🍄 Gourmet vs. Medicinal Mushrooms — What’s the Difference?

When I first got interested in growing mushrooms at home, what hooked me was how different varieties seemed to have totally different purposes. Oyster and lion’s mane were the first species I ever learned about, one is a great food source, and the other is traditionally valued for brain support.

I even remember hearing reishi called the “mushroom of immortality.” That name alone made me want to learn more, not because I want to live forever, but because it showed how much cultural history mushrooms have.

That curiosity pulled me into the hobby.
Some mushrooms feed you.
Others have been used for wellness for centuries.
And some sit right in the middle of both worlds.

This guide breaks down the difference so you can choose which types you want to grow.

🍽️ What Are Gourmet Mushrooms?

Gourmet mushrooms = grown for eating.

They’re loved for their:

• Flavor

• Texture

• Nutrition

• Versatility in cooking

You’ll find them in stir-fries, soups, pasta, and just about anything that tastes better with umami.

Common gourmet species:

• Oyster mushrooms (blue, pink, pearl)

• Shiitake

• Lion’s mane

• King oyster

• Chestnut

Most gourmet mushrooms are:
✅ Fast-growing
✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Easy to fruit at home
✅ Productive & rewarding

They’re a great starting point for home growers because you can enjoy the results quickly, and they taste WAY better than store-bought.

Personal note:
When I grew pink oysters for the first time, I was blown away at how fast they colonized and how good they tasted sautéed with garlic and butter. That first harvest got me hooked.

🩺 What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?

Medicinal mushrooms = used traditionally for wellness benefits.
In many cultures, they’ve been brewed as tea or dried and ground into powder.

They’re not grown for flavor, some are actually quite bitter.

Common medicinal species:

• Reishi

• Turkey Tail

• Lion’s Mane

• Chaga

Medicinal mushrooms are often associated with:

• Immune support

• Focus / clarity

• Adaptogenic properties

• Overall wellness

They typically take longer to grow and are often processed after harvest (dried, powdered, or extracted).

✅ Important:
This article is for educational purposes only.
Always do your own research and talk to a professional before using mushrooms for wellness.

⚖️ Mushrooms That Are Both

Some mushrooms fall into both categories.

Best example → Lion’s Mane

You can:

• Cook it like seafood (buttery, great texture)

• Use it in tinctures or supplements

Other mushrooms can also overlap depending on how they’re prepared, but lion’s mane is the most popular dual-purpose species for home growers.

✅ Which Should You Grow First?

If you’re just getting into mushroom growing, I strongly recommend starting with gourmet varieties — especially oysters.

Why?

• Easy to grow

• Fast colonization

• Forgiving with contamination

• Rewarding harvest

• You get to eat them!

Medicinal species like reishi and turkey tail are super interesting, but they typically:

• Take longer

• Require more specialized processing

• Aren’t eaten like food

So beginners get the best experience starting with gourmet mushrooms.

Once you feel confident making grain, agar, and simple substrate blocks, then dive into medicinal varieties.

👤 My Experience

I started with oysters (blue + pink) because they grow fast and taste great. Later I added lion’s mane and chestnut. I haven’t grown much reishi yet, but it’s high on my list because it’s so unique looking — the antler shapes look like something out of a video game.

For beginners, oysters are by far the most forgiving species to learn sterile work and fruiting conditions. If you’re just getting started, they’re hard to beat.

✅ Final Thoughts

Both gourmet and medicinal mushrooms are worth exploring, but they serve different purposes.

If you’re new:
➡️ Start with gourmet (especially oyster)

Once you’ve got the basics down:
➡️ Try medicinal varieties like reishi or turkey tail

No matter which direction you go, mushrooms are an incredibly fun and rewarding hobby — especially when you get to eat what you grow.

📘 Want More Mushroom Help?

If you want step-by-step guidance on:

• Agar

• Liquid culture

• Grain

• Substrate

Check out my mushroom recipe ebook, it covers the simple, budget-friendly methods I use at home.