Essential Ingredients

Equipment Needed

• Large Pan– A heavy-bottomed pan, preferably cast iron, gives the best golden crust when pan-frying.
• Box Grater or Fork – For gently shredding the mushrooms to achieve that flaky, crab-like texture.
• Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a couple of different sizes for preparing components.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups – Precision matters for the seasonings and binding ingredients.
• Baking Paper – Helpful for forming the patties and preventing sticking if you need to stack them before cooking.

Critical Steps

The most important part of making convincing lion’s mane “crab” cakes is preparing the mushrooms properly. First, clean the lion’s mane mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel – never soak them, as they’ll absorb too much water. Then, use two forks or your fingers to pull the mushroom apart into thin, crab-like shreds.

Pre-cooking the mushrooms is essential to remove excess moisture. Sauté them with just a touch of oil until they release their liquid and begin to turn golden at the edges.

When forming the cakes, avoid overmixing or compressing the mixture too firmly. The texture should remain somewhat loose and flaky, just like real crab cakes. Gentle hands make for the best texture – think of it as folding the ingredients together rather than mashing them.

Chilling the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking is a crucial step many people try to skip. This allows the binding ingredients to work their magic and helps the cakes hold together when cooking. If you’re in a rush, 15 minutes in the freezer works in a pinch.

Temperature and Timing

For perfect cooking, heat your skillet over medium heat until hot, then add oil and reduce to medium-low before adding the cakes. This gradual approach prevents burning while ensuring a golden crust. The cakes should cook for about 4-5 minutes per side – be patient here, as rushing will result in cakes that fall apart.

You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the edges look golden and set. Use a wide, thin spatula for flipping and do it decisively but gently. After flipping, resist the urge to press down on the cakes with your spatula, as this will compress their delicate texture.

For the best flavor development, let the cooked cakes rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavour’s to meld and the texture to set up perfectly, just like with traditional crab cakes.

• 450g fresh lion’s mane mushrooms
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided, plus bit more for cooking
• 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 spring onions or salad onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayo, (of vegan alt)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 Nori sheet, finely crumbled
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, torn or chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the mushrooms: Clean lion’s mane mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel. Using two forks or your fingers, shred the mushrooms into thin, crab-like pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and coconut aminos, cooking until they release their moisture and begin to turn golden at the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and drain excess moisture.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the “crab” cake base: To the bowl with cooled vegetables, add the cooled mushrooms, green onions, vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice and zest, crumbled nori, chickpea flour, ¼ cup of the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Gently fold together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Form the cakes: Place remaining ½ cup panko in a shallow dish. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form into patties about ¾-inch thick. Gently coat each cake with panko breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Cook the “crab” cakes: Heat enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a heavy skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully add the cakes (working in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Make the remoulade: While the cakes cook, whisk together all remoulade ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
7. Serve: Garnish the warm cakes with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, and sweet chilli sauce

Recipe provided by forkandroots

The post The Most Incredible Lion’s Mane “Crab” Cakes appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

Modern studies suggest that, in tightly controlled clinical settings, a single guided psilocybin session may:

• Temporarily reduce rigid neural networks associated with anxiety and depression
• Increase communication between brain regions that do not typically interact, supporting creativity and insight
• Activate 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, encouraging new synaptic connections
• Create a short-term therapeutic window in which deeply held beliefs may be safely examined and reframed

These effects are being studied for their potential relevance to conditions such as depression, PTSD, addiction, and treatment-resistant mood disorders.

A Brief History of Psychedelic Research

Clinical research into psychedelics is not new. From the early 1950s, scientists explored substances such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin, the active compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms.”

Early findings suggested these substances had profound effects on perception and consciousness, leading researchers to investigate their possible therapeutic applications. However, legal restrictions halted most studies for decades.

Today, carefully designed modern trials are revisiting this research with improved ethical frameworks, precise dosing protocols, and structured integration practices. As a result, our understanding of how the adult brain can adapt and change continues to evolve.

What This Means for Mental Health Research

Current research does not suggest psilocybin is a universal solution. Instead, it highlights how neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new connections—may be enhanced under specific, supervised conditions.

These insights are helping researchers rethink long-held assumptions about emotional healing and long-term mental health recovery, particularly for individuals who have not responded to conventional treatments.

What Functional Mushrooms Can Support in Daily Health

While psilocybin research focuses on occasional, highly controlled clinical use, functional mushrooms are widely used as part of everyday wellness routines. These non-psychoactive mushrooms work gradually to support overall resilience rather than inducing acute mental experiences.

Commonly studied benefits include:

• Immune modulation: Turkey Tail and Reishi are associated with balanced immune responses and gut health
• Cognitive clarity: Lion’s Mane is studied for its role in supporting nerve growth factors linked to memory and focus
• Stress resilience: Adaptogenic compounds in Reishi and Cordyceps may help regulate the body’s stress response
• Energy and endurance: Cordyceps is associated with improved cellular energy (ATP) production
• Antioxidant support: Chaga contains polyphenols that help protect cells from oxidative stress

Integrating Functional Mushrooms Into Daily Life

Functional mushrooms can be incorporated into simple daily routines—such as adding them to coffee, smoothies, water, or evening drinks—to support steady energy, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing.

Rather than acting as quick fixes, these mushrooms are best viewed as part of a long-term approach to supporting both mental and physical balance.

The post Psilocybin Research, Neuroplasticity, and the Role of Functional Mushrooms appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

While the decision surprised many people, it also raised an important and often misunderstood question:

How can mushrooms used for thousands of years suddenly be considered “novel”?

Which Mushrooms Are Affected?

The classification centres on two well-known functional mushrooms:

• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

Under current UK and EU rules, these mushrooms cannot be legally marketed as food supplements unless they receive formal Novel Food authorisation.

What Does “Novel Food” Actually Mean?

Under both EU Novel Foods Regulation and the UK’s retained framework, a Novel Food is defined as a food that was not widely consumed by humans in the UK or EU before 15 May 1997.

If a product does not have documented evidence of significant consumption prior to that date, regulators consider it “novel” — regardless of its history elsewhere in the world.

This classification does not automatically mean a food is unsafe. Instead, it means that additional safety data must be submitted and approved before it can be sold legally.

A Global History That’s Being Overlooked

The controversy arises because both Turkey Tail and Cordyceps have a long and well-documented history of use outside Europe.

• In Traditional Chinese Medicine, both mushrooms have been used for centuries.
• In Japan, Turkey Tail-derived compounds have been used alongside conventional cancer treatments.
• Many individuals worldwide continue to use these mushrooms as part of traditional health practices.

However, because this usage was not formally recorded within the UK or EU before 1997, it does not currently satisfy Novel Food requirements.

The Practical Impact in the UK

As things stand:

• These mushrooms cannot be legally sold as food supplements without authorisation
• Securing approval requires extensive (and expensive) safety studies
• Smaller producers and independent businesses are often unable to fund this process

This has led to frustration within the functional mushroom and plant medicine community, with concerns that traditional remedies are being sidelined by regulatory frameworks designed for modern food systems.

Why This Matters Beyond Mushrooms

For many people, this issue extends beyond Turkey Tail and Cordyceps.

There is growing concern that other traditional plant-based ingredients could face similar restrictions in the future. Critics argue that the current system struggles to fairly account for long-standing global traditions, particularly when those traditions fall outside Western regulatory history.

Staying Informed and Engaged

If you want to explore this topic further, including broader discussions around food regulation, traditional remedies, and consumer choice, the following resources offer useful perspectives:

• Mushies.co.uk
• People’s Health Alliance

Understanding how food regulation works—and where its limitations lie—is an important step in shaping informed, balanced conversations about the future of natural health in the UK.

The post Turkey Tail & Cordyceps banned in the UKTurkey Tail and Cordyceps Classified as “Novel Foods” in the UK: What’s Really Going On? appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

When I first started this journey, I honestly had no idea where it would take me or what paths I would end up walking. I didn’t have a master plan. I more or less fell into it.

After watching the Netflix documentary Fantastic Fungi for what felt like the hundredth time, and dabbling with various adaptogenic mushrooms, I decided to take things a step further and try growing my own.

“How hard can it be?” I thought.

Mushrooms grow everywhere, right? In all kinds of conditions. I pictured it being as simple as harvesting Turkey Tail from a fallen tree. Grab some substrate, inject some spores, forget about it, and wait for magic to happen.

I was wrong. Very wrong.

Being Humbled by Mould (Repeatedly)

It quickly became clear that growing mushrooms wasn’t a case of “inject and forget.” There was far more to it than I’d expected—at least, that’s what I kept telling myself as bag after bag succumbed to mould.

“It’s just one degree away from fruiting,” I’d mutter optimistically, staring at another failed grow.

In reality, I was learning the hard way that mushrooms are both resilient and unforgiving. They thrive when conditions are right—and punish you when they’re not.

Finding the Right People at the Right Time

Everything changed when I discovered a small company called Martian Mushrooms.

At the time, they were operating out of a garage somewhere in Kent (or at least that’s how I remember it). What stood out immediately wasn’t just their products, but their attitude. They weren’t in it purely for profit—they genuinely cared about the craft of growing mushrooms and, more importantly, they were willing to share what they knew.

They patiently helped me grow my first successful flush of incredibly tasty King Oyster mushrooms. And when things inevitably went wrong—as they often do when you’re learning—they helped me work out why.

That support made all the difference.

From First Flush to Real Progress

Since then, I’ve had consistent success using their inject-and-forget bags (although I’d advise not totally forgetting them). Their monotubs are excellent, and the larger king-size monotubs in particular offer a generous growing surface that makes a real difference to yields.

More importantly, using reliable equipment gave me the confidence to keep going, keep learning, and keep improving.

Coming Full Circle

When I started Everything Mushroom, I reached out to Martian Mushrooms without really expecting a reply. To my surprise, they got back to me—and that conversation turned into a partnership.

Today, I’m genuinely proud to be able to offer their products directly through the Everything Mushroom shop.

What began as a small garage-based operation around five years ago has grown into one of the largest mushroom growing supply companies in the UK. More than that, they remain one of the kindest, most knowledgeable, and most supportive.

Passing It On

My hope is to return the generosity and knowledge that was given to me—to help others avoid the same early mistakes, and to make mushroom growing feel accessible rather than intimidating.

Whether you’re looking for grow kits, spores, substrates, monotubs, or simply the confidence to get started, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

We all start somewhere. This was my start.

The post A Visit from the Martians….. appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

As the global mental health crisis continues to deepen, it’s becoming increasingly clear that traditional medications do not work for everyone. In the UK, this reality has sparked a controversial but growing discussion within the medical community: should the NHS explore psychedelic therapy as a treatment option?

A recent BBC article examines this question in depth, focusing on psilocybin—the psychoactive compound found in so‑called “magic mushrooms”—and whether it should move from strict prohibition toward carefully controlled medical use.

Psilocybin and Mental Health: Stories Behind the Debate

While statistics and clinical trials shape policy discussions, personal experiences often reveal the true complexity of psychedelic therapy.

A Case for Hope

One such story is that of Larissa Hope, who describes psilocybin as life‑saving. After years of trauma and little success with conventional antidepressants, she took part in a clinically supervised psychedelic therapy session. For her, the experience marked a significant psychological breakthrough—something traditional treatments had failed to provide.

Stories like Larissa’s are frequently cited by advocates as evidence that psilocybin may offer real benefits for people living with treatment‑resistant depression, PTSD, and other complex mental health conditions.

A Call for Caution

However, not all experiences are positive. Jules Evans, a university researcher, offers a more cautionary perspective. His own encounter with psychedelics resulted in a deeply challenging experience, often referred to as a “bad trip.”

Evans now studies adverse psychedelic experiences and warns that the risks are often underestimated. While psychedelics can be powerful tools, he argues they are far from a guaranteed cure and may cause psychological harm if used without proper safeguards.

The Medical and Ethical Dilemma

For doctors, regulators, and policymakers, the debate presents a complex balancing act.

Arguments for Regulation

Supporters of medical psilocybin point to several key benefits:

• Improved safety through regulation: Keeping psychedelics illegal may push vulnerable people toward unregulated black‑market use, where there are no quality controls or professional support.
• New options for unmet needs: For individuals who do not respond to existing treatments, psychedelic therapy could represent a last‑resort alternative.

Serious Concerns Remain

At the same time, the risks cannot be ignored:

• Unpredictable psychological effects: Psychedelic experiences vary widely and can be destabilising, particularly for those with underlying mental health vulnerabilities.
• High support requirements: Unlike standard medications, psychedelic therapy requires intensive preparation, supervision, and aftercare by specially trained professionals.

Key Takeaways

• The issue: There is growing pressure to reconsider the legal status of psilocybin in the UK for potential medical use.
• The potential benefit: Some patients report profound improvements where conventional treatments have failed.
• The risk: Adverse reactions are real, and overstating benefits may cause harm.
• The proposed solution: Many experts argue that if psychedelic therapy is to be explored at all, it must happen within a tightly regulated clinical framework.

Final Thoughts

The question is not whether psychedelic therapy is a miracle cure—for some maybe, but others its clearly not. The real debate is whether continuing prohibition offers more protection than carefully controlled medical research and regulation.

To explore the issue in greater depth, including full interviews and expert perspectives, you can read the original BBC article: Should the NHS really use magic mushrooms to treat mental health?

The post NHS, Mushrooms & Depression appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

For those who don’t know me personally—which is probably most people reading this—I’ve lived with mental health challenges for many years. Some of that comes from experiences in childhood that I choose to keep private. Not because they don’t matter, but because this space isn’t about reliving them.

What does matter is what helps people keep going.

Recently, I’ve been talking with an incredible group of people called Live 2 Live. They create T-shirts and hoodies carrying a simple but powerful message—one that can genuinely change how someone feels in a difficult moment.

Why Messages Matter More Than We Realise

When you’ve been to dark places mentally, words can land differently.

A message that reminds you that you are seen, valued, and not alone can act as a lifeline. Sometimes, it’s not therapy or advice that makes the difference—it’s the quiet reassurance that someone, somewhere, cares enough to say:

You matter.

That reminder can be the hand that helps pull someone back from the edge.

Supporting Mental Health, One Message at a Time

If you know someone who is struggling—or if you’re struggling yourself—seeing that message at the right moment can help shift something inside. Live 2 Live doesn’t just sell clothing; they share a reminder that life is worth holding onto.

If their message resonates with you, or with someone you care about, you can use the link above to explore their range and support what they’re doing.

Final Words

This isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about reminding people of something easy to forget when things feel heavy:

You are loved.
You are needed.
You are important.

And even if it doesn’t feel that way right now—it’s still true.

The post You Are Loved, Needed, and Important appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

These compounds stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for maintaining healthy neurons and supporting brain plasticity — the brain’s ability to adapt, learn, and repair.

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels drop. Oestrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone — it plays a key role in:

• Neuroprotection: shielding brain cells from damage
• Neurotransmitter regulation: influencing mood, memory, and focus
• Blood flow to the brain: supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery
• When estrogen declines, many women experience:
• Memory lapses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slower mental processing
• Mood fluctuations

This is where Lion’s Mane may step in as a natural support.

The Science: Lion’s Mane & Cognitive Support in Menopause

1. Boosting Mental Clarity
A small placebo-controlled study in menopausal women found that daily Lion’s Mane supplementation improved focus, reduced anxiety, and eased irritability within just four weeks [2]. Participants reported clearer thinking and fewer palpitations.

2. Reducing Brain Inflammation
Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to cognitive decline. Lion’s Mane contains bioactive compounds that may reduce neuroinflammation, helping to preserve mental sharpness [3].

3. Supporting Long-Term Brain Health
In older adults with mild cognitive impairment, 3g/day of Lion’s Mane powder for 12–16 weeks improved memory and cognitive test scores [2]. While not menopause-specific, these findings suggest potential for protecting brain health during hormonal transitions.

Mood & Emotional Resilience:
Brain fog isn’t just about memory — it often comes with mood dips. Lion’s Mane has shown promise in supporting emotional balance by:

• Modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
• Reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in small human trials [1]
• Supporting better sleep quality, which in turn improves cognitive function

How to Incorporate Lion’s Mane:

• Powder: Add to coffee, tea, or smoothies in the morning for a mental clarity boost.
• Capsules: Convenient for consistent daily dosing.
• Tinctures: Fast absorption and easy to blend into your wellness routine.

Suggested dosage: Most studies use 1–3g/day of dried Lion’s Mane powder or equivalent extract. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take medications.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Consistency matters: Benefits often build over weeks of regular use.
• Quality is key: Look for organic, dual-extracted products to ensure both water- and alcohol-soluble compounds are present.
• Not a magic bullet: Best results come when combined with good sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management.

Menopause is a profound transition — physically, emotionally, and mentally. While brain fog can feel frustrating, it’s not something you have to simply “put up with.” Lion’s Mane offers a natural, research-backed way to support cognitive clarity, mood, and long-term brain health during this stage of life.

Links (1) Alisonblahdh.com
(2) integrativemenopausemd.com
(3) Womanandhome.com

The post One for the Ladies: Meet Lion’s Mane: The Brain-Loving Mushroom appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

To take a spore print, follow these steps:

1. Find a mature mushroom with fully developed gills or pores. Make sure it is fresh and in good condition.
2. Prepare a clean and smooth surface, such as white or black paper, or a glass surface.
3. Use a sharp knife to detach the stem from the mushroom cap, ensuring only the cap makes contact with the surface.
4. Place the mushroom cap with the gills facing down onto the chosen surface. Press it slightly for good contact.
5. Take a few drops of water and drip them on the top of the cap to simulate rain, helps release the spores
6. Optionally, enclose the setup by placing a bowl or glass upside down over the mushroom cap to minimise air currents.
7. Leave the mushroom undisturbed for several hours or overnight, allowing the spores to drop onto the surface.
8. Carefully lift the mushroom cap to reveal the spore print. Observe the colour, texture, and pattern.
9. Compare the spore print to reference guides or online resources for identification.

Remember to handle mushrooms with care to avoid inhaling or ingesting spores, as some can be allergenic or toxic. Clean the surface used for the spore print afterward to prevent cross-contamination.

Another great find from our friends at wildfoodie

The post How to take a Spore Print: appeared first on Everything Mushroom Ltd.

Cap (Pileus): The cap is the uppermost part of the mushroom. It can have various shapes, colours, and textures, ranging from flat to convex or even funnel-shaped. Take note of its size, colour, surface texture, and any distinctive markings.

Gills (Lamellae): Gills are the thin, vertical structures found on the underside of the cap. They radiate from the stem and play a vital role in spore production. Observe the colour, shape, spacing, and attachment of the gills. Sometimes mushrooms do not have gills at all, instead having pores.

Stem (Stipe): The stem supports the cap and connects it to the ground. It can be cylindrical, tapered, or bulbous. Note the length, thickness, colour, texture, and whether it has any rings or scales.

Ring (Annulus): The ring is a circular or collar-like structure that encircles the stem. It is a remnant of the veil that protects the developing gills. Pay attention to its position on the stem and its size, colour, and texture.

Volva: The volva is a cup-like or sack-like structure at the base of some mushrooms. It is a remnant of the universal veil that originally enclosed the entire mushroom. Note its presence, shape, colour, and texture.

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