When most of us picture mushrooms, our minds jump straight to the little white buttons scattered over pizzas or tucked into a Sunday fry-up. Those are the familiar Agaricus bisporus—the supermarket staple we’ve all grown up with. But here’s the twist: not every mushroom with “Agaricus” in its name is destined for the frying pan.
Enter Agaricus blazei, sometimes called Ji Song Rong in Chinese, Himematsutake in Japanese, and more casually the almond mushroom or sun mushroom in English. While it looks a little like the mushrooms we know from the greengrocer, this one has carved out a very different reputation, particularly in traditional wellness circles. And if you’ve spotted Agaricus blazei capsules, powders or dried mushrooms appearing in health shops or online, you might be wondering why on earth this mushroom is getting so much attention.
Agaricus Mushroom: A Mushroom with Many Names
One of the charming quirks of Agaricus mushroom supplements is how many names it travels under. In China, it’s Ji Song Rong (姬松茸); in Japan, Himematsutake; in Brazil, it’s often linked with the idea of the sun mushroom; and in English, you’ll sometimes hear it called the almond mushroom, thanks to its subtle nutty aroma when dried or brewed.
For everyday shoppers, this can feel a little confusing. But whether you see Ji Song Rong capsules, Himematsutake powder, or almond mushroom extract on a label, you’re looking at the same species: Agaricus blazei Murill.
Not Your Everyday Button Mushroom
Here’s where it gets interesting. The mushrooms we eat in stews, risottos, and salads are Agaricus bisporus. They’re tasty, versatile, and grown on an industrial scale across Europe.
But Agaricus blazei is a different species entirely. Though they share the same genus, the blazei mushroom has its roots in a different story. Traditionally valued in parts of Asia and South America, it’s not something you’ll find in your supermarket’s fruit and veg aisle. Instead, you’ll most often see it dried, ground into powder, or packed neatly into supplement capsules.
This difference is important. While Agaricus bisporus is loved for its role in the kitchen, Agaricus blazei is prized more for its cultural and traditional use. That’s why it’s far more likely to appear on a wellness shelf than in a stir-fry.
A Quick Journey Through History
The blazei mushroom has an international backstory. Although native to Brazil, it made its way to Japan in the 1960s, where it was studied and cultivated extensively. From there, it became popular across Asia, particularly in China, where it’s known as Ji Song Rong.
In these cultures, the mushroom found a niche in both food and traditional herbal practice. It’s not unusual to see it simmered in broths or dried and steeped into teas. Over time, its reputation travelled, and today you’ll find Agaricus blazei products on shelves in the UK, Europe, and the US—especially in organic supplement form.
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The Almond Mushroom Experience
So, what does it actually taste like? If you ever try dried Agaricus blazei mushrooms, you’ll notice a gentle aroma reminiscent of almonds. This is why it picked up its English nickname.
Unlike shiitake or oyster mushrooms, it’s not commonly cooked into meals in Britain. Instead, most people here will come across it as a powder for smoothies, a capsule taken daily, or as a dried mushroom intended for teas and infusions.
Different Ways to Use Agaricus blazei
When browsing, you’ll likely come across three main product types:
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The most convenient option.
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Easy to slot into a daily routine.
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Popular for people who prefer no-fuss supplements.
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Versatile for smoothies, juices, or even sprinkling into soups.
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Offers flexibility if you like experimenting with recipes.
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Closer to how it’s used traditionally in China and Japan.
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Can be brewed into a tea or simmered into broths.
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Each option appeals to different lifestyles. Capsules are all about ease, powder suits the health-conscious cook, and dried mushrooms connect you with tradition.
Why Is Agaricus blazei Getting Attention Now?
The UK has seen a surge of interest in functional mushrooms over the past decade. Reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps have dominated the headlines, but Agaricus blazei is slowly making its way into the conversation.
Why? Partly because people are exploring beyond the “big three” mushrooms, curious about what else the fungi kingdom has to offer. And partly because Agaricus blazei comes with a strong cultural heritage that adds authenticity.
With organic Agaricus blazei capsules now available in the UK, it’s easier than ever for curious shoppers to try something once reserved for niche herbal shops.
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What to Look For When Buying in the UK
Like any supplement, not all products are created equal. If you’re considering Agaricus blazei:
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Check for Organic Certification: Always a good sign of quality and farming standards.
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Read the Label: Look for clear identification (Agaricus blazei Murill or Ji Song Rong).
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Know the Form:Decide whether capsules, powder, or dried mushrooms fit your lifestyle.
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Transparency Matters: Reputable brands will explain sourcing and processing.
These small checks help ensure you’re getting a product that matches your expectations.
Everyday Use: A Customer-Friendly View
For most people in the UK, Agaricus blazei won’t replace everyday button mushrooms in a fry-up. Instead, it’s something you’d add as part of a wellness habit—maybe alongside your morning vitamins, blended into a smoothie, or brewed into a warming tea.
Think of it as a supplement with personality: not flashy, but with a long story and a distinctive place in traditional food culture.
FAQ
Q: Is Agaricus blazei the same as the white mushrooms I buy in the supermarket?
A: No. Supermarket mushrooms are Agaricus bisporus. Agaricus blazei (Ji Song Rong) is a different species with a distinct history and use.
Q: What does Ji Song Rong taste like?
A: When dried, it carries a light almond-like aroma, which is why it’s often nicknamed the almond mushroom.
Q: How do people usually take Agaricus blazei in the UK?
A: The most common forms are capsules, powders, and dried mushrooms for teas or broths.
Q: Is it used in cooking like other mushrooms?
A: In some Asian cultures, yes—it can be added to soups or teas. In the UK, though, it’s mostly found as a supplement.
Q: What should I look for when buying Agaricus blazei capsules?
A: Opt for products with clear labeling, organic certification where possible, and transparency about sourcing.
Final Thoughts
Agaricus blazei—whether you call it Ji Song Rong, almond mushroom, or Himematsutake—isn’t the same mushroom you toss into your pasta sauce. It’s part of a different conversation altogether, one rooted in heritage, tradition, and growing global curiosity about fungi.
If you’ve been hearing more about Agaricus blazei capsules, powders, or dried mushrooms, now you know why. It’s a reminder that the mushroom world is bigger and more varied than the one aisle in the supermarket. And sometimes, it’s the less familiar names that end up being the most intriguing.