Ground mushroom powder and mushroom extract powder are both derived from mushrooms, but they differ in how they are processed and their potency.
Ground mushroom powder is made by grinding whole mushrooms into a fine powder. It typically contains all the components of the mushroom, including the fiber, proteins, and other nutrients. The flavor and aroma of ground mushroom powder are similar to that of the original mushroom, and it can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes.
Mushroom extract powder, on the other hand, is made by extracting the active compounds from the mushroom using a solvent such as water or alcohol. This process concentrates the beneficial compounds and removes most of the other components of the mushroom, including the fiber. As a result, mushroom extract powder is more potent than ground mushroom powder and is typically used for medicinal purposes. Mushroom extract powder can be standardized to contain specific amounts of active compounds, such as beta-glucans or polysaccharides.
Extraction process
The double extraction process for mushroom extract is a method of extracting both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds from mushrooms to create a more comprehensive and potent extract. It typically involves two separate extractions, one with water and one with alcohol, that are then combined to produce a final extract that contains a broad spectrum of active compounds.
The first step in the double extraction process is to prepare a water extract by simmering the mushrooms in water for a period of time. This extraction method releases the water-soluble compounds from the mushroom, including polysaccharides and other beneficial compounds. The water extract is then strained to remove the solid particles, leaving a liquid that contains the extracted compounds.
The second step is to prepare an alcohol extract by soaking the remaining mushroom material in alcohol for a period of time. This extraction method releases the alcohol-soluble compounds, including triterpenoids and other beneficial compounds. The alcohol extract is then strained to remove the solid particles, leaving a liquid that contains the extracted compounds.
Finally, the water and alcohol extracts are combined and evaporated to produce a concentrated extract that contains both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds. This final extract is typically standardized to contain specific amounts of active compounds and is used in various health supplements and natural medicine.
The double extraction process for mushroom extract is popular due to its ability to extract a wide range of beneficial compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and other compounds that are not easily extracted by a single method.
Extract ratio
In the context of mushroom extracts, the ratio is often used to express the concentration of the extract in relation to the original mushroom material, as you described.
For example, a 1:10 ratio would mean that 1 gram of mushroom extract contains the same active compounds and nutrients as 10 grams of the original mushroom material. This is often used as a way to compare the potency of different mushroom extracts or to ensure consistency in the manufacturing process.
It’s important to note that the extraction ratio can vary depending on the type of mushroom, the extraction method, and other factors. So, while a 1:10 ratio may be a common ratio for some mushroom extracts, other extracts may use a different ratio to achieve the desired potency and concentration.
In summary, ground mushroom powder is a whole-food product that can be used as a seasoning, while mushroom extract powder is a concentrated product that is used for medicinal purposes.