Gentleman Forager

I dropped off some fresh porcini to chef Ashley--- look what she did with them!! Go get yourself some at the sample room😀🤟

New pasta this weekend!

Trofie pasta, smoked pancetta and pave du nord broth, porcini, basil + black walnut pistou

Headwater is now available online from anywhere in the United States! It's hard enough staying healthy without having to drink things that don't taste good but are supposed to to be good for you. Headwater is a super easy way to develop more of a health and wellness routine that really, honestly, tastes delicious. Just 22 calories, 5g of sugars, and 5g or carbs per 12oz can. You can learn more about our beverages at https://www.gentlemanforager.com/headwater-beverages/

Gentleman Forager Inspiring, Educating, & Entertaining through the World of Mushrooms

Have you ever been to Brookies Fish Market? This should be a weekly stop for you if not. They have a spectacular selection of fresh seafood and all of the delicious curated items you don't see on most grocers shelves. If you needed another reason, you can now find Gentleman Forager's Headwater there too!

An article I wrote some years ago on Chaga I hope you will find both interesting and educational. It was this kind of quest, and search for facts over hype, that motivated me to develop products Like our new Blueberry Chaga Headwater beverage. You can learn more about Headwater here>> https://www.gentlemanforager.com/headwater-beverages/

Inonotus obliquus: Chaga - Folklore or Fact?
©Mike Kempenich

There is something primal about a quest that has been repeated for over 4,000 years. The day after Thanksgiving, I found myself in the northern Minnesota wilderness, hunting for a little-known fungus that even winter can’t kill. Inonotus obliquus is the technical name, but Chaga is its more popular moniker. Chaga is a parasitic fungus most often associated with mature Birch trees. The outer shell looks very much like burnt wood, deeply grooved and coal black. It often protrudes like a tumor on the tree trunk and can grow to several pounds over a typical 5-10 year lifespan. After several hours in knee-deep snow, I found what I was after and removed the growth with a hammer and chisel. The inner core is made up of a cork-like fungus, deep gold to orange in color with little flavor or odor. Now, here’s the more interesting answer to the question: “Why would people be looking for a fungus in the middle of winter for 4,000 years?”

Chaga has a legendary history as a cure-all with a rich European and Russian folk history of medicinal use, typically brewed as tea. In a paper published by the USDA Forest Service and authored by Roger Monthey and Rani Cross, “modern research has shown some proven benefits such as regulating metabolism, fighting tumors, providing protection from radiation, preventing or reducing inflammation, synthesizing proteins, enhancing the synthesis of nucleic acids, lowering the concentration of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood, reducing blood pressure, having a tonic effect on the heart, and altering the body’s immune system (Jong and Birmingham 1992).” It piqued my interest when I first heard of it, so I naturally researched this medicinal angle. I was surprised and frustrated to find it very difficult to locate credible firsthand information regarding its properties and use. I found plenty of information outlining the same general theme with the same general characters. It usually involves the semi-autobiographical novel by Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, which references the use of Chaga in fighting cancer in the form of a letter from one of the novel's characters, Dr. Maslennikov. And lastly, the ever-popular “scientific studies in Finland and Russia prove…” Try to Google that one, and you might feel like there is a cult-like network of Chaga hucksters conspiring to have us all consuming tree bark!

Just when I started to lose faith in my ability to verify any of the myriad of cancer-fighting claims, I came across a genuine bona fide study. In fact, a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. The WJG is legitimized by the National Institutes of Health and our own United States Government as a trusted source. In a peer-reviewed study, the Journal announced in January 2008, “Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.” The study concluded, “Chaga mushroom may provide a new therapeutic option, as a potential anticancer agent, in the treatment of hepatoma,” more commonly known as liver cancer. In another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in January 2009, the headline read, “Potential anticancer properties of the water extract of Inonotus [corrected] obliquus by induction of apoptosis in melanoma B16-F10 cells.” To cut through the medical terminology, “This study showed that the water extract of Inonotus obliquus mushroom (Chaga) exhibited potential anticancer activity against B16-F10 melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of proliferation and induction of differentiation and apoptosis of cancer cells.”

In another study conducted by Jiangnan University’s School of Medicine and Pharmaceutics in conjunction with The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology in China, laboratory mice were used to study the antihyperglycemic (ability to lower sugar levels in the blood) and antilipidperoxidative (the ability to mitigate cell damage caused by free radicals) effects of Inonotus obliquus. Very informally, they wished to study whether Chaga would reduce a cell's propensity to be damaged by free radicals and if it has the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. The study used two sets of mice. The first set were “normal” mice, and they exhibited a slight rise in blood sugar after the treatment of Chaga was introduced, and it also failed to reduce blood sugar levels after glucose was administered to them. The second set was mice that had been previously induced to develop diabetes. These mice showed a “significant decrease” in blood glucose levels within 120 minutes. After a week, the levels were reduced by 11.9 - 15.79% based on the amount of Chaga administered (they used two dosage levels, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 21 days). After three weeks, the reduction increased to 30.07% and 31.3%.

The study further showed that the treatment had the added effect of lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol while raising HDL (good) cholesterol in the livers of these diabetic mice. Additionally, the treatment “significantly” increased catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activities (all very important in maintaining healthy cells), and a histological morphology examination concluded that the treatment had restored the damage of the mice’s pancreas tissue in those mice that already had diabetes.
I could go on at some length with a series of studies taking place in South Korea, concluding several promising uses for Chaga and its extracts in the fight against cancer—very exciting!
Chaga’s ability to modulate many facets of our body continues to intrigue both scientists and laypersons, and I have to say I was elated to give new meaning to my commune with nature at 10 degrees below zero. In an era where “organic” and “natural” have become quite alluring, it seems Chaga can offer a homeopathic remedy for many ailments in the form of a palatable beverage. As I toss a fist-sized chunk of my Chaga into the teapot, I can’t help but think it might be a good bet, in this case, to heed the advice of the good Russian peasant folk.
Sources used:
• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health

Fun memory-- The woman on my left was Greta. I believe she was 80ish at the time of the photo. She told me about growing up and picking "Pfifferlinge" as a young girl, in an endearing German accent, It was before going to a concentration camp. She was smiling from ear to ear and making little girl sounds of excitement as she picked. I told her we had all of the mushrooms she knew about in Germany-- "even der Steinpilz?!" she asked. A few minutes later, as if on cue, we found a single perfect porcini among the chanterelles. The look on her face was priceless and a moment that never leaves me."

Who's going to join me at Caribou Highlands Lodge on Lutsen Mountains for the 3rd annual Lutsong Music Festival 2024 ? It's going to be an amazing time--- incredible lineup of music, foraging outings in the morning, music all day/night! Of course we'll also have plenty of Tangerine Lions Mane and Blueberry Chaga Headwater available too. With ticket prices from $25-$90, this is an incredible opportunity to hear an amazing list of great musicians without taking out a loan😆. You can sign up for a foray here https://www.gentlemanforager.com/events/lutsong-music-festival/ and you can grab a ticket for the festival here >> https://lutsongmusicfestival.simpletix.com/

I just HAD to get out in the woods and have a look around after so many days of rain. It was a bit reminisant of my early forays for morels when I know perfectly well I'm too early! It was still awesome to get out there and put my curiousity to bed. Chanterelles are among the slowest growing edible. A bit like groundhogs day-----another two weeks and we can be picking😆

Have you been to Gatherings Cafe, an Indigenous cafe in the heart of the American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis? Check out the awesome food chef Vern is serving up for breakfast and lunch, and grab yourself a cold Headwater while your at it!

New at the cafe: Gatherings Cafe is serving non-alcoholic Headwater seltzers from Gentleman Forager. Available flavors are Tangerine Lions Mane and Blueberry Chaga.

The lions mane mushroom can positively support gut, brain, and heart health. The chaga mushroom can also support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Come try these refreshing and healthy seltzers next time you're at the cafe. We're open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch!

Ready to get in the woods and learn about foraging summer mushrooms in Minnesota? Come join me for a foray and "wild" lunch at a location within 1.5 hours of Minneapolis. Check out the Gentleman Forager website for detailed info and tickets!

A weekend of killer music on the beautiful north shore at the Lutsong Music Festival, AND foraging?? This sounds like something you should do with us!😃🤟 You can check out more here >>https://www.gentlemanforager.com/events/lutsong-music-festival/ -tickets__tickets-form

Morning Foraging Adventures: Start your day with us on a nature foray Friday and Saturday mornings with one of the country’s top wild mushroom experts at the Lutsong Music Festival! Join Mike Kempenich and the Gentleman Forager team for an exclusive morning hike.. This is your chance to explore nature’s bounty under the guidance of nationally respected foraging professionals. Check in with Gentleman Forager for prices and details:

Join Gentleman Forager as a Commission-Based Sales Partner! Are you passionate about health and wellness? Help us share the magic of Headwater Beverages with local businesses and corporate wellness programs. Enjoy a flexible work schedule, generous commissions, and exciting bonus opportunities. Potential earnings range from $45,000 to $70,000 annually. If you’re ready to take on a role where you can make a real impact and grow with us, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out with your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role to [email protected]

Hope to see you Friday at Marigold, located at 3506 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis. I'll be cooking up some custom made pizzas (yes, we have morels as a toppping choice!) and sampling our new and fantastically delicious Blueberry Chaga Headwater (N/A Functional Mushroom Drink). Our friends at Marigold will be spinning the vinyl and Buzz Oils will be there with their THC finishing oils if you'd like an extra mellow topping on your pizza!

Would you drink a can a day of something shown to have real effects on your health? Come sample our delicious ( it's seriously delicious with NO mushroom flavor!) new blueberry chaga formula on Friday from 4-7 at the Minneapolis location of Marigold Beverage Shops, located at 3506 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis. We'll be cooking up some morel pizzas and spinning some vynl-- and Buzz Oils will be sampling their THC finishing oils on our pizzas too! Our new blueberry chaga Headwater is such an easy and delicious way to be healthier, without having to dramatically change your lifestyle. Replacing your daily starbucks or soft drink with a can of headwater can bring you the following benefits;

Supports Immune Health:
Chaga mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which can enhance the immune system by stimulating the production and activity of white blood cells. This helps the body fight off infections and diseases more effectively. Studies have shown that Chaga can increase the production of cytokines, which help regulate the immune system​ (Cleveland Clinic)​​ (GroCycle)​.

Reduces Inflammation:
Chaga mushrooms have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce chronic inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Studies have demonstrated that Chaga extract can significantly reduce inflammation in the gut, which is particularly helpful for people with inflammatory bowel disease​ (Cleveland Clinic)​​ (GroCycle)​.

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels:
Regular consumption of Chaga mushrooms can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. Studies have shown that Chaga can lower blood sugar levels by up to 31% and improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for managing diabetes​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.

Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels:
Chaga mushrooms can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart disease by improving overall cholesterol profiles and protecting arterial walls from damage. Research indicates that Chaga mushrooms can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting antioxidant levels in the body​ (Cleveland Clinic)​​ (GroCycle)​.

Enhances Physical Endurance:
The bioactive compounds in Chaga mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, can improve physical stamina and endurance. Studies on animals have shown that Chaga can increase glycogen storage in muscles and liver, leading to better performance and reduced fatigue during physical activity. This is due to Chaga's ability to decrease lactic acid levels and delay muscle fatigue​ (GroCycle)​.

You can sign up now for upcoming field classes/Forays beging July 13th! This is a great opportunity to not only take a comprehensive identification class, but also to put that new found knowledge to the test and ask questions in the woods.
You can learn more here>> https://www.gentlemanforager.com/classes-events/

What's Gentleman Forager been up to the past couple weeks? Love to get your questions and comments on the pics!

We've been pioneering functional mushroom products long before they became trendy. Gentleman Forager is your trusted leader with over 15 years of true mushroom expertise. Unlike many brands jumping on the bandwagon, we base our products on real science and deep knowledge. Feel confident choosing Gentleman Forager for superior quality, consistency, and deliciousness!

Come talk shrooms with Gentleman Forager at Marigold (Minnesota's first non-alcoholic bottle shop) at 3506 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis on Friday June 7th from 4-7. We'll be sampling our new Blueberry Chaga Headwater and making morel pizza---just for you, and before your very eyes!😆 The awesome folks at Marigold will be spinning some vinyl, and Buzz Oils will be offering their THC finishing oils to top your pizza if'n your interested in an uniquely tasty experience!

Tell me about you most memorable chanterelle hunt!😃🤟

🌟🍇 Blueberry Chaga is Back! 🍇🌟
Reintroducing Gentleman Forager’s beloved Blueberry Chaga Headwater!
💜 Dive back into wellness with our Blueberry Chaga, freshly returned and packed with powerful antioxidants for supreme immune support.
👀 Rediscover the drink that everyone’s been missing!
🚀 Launching next week—be ready to elevate your health with nature's finest.
🧡 Also available: Tangerine Lions Mane, perfect for enhancing focus and boosting brain power.
🥂 Here’s to your health—enhanced by nature! 🥂

Hey friends! 🍄✨ Get ready for an epic weekend at SHROOMAPALOOZA! This special weekend event is all about celebrating the Peak of the mushroom season – foraging for wild mushrooms, savoring delicious food, and jamming out to live music, all while camping under the stars.🌲🎶 Don't worry; we've got you covered with shower and restroom facilities to keep you fresh as a daisy. Grab your tickets, pack your bags, and let’s make some unforgettable memories. Tickets and info at >>https://www.gentlemanforager.com/events/shroomapalooza/ See you there! 🌿🛶🌌

Pickin' and grinnin' on a beautiful day🍄🤟😃

Tripple play!😃🍄

Big thanks to FOX21 News for their story. It was super fun taking them out in the woods near Duluth!

Minnesota's Mushroom Man Kicks Off The Foraging Season - Fox21Online SAGINAW, Minn. — Springtime for one Minnesota man can only mean one thing; time spent outside mushroom foraging. Trading in his suit and tie for a basket and pocket knife, Mike Kempinich has called the woods his office for the past 15 years. “It’s like a big Easter egg hunt. There is always so...

Ramps with bacon on a pizza!? Yes, please, and thank you!🍄🤟

Now THAT'S a pig!

Had a fun weekend as the morel season winds down. We didn't kill the morels, only a few, but did come across a perfect COW which made everyone smile and Lisa made us some killer lamb chops with some ramp butter on Saturday! If you plan to pick morels, do it soon, I'm guessing only a week or so until it's over🍄🤟😃