Key Takeaways:
- Mynd is a New Zealand-based company that cultivates and produces high-quality lion’s mane mushroom supplements.
- The company uses a unique cultivation technique that allows for the harvesting of pure mycelia, resulting in an extract rich in bioactive compounds.
- Mynd’s lion’s mane mushroom extract is the first of its kind to contain both erinacines and hericenones, the bioactives credited to the cognitive health benefits of the international variety.
- The company prioritizes sustainability, using by-products of other agricultural systems and minimizing waste.
- Mynd offers a range of products, including pure supplement in powder form, capsule form, coffee, and chocolate products.
Introduction to Mynd
Sean Mills, a seasoned mushroom grower, and his wife Emily Eldin, have established a mushroom business supplying gourmet mushroom grow bags for people to grow at home. However, Mills was not satisfied with the quality of lion’s mane mushroom products available in the market, particularly the imported powders that may contain contaminants. He decided to research and cultivate lion’s mane mushrooms in New Zealand, leveraging the country’s unique fungi ecosystem. Mills began his research in 2020, with the goal of creating a high-quality, locally produced supplement that supports brain health.
The Cultivation Process
The cultivation of lion’s mane mushrooms at Mynd involves a rigorous process that starts in the lab, where Mills maintains the cultures. The growth cycle begins four months prior to harvest, with Mills starting the first stage in the lab. The main grow room is well insulated to regulate temperature, and a forced air flow regulates humidity. Records of the temperature and humidity ensure optimal growing conditions, replicating a similar climate to that of a native forest. About 2 to 5% of fruiting bags get contaminated by competing bacteria in the early stages of the process, and they are removed from the grow room. Following harvest, the fruiting body and mycelium undergo a controlled, heat-extraction process that breaks down the cell walls, improving the bioavailability of key bioactive compounds.
The Breakthrough
Mynd’s breakthrough came when an independent bioactive compound test by Callaghan Innovation indicated that their NZ lion’s mane mushroom extract was the first of its kind to contain both erinacines and hericenones, the bioactives credited to the cognitive health benefits of the international variety. This was achieved through a unique cultivation technique that allows for the harvesting of pure mycelia, resulting in an extract rich in bioactive compounds. The team at Mynd, including Mills, Eldin, Dana Gray, and Fraser McConnell, have worked together to develop a range of products, including pure supplement in powder form, capsule form, coffee, and chocolate products.
Sustainability and Quality
Mynd prioritizes sustainability, using by-products of other agricultural systems, such as soybean hulls and pine sawdust, in their grow bags. Following harvesting, these materials are broken down into a sought-after, rich mycelium compost. The company is aware of the need to minimize plastics and currently relies on recyclable grow bags to keep the mushrooms safe from bacterial competition. Mills is proud that Mynd is the first mushroom farm in New Zealand dedicated to brain health, and one of the few that grows their own mushrooms, rather than relying on imported powders. The company’s commitment to quality is evident in their independent third-party testing for contaminants, ensuring product purity.
The Future of Mynd
Mynd’s products are now available in various forms, and the company is committed to continuing their research and development to improve their products and processes. With their unique cultivation technique and commitment to sustainability, Mynd is poised to become a leader in the mushroom supplement industry. As Mills says, "From spore to supplement, right here in Raglan, NZ, in some of the cleanest air on earth," Mynd is dedicated to providing high-quality, locally produced supplements that support brain health and well-being. With their innovative approach and commitment to quality, Mynd is an exciting development in the world of mushroom cultivation and supplementation.
