Some claim authentic Reishi spore powder is bitter, while others insist it is not. Those saying it's bitter often attribute it to the high content of bitter triterpenes, major components of Reishi. Conversely, those saying it isn't bitter suggest that bitter spore powder is likely adulterated with Reishi powder or extracts.

So, what does authentic Reishi spore powder actually taste like? GANOHERB provides some clarity.

Firstly, not all triterpenes are bitter. There are hundreds, even thousands, of triterpenes. Over 260 distinct triterpenes have been isolated from Reishi. Among these, compounds like Ganoderic acid A, Ganoderic acid B, Lucidenic acid A, and Lucidenic acid B possess bitterness, though the intensity varies. Many other triterpenes are not bitter at all.

Secondly, let's examine the composition of Reishi spores and the Reishi fruiting body (the visible "mushroom" part). Their compositions differ significantly. The fruiting body is primarily composed of Reishi hyphae (mycelium), while Reishi spores mainly consist of melon-seed-shaped cell nuclei protected by an outer wall and yellow oil droplets (spore oil). Spores are not composed of the intensely bitter hyphae found in the fruiting body. The components vary greatly, and the triterpenes in spore powder are not identical to those in the fruiting body. Therefore, Reishi spore powder tastes very different from the fruiting body itself and lacks its pronounced bitterness.

An expert with nearly 20 years of experience in Reishi research explains: "Under a microscope at 2000x magnification, Reishi spores show a thick cell wall, much like a hard shell encasing each seed. Without breaking this shell, the inner contents are difficult to access. Pure, broken-wall spore powder has a soft, almost non-bitter taste upon consumption, accompanied instead by a distinctive aroma characteristic of edible mushrooms."

The Shanghai Traditional Chinese Herbal Processing Specifications, Zhejiang Traditional Herbal Medicine Processing Specifications, and Fujian Traditional Chinese Herbal Processing Specifications all explicitly describe spore powder as having a "mild aroma and subtle taste." If purchased spore powder is very bitter, it does not meet these standards and is likely adulterated with other powders, rather than being indicative of high triterpenes. With current technology, producing intensely bitter broken-wall spore powder isn't feasible. Claims of high bitterness are often a marketing tactic used by sellers to maximize profits by blending in cheaper materials like Reishi powder.

If you have access to a microscope (around 400x magnification), you can typically observe whether spores are broken, the completeness of breakage, and detect additions like superfine Reishi powder, starch, or flour, as well as whether spore oil has been extracted.

"While all parts of the Reishi mushroom are valued, if spore powder contains additions like Reishi powder, sellers should clearly label this, allowing consumers to make informed choices based on their needs. This is because the value and price of broken-wall Reishi spore powder significantly exceed that of Reishi powder," the expert states. When purchasing broken-wall Reishi spore powder, besides the breakage rate, factors like the Reishi strain, origin, and cultivation method should also be considered.

Originating from the deep mountains of Wuyi, GANOHERB Broken-wall Reishi Spore Powder Capsule is a well-received product. This is not only due to its source material from the pristine, organic Reishi cultivation bases in Wuyi and a breakage rate ≥99.9%, but also because it is pure, contains no additives, and is recognized for its safety profile. Furthermore, GANOHERB spore powder Capsule is noted for its high content of key Reishi components, excellent purity, and offers consumers good value, providing confidence in their purchase.

Related Link: How to Distinguish Spore Powder Quality

1.Smell the aroma: Fresh spore powder should have a noticeable, fresh fragrance (reminiscent of apricot kernels). Powder that is old or compromised may smell rancid, sour, or musty.

2.Observe the color: The color should be a deep, brownish tan. Excessively dark color may indicate spoilage, while overly light color might suggest impurity or a low breakage rate.

3.Taste: It should not feel gritty and should be essentially non-bitter. Significant bitterness strongly suggests adulteration with superfine Reishi powder or extracts, indicating impurity.

4.Test the texture: It should feel fine and smooth. Broken-wall spore powder, due to its oil content, may form small clumps, but these should easily crumble when rubbed between fingers.

5.Test with hot water: High-quality, well-broken spore powder will disperse in hot water and settle relatively slowly. Powder with a low breakage rate or unbroken spores will settle much faster. After standing, unbroken or poorly broken powder will separate into distinct layers: clear water on top and settled powder at the bottom.