14950 SW 212th St, Miami, FL 33187
Lion's Mane
Flavor Meets Function
Plant-based protein source
Hericium erinaceus
Studied for neurological relevance
Saprotrophic fungus
Setting the standard for Lion’s Mane cultivation in South Florida.
Lion Farms focuses on Lion’s Mane as a primary crop, refining cultivation practices to suit South Florida’s climate and culinary demand. By prioritizing structure, flavor, and whole-food integrity, the farm has developed a consistent approach that supports both professional kitchens and plant-forward food systems. This focus has positioned Lion Farms as a regional reference point for how Lion’s Mane is grown, handled, and presented.
Hericenones are aromatic compounds primarily found in the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane. They have been studied for their interaction with nerve-related signaling pathways and are one reason Lion’s Mane is often discussed in the context of cognitive interest.
Hericenones are lipid-soluble and contribute to Lion’s Mane’s functional reputation while remaining part of the mushroom’s natural chemical profile.
Hericenones
Erinacines are diterpenoid compounds more commonly associated with Lion’s Mane mycelium, though trace amounts may appear depending on cultivation methods. These compounds have been researched for their ability to influence nerve growth factor (NGF) activity in laboratory settings.
NGF plays a role in the maintenance and function of neurons, which is why Lion’s Mane has long been of interest in neurological research.
Erinacines
Like many fungi, Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucans, a class of complex polysaccharides that contribute to the mushroom’s structural integrity. Beta-glucans are widely studied for their role in immune system interaction and gut health across many edible and medicinal mushrooms.
In Lion’s Mane, beta-glucans are part of the whole-food matrix rather than isolated or concentrated.
Beta-Glucans
Lion’s Mane contains several classes of naturally occurring bioactive compounds that have been studied for their interaction with neurological and immune-related pathways. These compounds are present in the mushroom’s fruiting body and mycelium as part of its natural biology..
Bioactive Compounds
Lion’s Mane also contains ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in mushrooms. Ergothioneine has antioxidant properties and is of interest for its role in cellular protection and longevity-related research.
Humans do not synthesize ergothioneine, making dietary sources such as mushrooms particularly notable.
Ergothioneine
At Lion Farms, Lion’s Mane is grown and offered as a whole food rather than an extract or supplement. The bioactive compounds remain embedded within the mushroom’s natural structure, alongside fiber, protein, and flavor compounds that contribute to its culinary and functional character.
This whole-food context supports transparency and preserves the integrity of the mushroom as it appears in nature.
Whole-Food Context
Lion’s Mane is used across culinary and plant-forward kitchens for its texture, adaptability, and ability to absorb flavor. Its fibrous structure allows it to be prepared in ways that mirror familiar proteins while remaining entirely plant-based.
Beyond the plate, Lion’s Mane is also valued as a whole food within functional food systems, where it is incorporated into broths, infusions, and minimally processed preparations. How it is used often reflects personal preference, cultural tradition, and culinary context rather than a single prescribed application.
Progression from pin initiation to full fruiting body, illustrating structural development and spine formation over time.
Fruiting Cycle: Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane initiates fruiting as compact pin structures that emerge in response to favorable moisture and environmental cues. At this stage, growth is dense and contained, with cellular expansion focused on establishing structural integrity rather than surface area.
As development progresses, the fruiting body begins to elongate and soften, transitioning from a compact mass into a more differentiated form. Fine spines emerge gradually, increasing surface area and marking a shift from structural growth to functional expression. This phase is highly responsive to airflow and humidity, with subtle environmental changes influencing spine length, density, and orientation.
In the final stage of development, the mushroom reaches full expression. Spines lengthen and separate, the tissue becomes resilient yet pliable, and the characteristic cascading morphology of Lion’s Mane becomes fully defined. Harvest timing during this window determines texture, moisture retention, and overall quality, making this stage critical for both culinary and research outcomes.
Across the cycle, Lion’s Mane reflects a balance between biological rhythm and environmental interaction, offering a visible record of growth shaped by time, restraint, and ecological conditions.
For chefs, plant-forward kitchens, and individuals seeking whole foods that offer both culinary versatility and functional depth. It is grown and handled with attention to freshness and integrity rather than processing or extraction.
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Shellfish-adjacent
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Umami-forward
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Absorbs flavor
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Bioactive-rich whole food
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Neurotrophic-associated
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Fibrous
Substrate contain soy
Sales @lionfarms.com
(305) 467-0304
14950 SW 212 Street Miami, FL 33187 USA
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