Chaga has been simmered as a tea in cold northern climates for centuries — but tea is only the beginning. The powder's earthy, subtly vanilla-like flavour works in far more recipes than most people expect. Here's how to actually use the jar in your pantry.
First, a quick word on chaga
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees in cold regions like Siberia and Canada. From the outside it looks like burnt charcoal; inside it's a rich orange-brown. Because it's dense and woody, chaga is prepared as extracts, powders and long-simmered brews rather than eaten like a culinary mushroom. Our chaga range includes raw chunks for brewing, extract powders that dissolve instantly, capsules and a tincture.
Classic chaga tea
With raw chaga, simmer a small handful of chunks in a litre of water on low heat until the water turns a deep reddish brown — about an hour — then strain. With extract powder it's far quicker: stir half a teaspoon into hot water and it's done. Add lemon and honey, or a slice of ginger.
Chaga chai latte
Simmer a cup of chaga tea with a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, peppercorns and a slice of ginger. Add half a cup of milk or coconut milk, bring back to a gentle simmer, strain into a mug and sweeten to taste.
Chaga smoothie
Blend half a teaspoon of extract powder with banana, frozen berries, a spoon of nut butter and your milk of choice. The earthy chaga note sits comfortably behind sweet fruit.
Chaga freezer pops
Make a strong, lightly sweetened chaga tea, blend with coconut milk and a little vanilla, pour into moulds and freeze — a genuinely good summer use for a wintery ingredient.
Chaga hot chocolate
Whisk cacao, a small spoon of chaga extract, a pinch of cinnamon and a sweetener of your choice into hot milk. Chaga and cacao are natural flavour partners.
Baking
Add a teaspoon or two of powder to muffin, pancake or brownie batter. It won't change the texture, and the flavour reads as a subtle malty depth.
Getting the most from your chaga
Store powder airtight, away from heat and light. Follow the serving suggestion on your specific product — raw chunks and concentrated extracts aren't interchangeable measures. If you're taking prescription medication or managing a medical condition, check with a qualified healthcare professional before adding chaga to your routine.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
