Reishi possesses a shape reminiscent of a ruyi scepter and symbolizes good fortune. When we mention Reishi, the image of its ruyi shape likely comes to mind.

 

 

Truly high-quality Reishi mushrooms should resemble the auspicious Ruyi shape of traditional Chinese culture, as depicted in the photograph. In fact, only when the weather conditions are favorable, with the right wind and rain, can such beautiful Reishi mushrooms grow; if the wind and rain are not suitable, the Reishi will grow into odd and unusual shapes. From the drizzly Qingming in spring to the hot Dragon Boat Festival and then to the early autumn White Dew, this period marks the main growing season for Reishi. It coincides with the rice planting and harvesting season. Only with appropriate temperatures and sufficient moisture can Reishi mushrooms grow well, crops yield a bountiful harvest, and people enjoy ample food and clothing!

 

 

GanoHerb members visit the Reishi farm on site.

 

How to select high-quality Reishi?

 

Today, there is a wide array of mature Reishi products on the market, such as Reishi slices, Reishi spore powder, Reishi spore oil, Reishi extracts, and more. The variety is extensive, but the quality varies greatly.

 

Apart from the "ruyi" shape mentioned earlier, what other aspects can we use to evaluate the quality of Reishi products?

 

1. Selecting Reishi Fruiting Bodies: Focus on these 3 points:

(1) Selecting Intact Fruiting Bodies:

Choose fully intact Reishi, as it is less likely to be confused with other mushroom species. Reishi typically has a glossy surface akin to lacquer. When purchasing, look for specimens with a white edge that has just disappeared, a surface with a hint of spore powder, and a pale yellow or yellowish underside, indicating that this Reishi was harvested at its peak medicinal potency.

 

(2) Select Large and Thick Caps:

When choosing Reishi, prioritize specimens with intact shapes and thick, substantial caps as they denote higher quality.

 

(3) Carefully observe the fruiting bodies for signs of insect damage, mold growth, or any unpleasant odors.

If these issues are present, it indicates that this Reishi mushroom has encountered problems during the drying and storage process after harvesting, thus reducing its medicinal value.

 

2. Selecting Reishi Spore Powder: Pay attention to these 5 points:

 

(1) Smell:

High-quality spore powder should have a distinct and pleasant aroma. If it has a sour or musty smell, it may indicate inferior quality or spoilage.

 

(2) Check Color:

High-quality spore powder should be a dark brown color. If the color is too dark, it may indicate spoilage, while a too light color may suggest impurity in the spore powder.

 

(3) Assess the texture

High-quality spores exhibit a fine and smooth texture.

 

(4) Pouring Boiling Water

When steeping sporoderm-unbroken spore powder with boiling water, the spore powder suspends in the water and settles slowly, unable to fully dissolve.

 

(5) Choosing Sporoderm-broken Spore Powder

Due to the susceptibility to spoilage after the spores are sporoderm-broken, it is essential when purchasing raw materials for sporoderm-broken spores to ensure they have been stored in airtight conditions.

 

3. How to Choose Reishi Spore Oil: Consider These 4 Points:

 

(1) Consider the Extraction Method:

The extraction of Reishi spore oil currently employs mainly techniques such as supercritical CO₂ extraction, molecular distillation, and solvent extraction. Among these, supercritical CO₂ extraction stands out due to its unique advantages: it avoids chemical residues, ensuring a pollution-free process.

 

(2) Consider Patent Technologies:

Patented online fractionation and purification technologies segmentally extract different components from spore oil, facilitating the online separation of oil and impurities. This method prevents oxidation, ensures higher product purity, and stabilizes active ingredients.

 

(3) Consider Triterpene Content:

Reishi triterpenes are unique active components of Reishi mushrooms. The triterpene content indicated on the packaging represents the minimum level, while the actual content of triterpenes in each product should be based on the numerical values provided in the quality inspection report for that batch by the manufacturer.

 

(4) Consider Color, Taste, and Aroma:

High-quality Reishi spore oil appears as a golden-yellow liquid at room temperature, with a mild and distinctive Reishi spore aroma and taste.

 

Have you mastered the above tips? If you find it hard to remember all the selection skills mentioned above, remember one thing: choose a reputable brand. GanoHerb, as the leading unit in formulating national standards for Reishi spore powder, has dedicated over 30 years to cultivating Reishi mushrooms. The more attentive, the more reassuring.