How to Make Chaga Tea

Chaga tea has been consumed for millennia for its health and medicinal properties. This unique fungus is the subject of much fascination, and many people ask how to make Chaga tea. In this article, we’ll give you more information on how to make Chaga tea, and some expert tips for preparing an extra tasty beverage.
 

How do I prepare Chaga tea?

Chaga tea has traditionally been made with Chaga chunks (less than 1 inch cubes), though some prefer to use ground Chaga.

 

Do I use the black outer layer of Chaga?

If processing your own Chaga, use the entire piece of Chaga including the black hard outer layer.  This hard outer layer is called the sclerotium and is rich in many of the beneficial components.  Regardless of whether you use chunks or ground Chaga, here are more instructions for making Chaga tea.

 

Should I use ground Chaga or Chaga chunks?

With ground Chaga, the particle size is smaller which results in a greater amount of surface area exposed to the action of hot water extracting the water-soluble beneficial components.

 

Learn More about Chaga with Foraged Co-Founder Andy

@foraged.market In response to our last video about harvesting Chaga, Andy talks though some FAQs about #chaga ♬ original sound - Foraged Market
 
 
 

What are the health benefits of Chaga tea?

Chaga contains health-promoting components such beta D glucans, polysaccharides, betulinic acid and anti-oxidants, among many others.

 

What temperature do I heat the water for Chaga tea?

To make Chaga tea, heat water to approximately 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Never exceed 176 degrees, as higher heats harm the healthy compounds of Chaga tea. Definitely do not boil the water!
 
 

How much Chaga should I use to make tea?

For individual servings, fill a saucepan with 2-3 cups of water along with one tablespoon of Chaga (or an equivalent or slightly greater amount of chunks).
 
 

How long do I steep Chaga to make Chaga tea?

With the tablespoon of Chaga in the pot, simmer for a minimum of 45 minutes while stirring occasionally. Longer steeping times will result in a richer tea.  If your temperature exceeds 176 degrees, you may destroy or evaporate some of the beneficial components (especially the anti-oxidants).
 
 

What can I add to my Chaga tea?

Once the tea is ready, pour into a cup and sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup or if you crave a latte – whipped cream! Filtering grounds is optional as most of them sink to the bottom of the pan.
 
 

What should I do with the leftover Chaga grounds?

Helpful Hint: The spent grounds can be re-used many times so when you finish pouring your cup of tea simply refill the saucepan with water and put it in the refrigerator.  The next day add 1/2-1 teaspoon of fresh Chaga and repeat the heating process.  Spent grounds can be reused for up to a week.
 
 
 
chaga tea
 
 
 

What can I add to my Chaga tea?

Once the tea is ready, pour into a cup and sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup or if you crave a latte – whipped cream! Filtering grounds is optional as most of them sink to the bottom of the pan.
 
 

What should I do with the leftover Chaga grounds?

Helpful Hint: The spent grounds can be re-used many times so when you finish pouring your cup of tea simply refill the saucepan with water and put it in the refrigerator.  The next day add 1/2-1 teaspoon of fresh Chaga and repeat the heating process.  Spent grounds can be reused for up to a week.
 

Where can I buy Chaga tea?

Foraged Market offers the widest variety of Chaga tea available online. You can order ground chaga, chaga chunks, prepared chaga tea, and chaga tea mixtures — all straight from expert artisans, and all ingredients hand-harvested in the USA.
 

Learn More about Chaga

Read the Essential Guide to Chaga, from Foraged.

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