What is chaga?
A wild mushroom that grows on birch
Chaga grows slowly on birch trees in cold northern forests. It looks more like a lump of charcoal than a mushroom, with a cracked black crust and a rusty orange center, and it can take years to reach harvest size.
Wild, not lab grown
The real chaga that grows on living birch, not mycelium grown on grain.
Rich in polyphenols
Naturally rich in plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties.
Naturally caffeine free
A dark, earthy cup you can enjoy any time of day.
Brew it again and again
The same pieces can be simmered several times before they're spent.
What's in a cup of chaga
Chaga is naturally rich in polyphenols, the same family of plant compounds found in berries, green tea, and dark chocolate, and known for their antioxidant properties.
It also contains melanin, which gives the outer crust its deep black color and chaga tea its dark, coffee like look. Add to that natural polysaccharides, including beta glucans, and betulin, a compound chaga draws from the birch it grows on. A long, gentle simmer is the traditional way to draw out its color and flavor. Nothing is added.
Wild, not farmed
The real thing, straight from the birch
A lot of what's sold as chaga today is actually mycelium, the root like part of the fungus, grown in a lab on rice or oats. The finished product can end up being mostly grain.
Ours is the wild chaga itself, hand harvested from birch trees in northern forests, broken into pieces, and dried. Nothing is ground, blended, or added, so you can see exactly what you're brewing.
Across northern Europe and Siberia, whole chaga has been simmered into a dark, earthy tea for generations. Drop a few pieces in a pot, keep it at a low simmer, and give it time.
Taste
Dark, smooth, and earthy
EarthySoft vanillaLight wood
How to brew it
A slow simmered pot
- 1Add a few pieces to a pot
Two or three thumb sized pieces for about 4 cups of water.
- 2Keep it at a low simmer
Bring it up gently and let it simmer low for at least an hour, without a hard boil. The longer it goes, the darker and richer it gets.
- 3Strain, sip, and save the pieces
Enjoy it hot or chilled, plain or with maple syrup, honey, or milk. Dry the pieces or keep them in the fridge, and reuse them until the tea runs pale.
Pieces or powder?
Which chaga is right for you?
Same wild chaga, two ways to enjoy it. Pieces are for a slow simmered pot of tea. Powder is quick and easy.
| Feature | Chaga PiecesYou're here | Chaga PowderStone ground |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Whole pieces | Fine, stone ground powder |
| Prep time | An hour or more, simmered | A few minutes, stirred or steeped |
| Flavor | Deeper and richer | Mild and smooth |
| Reuse | Re-steep several times | Single use |
| Best for | Slow brewed tea by the pot | Coffee, quick tea, smoothies |
Goes well with
Questions
Good to know
What does chaga taste like?
Earthy and smooth, with a light woody note and a subtle vanilla sweetness. A long simmer makes a dark, rich cup that isn't bitter like coffee.
Does chaga have caffeine?
No. Chaga is naturally caffeine free, so you can enjoy it any time of day.
How many times can I reuse the pieces?
Usually several brews. Once the tea comes out noticeably paler, the pieces are spent. Between brews, let them dry out or keep them in the fridge.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes. Add the pieces and water, set it to low, and let it go for several hours. It's an easy way to keep a batch going.
How long does brewed chaga keep?
Strain it and keep it covered in the fridge for a few days. It's good reheated or poured over ice.
Is chaga right for everyone?
Chaga is a food, not a medicine. It's naturally high in oxalates and may interact with some medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications. If you're pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition, check with your doctor before adding it to your routine.
How much is shipping?
Free on orders over $75. Smaller orders are calculated at checkout.
Worth the long simmer.
Wild harvested, naturally caffeine free, and nothing added. Free shipping on orders over $75.
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