Not sure how to go about brewing chaga chunks? Never fear! There are a few ways you can brew chaga chunks tea, which I’ll detail in this blog. Not really a reader? Not to worry,
Click here to see our instructional video!
Crockpot Method
Step 1: Use 1 golf-ball-sized Birch Boys Chaga Chunk per 1 gallon of water. In the image below, you can see that I used a few smaller Chaga Chunks to get the right amount.
Step 2: Add your chaga chunk(s) and water to your crockpot
Step 3: Set your crockpot on low and brew for 3-5 hours or until desired darkness is reached.
Step 4: Now that you’re finished brewing your chaga tea, you have a few options to finish the process. You can serve and enjoy the tea right away, add spices to make chaga chai, refrigerate it to make iced chaga tea or you can continue to steep on low and add water to your crockpot as needed so that you can enjoy warm chaga tea over the course of a few days.
When you are finished brewing, make sure to reuse your wild chaga chunk. Place the used chunk in a plastic bag and store in the freezer. You can use the chaga chunk 2-3 more times or until it no longer produces a dark brew.
Crockpot Method Tips and Tricks
Refrigeration: You can store chaga tea, covered, in the fridge for up to two weeks. However, it is best served within one week.
Tasty Additions: Once you’ve poured your cup feel free to add in extras such as; maple syrup, caramel and a pinch of salt, your favorite coffee creamer, or anything else that you can think up.
Want to boost your morning coffee? Simply use your brewed chaga tea in place of water when making coffee. This makes a delicious chaga coffee with many benefits.
Stovetop Method
Step 1: Use 1 Birch Boys Chaga Chunk per 1 gallon of water
Step 2: Add your chaga chunk(s) and water to your pan/pot
Step 3: Simmer or boil (there’s lots of controversy about whether or not to boil chaga and the truth is that it’s personal preference) until the desired color of chaga tea is reached. This usually doesn’t take more than 15-30 minutes depending on your particular stove model.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy! Or store in the fridge to make a delicious iced tea.
When you are finished brewing, make sure to store your chaga chunk for reuse! Place the used chaga chunk in a plastic bag and store in the freezer. You can use the chaga chunk 2-3 more times or until it no longer produces a dark brew.
Stovetop Method Tips, Tricks and FAQ
Refrigeration: You can store chaga tea, covered, in the fridge for up to two weeks. However, it is best served within one week. If you want a sweeter iced tea, feel free to add in your sweetener before refrigeration for a smooth sip.
Tasty Additions: Once you’ve poured your cup feel free to add in extras such as; maple syrup, caramel and a pinch of salt, your favorite coffee creamer, or anything else that you can think up.
Want to boost your morning coffee? Simply use your brewed chaga tea in place of water when making coffee.
What to do with a spent chaga chunk
Wondering what to do with your spent organic chaga chunks? Whatever you do, don’t throw it in the trash! There are many things you can do with spent wild chaga chunks.
Firstly, you can dry your Chaga chunk back out in a place with good airflow and use it as incense, or kindling for a fire. Chaga has been used in this way for thousands of years.
Secondly, you can compost your chaga chunk or just toss it in your yard. Chaga chunks are a piece of sterile sclerotium, not reproductive mushroom, so you don’t have to worry about chaga reproducing in your compost or yard, the chunk will simply breakdown and return to nature as nature intended.
*A Word of Warning* - Some people mistakenly think that the chunk of chaga is edible. The actual chunk/pulp itself is inedible and we do not recommend eating raw chaga.
I hope you enjoyed this instructional by Birch Boys. How do you brew your chaga chunks? Do you brew them for coffee? Do you add other flavors? Have more questions? Let us know in the comments! Whatever you do, make sure to keep Chaga’n on.