MushUp, a Montreal-based company
MushUp was born from a love of coffee and a passion for plants with medicinal properties. This Montreal-based company is guided by the belief that health comes first through diet. This unique beverage, capable of integrating the benefits of medicinal mushrooms from our forests, into our most precious daily routine, coffee.
Founder Maëva and her sidekick Isabelle work exclusively with local micro-torrefactors and mycologists. They ensure that the eco-responsible values and mission of MushUp are always represented through the taste and design of this premium coffee, capable of accompanying the daily challenges of its followers.
How is MushUp different from other roasters in Montreal?
Following an internship in herbal medicine and mycology in 2017, followed by a meeting with experts in medicinal mushrooms, they became aware of the positive impact of mushrooms on our bodies, and wondered if mushroom coffee production would be possible.
After months of research, questioning, testing, experimenting and tasting, MushUp was born!
The brand now offers 4 distinct coffees with unique notes and benefits (that don't taste like mushrooms!): VIGOR, VITAL, SPARK and DECAF.
And what is mushroom coffee made of?
MushUp works with local roasters who are recognized experts in their field. All their coffee beans are certified organic and fair trade. The organic mushrooms are produced, harvested and processed 100% locally in Montreal.
The transformation consists of a triple extraction to maximize the medicinal properties. Their coffees are therefore unique, custom roasted and designed to offer the best experience with your cup of coffee.
Whether you prefer brown, medium or full-bodied coffees, there is something for everyone. And rest assured, MushUp coffee does not taste like mushrooms :)
What are the mushrooms used?
CORDYCEPS (CORDYCEPS SINENSIS)
This mushroom is known for its stimulating and invigorating properties - both for physical energy and libido. Cordyceps can help the body use oxygen more efficiently and improve blood circulation. This can be especially helpful for athletes or those who work out regularly. This mushroom has been shown to not only improve exercise and athletic performance, but also to speed up muscle recovery after training.
Mushroom found in coffee:
REISHI (GANODERMA LUCIDUM)
Used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, this favorite mushroom is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, and for good reason! Reishi, nicknamed the King of Mushrooms, can do everything from helping you lose weight, to keeping your immune system in check, to even ferociously fighting cancer cells. But what makes this mushroom unique is its calming power, thanks to the triterpene compound, which reishi has in large quantities. These mood-boosting compounds can relieve anxiety, depression and promote better sleep. But the positive effect of triterpenes on the nervous system doesn't stop there. Reishi can also promote healing and sharpen concentration.
A mushroom found in coffee:
CHAGA (INONOTUS OBLIQUUS)
Chaga, known as the Queen of Mushrooms, is a powerful antioxidant, making it an excellent candidate to fight free radicals and inflammation. Growing only in southern forests, including Quebec, dark brown and camouflaged on the trunks of some trees, this mushroom fights oxidative stress (related to skin aging), prevents or slows the growth of cancer and lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. All studies point to the significant benefits of this mushroom for humans - both inside and out.
Mushroom found in coffee:
CORIOLUS / TURKEY TAIL (TRAMETES VERSICOLOR)
Most of the medicinal mushrooms listed here have anti-cancer properties due to their high antioxidant content. But Coriolus goes even further. Coriolus contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. PSK is so effective that it is an approved prescription anti-cancer drug in Japan. Coriolus has been shown to improve the survival rate of people with certain cancers, fight leukemia cells and improve the immune system of people receiving chemotherapy.
Mushroom found in coffee:
HEDGEHOG/LION'S BRISTLE (HERICIUM ERINACEUS)
Hydne Hedgehog, often referred to as "lion's mane", helps with natural mental clarity. It is known to be a cognitive stimulant for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients, helping with focus and memory. This "pom-pom" looking mushroom is packed with antioxidants and boosts the immune system like most medicinal mushrooms. In addition, Hydne Hedgehog promotes the production of bioproteins and nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin (which insulates and protects nerve fibers), allowing for greater productivity and stimulating creativity.
Mushroom found in coffee:
So what effects does this amazing blend have?
The recipes for coffees with MushUp mushrooms reduce the natural acidity of coffee, considerably reduce the palpitations caused by its consumption, while enhancing the original flavors of the bean. All this in addition to being an overall healthier beverage, boosting the immune system, cognitive functions and/or physical abilities.
And more details?
Spark - Your best idea
Supports the neurological system, enhancing creativity, concentration, memory and productivity.
Roast: Medium-brown espresso coffee
Mushrooms: Reishi + Lion's mane
Origins Peru - Sidamo
Aromas Elegant - floral - cocoa
In addition, this excellent medium-brown, Italian roast, slightly full-bodied coffee is simply delicious in espresso, macchiato or latte.
Vigor - Surpass yourself!
Ideal for athletes, it improves performance, strength and physical endurance.
Roast: Brown coffee 3rd wave
Mushrooms Ingredients: Reishi + Cordyceps
Origins From : Guatemala - Honduras - Ethiopia
Flavors Robust - berry aromas - bright
This third-wave brown coffee is just as delicious in espresso as in dripper. You can detect its various fruity aromas and taste the terroir of hand-picked beans.
Vital - Your body thanks you
Filled with detoxifying and antioxidant properties, this tonic also strengthens the immune system.
Roast: Medium Dark Espresso
Mushrooms: Reishi + Chaga + Turkey Tail
Origins: Nicaragua - Ethiopia
Aromas: Citrus - harmonious - woody
This Italian roast coffee is simply exquisite in espresso, flat white and macchiato; allowing you to truly appreciate this ancestral roasting technique, with expertly balanced notes.
Decaf - Caffeine free, more well-being
Antioxidant properties, nourishes the body and mind by strengthening cognitive and physical functions.
Roast : Decaffeinated half-black espresso
Mushrooms: Reishi + Lion's Mane + Cordyceps
Orig ins: 100% Mexico
Flavors Roast: Black cherry - roasted hazelnut - caramel
MushUp DECAF is truly a one-stop shop, ensuring that no caffeine interferes with the pleasure and benefits of a good cup of coffee. In addition to being organic and fair trade, this decaf gives us all the energy we need to get through the day's tasks without disrupting the warrior's rest. This new coffee is here to reconcile you with decaffeinated coffee thanks to its natural water process rich and complex taste.
Source text & photos: mushup.ca
