Ever heard of the lion's mane mushroom? It’s no ordinary fungus – it is the Mushroom of the Year 2026! It grows on dead hardwood, hanging there with its white "spines" like a fluffy forest spirit. Rare, worthy of protection, and simply beautiful – a true natural wonder with character.
A natural wonder with style
The lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) grows primarily on dead hardwood, especially old beech or oak trees. Its fruiting body is roundish, white to slightly yellowish, and can reach an impressive 10 to 30 centimeters in size. Its most striking features are the long, pendulous spines that give it its unmistakable "hedgehog-like" appearance.
In the wild, it is now rare and worthy of protection. So, if you find one, it's better to admire it than to collect it. The mushrooms we offer come exclusively from our own indoor cultivation in Erlangen – not from wild foraging.
A gourmet mushroom with a surprise factor
Not only pretty but also truly delicious: the lion's mane has a delicate aroma reminiscent of seafood, coconut, or citrus. Its firm, fibrous texture makes it perfect for pan-frying. Important: Do not wash! It absorbs water like a sponge and will otherwise lose its flavor. Instead, simply cut it into pieces, sauté in butter or oil, and let it get crispy.
Get our fresh lion's mane harvest on Saturdays at our market stall in Erlangen.
A mushroom with a long history
Even outside the kitchen, the lion's mane makes an impression: it has been used traditionally in East Asia for a long time. It is also mycologically interesting – no wonder it is a subject of research and was named Mushroom of the Year 2026 by the German Mycological Society (DGfM).
Conclusion: fluffy, tasty, ingenious
The lion's mane is a true all-rounder: rare, beautiful, and a culinary highlight. Whether as an eye-catcher in the forest, a delicacy in the pan, or inspiration for research – this mushroom has style and substance.
Grow your own lion's mane
You can experience the lion's mane mushroom directly with us: with our grow kit, you can effortlessly grow the mushroom at home and watch it thrive. Get your lion's mane grow kit now with detailed instructions and discover how easy it is to cultivate this extraordinary mushroom yourself. If you need support, feel free to send us a message.
Fresh mushrooms are available on Saturdays at the Erlangen weekly market (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or via Marktschwärmer – not in the online shop. In the shop, you will find everything for your own mushroom cultivation.