When we chose Lion’s Mane to grow, it was because we believe so strongly in it as food and medicine. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is not only a delicious, but also a powerhouse of potential health benefits, backed by science. This unique mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is gaining recognition in modern research for its impressive properties.

Cognitive Support
Lion’s Mane contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which have been shown to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. Studies indicate that NGF plays a vital role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, potentially enhancing memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. A 2009 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that individuals who consumed Lion’s Mane for 16 weeks experienced improved cognitive function compared to a placebo group.

Nervous System Health
Emerging research highlights Lion’s Mane’s neuroprotective properties. Animal studies suggest it may help repair nerve damage and protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts have been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease. This has led to growing interest in its role as a natural tool for maintaining long-term brain health.

Mood and Emotional Wellness
Preliminary research also points to Lion’s Mane as a potential ally in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A 2010 study in Biomedical Research showed that individuals consuming Lion’s Mane for four weeks reported decreased feelings of irritability and anxiety compared to a placebo group. Researchers believe Lion’s Mane can assist the hippocampus, which can reduce anxious and depressive behavior.

Immune System Boost
Rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, Lion’s Mane is believed to enhance immune function, helping the body fend off illness. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to overall well-being.

Why Supplement?
While Lion’s Mane can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, supplements provide a convenient way to incorporate its benefits into your daily routine. High-quality Lion’s Mane supplements, like those offered by Yamabushi Farms, are crafted to ensure maximum potency and efficacy, delivering the full spectrum of this remarkable mushroom’s bioactive compounds. By choosing Lion’s Mane, you’re not just adding a superfood to your regimen—you’re investing in your cognitive, emotional, and overall health, supported by centuries of tradition and modern scientific research.

Yamabushi Farms is a community-driven urban mushroom farm located in the heart of Jefferson Park, Los Angeles. Founded by four friends (three Japanese-Americans), our mission is to provide delicious, affordable, and sustainable Lion’s Mane mushrooms to our local community while fostering education, environmental stewardship, and access to fresh, healthy food in underserved neighborhoods.

We proudly grow our mushrooms in a warehouse and sell them at local farmer’s markets, small grocery stores like Suprmarkt in Crenshaw, and restaurants including N/Naka, Shojin, and Crytal’s Soul Food Cafe. We also offer our mushrooms and packaged goods at Brentwood Farmer’s Market, Echo Park Farmer’s Market, and Topanga Farmer’s Market.

Beyond food production, we prioritize giving back to our community by donating used mushroom grow bags to Teapot Community Gardens, which are transformed into fertilizer and compost for vibrant urban gardens near West Adams. Additionally, we actively engage in educational outreach, teaching children and adults about sustainable food systems and the incredible world of fungi.

At Yamabushi Farms, we believe in building a healthier, more connected future where fresh, sustainable food is grown right here in our neighborhoods, and everyone has a seat at the table.

At Yamabushi Farms, we take pride in cultivating our mushrooms with care, precision, and sustainability at the forefront. Our process begins with proprietary genetic strains of fungi that we’ve developed to ensure high-quality, nutritious, and delicious mushrooms.

We grow our mushrooms using a carefully crafted substrate made from food-grade corn, wood, and soy hulls. This sustainable blend provides the perfect environment for our fungi to thrive while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Our commitment to purity and health is unwavering—no pesticides, sprays, or additives are ever used in our growing process. This ensures that every mushroom we produce is as natural, clean, and wholesome as possible.

From our proprietary strains to our sustainable cultivation methods, Yamabushi Farms is dedicated to delivering mushrooms that are not only good for you but also good for the planet.

1. What mushrooms do you grow at Yamabushi Farms?
We specialize in cultivating Lion’s Mane mushrooms and Shiitake mushrooms. Both are known for their incredible health benefits, versatility in cooking, and low environmental impact compared to traditional meat.

2. How are your mushrooms grown?
Our mushrooms are grown indoors using a sustainable blend of food-grade corn, wood, and soy hulls as a substrate. We never use pesticides, sprays, or additives, ensuring our mushrooms are pure and clean.

3. Are your mushrooms organic?
While we don’t currently have organic certification, our mushrooms are grown with sustainability and purity in mind, using natural materials and no chemical inputs.

4. Where can I buy your mushrooms?
You can find our fresh Lion’s Mane and Shiitake mushrooms at local farmer’s markets, including the Echo Park Farmer’s Market, as well as small grocery stores like Suprmarkt in Crenshaw. We also supply local restaurants, such as N/Naka, Shojin, and Crystal's Soul Food Cafe. Additionally, you can purchase our mushrooms and mushroom products (like powders and tinctures) online through our website for delivery or pickup.

5. Do you offer your mushrooms in other forms?
Yes! Any fresh mushrooms that aren’t sold immediately are dehydrated and powdered, made into tinctures, or otherwise preserved for sale at local markets and online.

6. What are the health benefits of Lion’s Mane and Shiitake mushrooms?
Lion’s Mane has been studied for its potential benefits, including cognitive support, memory enhancement, immune system boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich nutrients, immune-supporting compounds, and potential cholesterol-lowering effects. Both are excellent for your health and make delicious meat alternatives!

7. Do you provide any educational opportunities?
Yes! We bring mushrooms and grow bags to local events to teach children and adults about fungi, sustainable food systems, and urban farming.

8. How do you support the local community?
We work with organizations like LA Food Access to make our mushrooms affordable for EBT customers. We also donate used grow bags to local gardens for composting and provide mushrooms to schools and food pantries when possible.

9. Are your mushrooms suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! Both Lion’s Mane and Shiitake mushrooms are 100% plant-based and serve as fantastic meat substitutes for vegan and vegetarian diets.

10. How does Yamabushi Farms practice sustainability?
We focus on low-emission production methods, recycle materials by donating spent grow bags to community gardens, and cultivate our mushrooms in an environmentally friendly indoor facility without chemical inputs.

11. Can I visit Yamabushi Farms?
Currently, we don’t offer public tours of our facility, but we’d love to connect with you at one of our markets or community events!

12. How can I support Yamabushi Farms?
You can support us by purchasing our mushrooms, powders, or tinctures at farmer’s markets, through our website, or at the restaurants and stores we partner with. You can also join us for educational events or share our mission with your community by tagging our Instagram, @yamabushifarms.

Whether you are interested in purchasing for raw mushrooms for your restaurant, products for your store, or are just curious about what we do, we are happy to connect!

Wholesale Inquiries

sales@yamabushifarms.com

General Inquiries

info@yamabushifarms.com