• Scientific Name: Inonotus obliquus

Description:
Chaga mushroom, often found on birch trees in cold climates like Siberia, Northern Europe, and North America, is a unique parasitic fungus that resembles a dark, charcoal-like mass. Unlike typical mushrooms with caps and stems, chaga has a hardened, irregular shape and a dense, orange-brown interior. Chaga has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Russian and Asian herbalism, and is known for its high antioxidant content. Once dried and ground, chaga forms a fine, brownish powder used in teas, tinctures, and supplements.

Scientific Name: Lentinula edodes

Description:

The shiitake mushroom is a well-known edible fungus native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea. Its scientific name is Lentinula edodes, and it is one of the most cultivated mushrooms globally. The name “shiitake” is derived from the Japanese word “shii,” meaning oak, because the mushroom naturally grows on the wood of oak trees in the wild. However, shiitake mushrooms can also grow on other hardwoods such as beech and chestnut.