Is this kosher?
Not kosher
can you explain why? this just seems like coffee with mushroom extracts.
I’m curious why this is not considered kosher.
Because cordyceps is an Entomopathogenic fungus which is assur.
Interesting…
One variety (Cordyceps Sinensis) that grows as a parasite on moths. I can see how that is an issue.
This article says that that there is another variety (Cordyceps militaris) that is grown commercially without any insects. Would this be permitted?
It is a good question. It would for sure depend on how exactly it is produced.
Yes, I think that the cordyceps sold commercially does not use insects as substrates. Eating and Cooking Cordyceps militaris mushrooms (foragerchef.com)
Following up on this. Has any further research been done on this? I genuinely thought mushroom coffees or mushroom tinctures were just mushroom derivatives and were ok. The flavor isn’t great and is usually masked with something. I also submitted a separate question with other mushroom products.
I just found this article from the CRC where they discuss this on page 3.
I’ll try to review and over Pesach and hopefully we can give a clearer answer.