Question 1

Do you grow your own mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our mushrooms, except Chaga, are cultivated on our farm in Nā‘ālehu.  We use a local, renewable substrate made from macadamia husks and coffee parchment;  and utilize vertical farming methods to maximize sustainability and efficiency.  Our Chaga is sustainably wild harvested from cold-climate forest ecosystems.

Question 2

How do I use the extracts?

Accepted Answer

Our extracts are versatile and easy to use. They can be taken sublingually (under the tongue),
added to coffee, tea, juice, or smoothies, and even incorporated into cooking or baking. A full
dropper is the recommended dose, though you may adjust the amount to fit your needs.

● Lion’s Mane – Best taken in the morning for focus and energy.

● Red Reishi – Recommended at night for relaxation and better sleep.

● Chaga & Oyster – Suitable any time of day.

Question 3

Do you use mycelium or fruiting body for the extracts?

Accepted Answer

We use 100% whole fruiting body for all of our tinctures. This ensures a full-spectrum, potent
extract with no fillers. Many mycelium-based extracts contain grain (the material the mycelium
grows on), which can dilute potency. Our tinctures contain only pure mushroom fruiting bodies.

Question 4

What are the benefits of tinctures compared to eating mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Tinctures provide a concentrated and convenient way to access the compounds of
mushrooms. While eating fresh mushrooms is healthy and encouraged, tinctures deliver a potent
dose in just a small amount.

Question 5

How do I cook with dried or powdered mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

● Dried/Dehydrated Mushrooms – Rehydrate in water for 5–10 minutes, then cook as
you would with fresh mushrooms (e.g., stir-fries). They can also be added directly to
soups and stews.

● Powdered Mushrooms – Sprinkle into soups, salads, or other dishes for added nutrition
and umami flavor. Lion’s Mane powder can even be mixed into coffee grounds before brewing. Only ¼ teaspoon per serving is needed.

Question 6

Is Lion’s Mane good in coffee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lion’s Mane pairs especially well with coffee, enhancing focus and providing a natural
energy boost to start the day.

Question 7

What is a local renewable substrate, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A substrate is the material mushrooms grow on. We choose to use local, renewable
agricultural byproducts (like macadamia husks and coffee parchment) to support
sustainability and minimize environmental impact. This practice keeps resources in a closed
loop on our island and avoids the carbon cost of importing substrates.

In contrast, the commonly used Master’s Mix (a blend of hardwood sawdust and soybean hulls)
can raise ecological concerns, depending on how the wood and soy are sourced. By using local
materials, we not only repurpose byproducts but also reduce shipping and environmental strain.

Question 8

What does “small batch” mean?

Accepted Answer

Small-batch mushroom farming means cultivating mushrooms in limited quantities rather than
through large-scale industrial operations. This approach has several benefits:

1. Sustainability – Uses fewer resources and repurposes local byproducts.

2. Local Food Resilience – Increases community food security with fresh, nutrient-dense
mushrooms.

3. Accessibility – Lower startup costs make small-batch farming available to farmers and
entrepreneurs.

4. Quality & Freshness – Mushrooms are delivered at peak flavor and nutrition, unlike
mass-produced mushrooms shipped long distances.

Question 9

Do you use all Hawai‘i-grown ingredients?

Accepted Answer

We use primarily Hawai‘i-grown ingredients. The only exception is the small amount of rice
bran we include in our substrate to support mushroom growth and ensure healthy yields.

Question 10

What is Dual Extraction and Why is it Beneficial?

Accepted Answer

A dual-extracted mushroom tincture is made using both alcohol and hot water to capture the full spectrum of beneficial compounds. This method is particularly important for mushrooms with tough cell walls, such as chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and turkey tail.
The process involves two complementary steps:
Alcohol Extraction (Ethanol):  Draws out non-water-soluble compounds, including triterpenoids (e.g., ganoderic acids in reishi), sterols, and essential oils.

Hot Water Extraction (Decoction):  Pulls out water-soluble compounds, primarily beta-glucans and other polysaccharides.

Once complete, the two extracts are combined into a single tincture. The result is a more  bioavailable and comprehensive product compared to single-method extracts. Dual-extracted tinctures are considered the gold standard.

Volcano Mushrooms

FAQ