s mane mushrooms can stay good for 6 months to a year, and sometimes even longer. Their potency and flavor might diminish over time, but they generally remain safe to eat.
Storage Recommendations:
- Airtight Containers: Store dried lion’s mane mushrooms in airtight containers, such as glass jars with tight-fitting lids or sealed plastic bags. This helps keep out moisture, which can lead to mold growth.
- Cool, Dark Place: Store the containers in a cool, dark place. Excessive heat or light can degrade the mushrooms and reduce their shelf life.
- Desiccants: Consider adding a desiccant packet to the container, especially if you live in a humid environment. This will help absorb any moisture and keep the mushrooms dry.
Signs They’ve Gone Bad:
- Mold: This is the primary concern with dried mushrooms. If you notice any mold growth, it’s best to discard the entire container’s contents.
- Odor: If the mushrooms develop an off or rancid smell, it’s a sign they may have gone bad.
- Texture: While dried mushrooms should be brittle and crisp, any sign of sogginess indicates they’ve absorbed moisture, which can lead to spoilage.
Rehydrating Before Use: Before using dried lion’s mane mushrooms in cooking, you’ll typically want to rehydrate them. Soak them in warm water for 20-30 minutes or until they’ve regained a soft texture. You can then use them as you would fresh mushrooms, and the soaking liquid can also be used to add flavor to soups, stews, or sauces.

Remember that while drying significantly extends the shelf life of mushrooms, they are not immune to degradation or spoilage. Always inspect and trust your senses before using them.

Raw Lion’s Mane Recipes

I searched quite a bit for some raw lion’s mane mushroom recipes, and to be honest, there weren’t many available from recipe sites. Even searching for “raw” recipes turned up mostly cooked options. Don’t get me wrong, they looked delicious, but if you want some raw lion’s mane recipes, you’re going to have to get creative.

So I asked an AI chat bot to give me some recipes.

Now, to be fair, chat bots are notoriously bad at being accurate, so I didn’t even ask it for measurements. You’re going to have to get creative, and the recipes below are meant for inspiration. I think they sound pretty good myself. I’m not so sure about the smoothie one, but hey, people love kale smoothies and kale straight up sucks, so lion’s mane can’t be that bad.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Salad:

Ingredients: Raw lion’s mane mushrooms, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Instructions: Tear the lion’s mane mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Mix with the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado chunks. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Lion’s Mane Ceviche:

Ingredients: Raw lion’s mane mushrooms, lime juice, diced tomatoes, diced onions, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, and chopped jalapeños (optional for heat).

Instructions: Tear lion’s mane into small chunks and marinate them in lime juice for about 30 minutes. The acidity will help to “cook” the mushrooms. Mix in the other ingredients and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before serving. Serve with tortilla chips or tostadas.

Lion’s Mane Tartare:

Ingredients: Raw lion’s mane mushrooms, finely diced shallots, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped capers, salt, pepper, and finely chopped parsley.

Instructions: Finely dice the lion’s mane mushrooms and mix with the other ingredients. Serve on crostini or with toasted bread slices.

Lion’s Mane Sushi Roll:

Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori sheets, raw lion’s mane mushrooms, avocado slices, cucumber strips, and any other preferred sushi ingredients.

Instructions: Lay out a nori sheet and spread sushi rice over it. Place torn lion’s mane mushrooms, avocado, and cucumber on the rice. Roll it up using a sushi mat and then cut into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Carpaccio:

Ingredients: Thinly sliced raw lion’s mane mushrooms, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, shaved Parmesan cheese, and microgreens or arugula.

Instructions: Arrange the thinly sliced lion’s mane on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and microgreens or arugula.

Lion’s Mane Smoothie:

Ingredients: Raw lion’s mane mushrooms, banana, almond milk or yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and ice cubes.

Instructions: Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.