'Brain-boosting' mushrooms now growing in NZ

A variety of a well-known mushroom touted as having brain boosting qualities is being cultivated at scale in New Zealand for the first time.`Lion's mane' mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, which some studies show can stimulate neuron growth. The fungus is native to Asia and found in European and North American forests. New Zealand's biosecurity laws only allow for the importation of the dried, powdered, Lion's mane product, not spores for propagation. Raglan based Sean Mills has worked for several years to develop a fungus which is a close relative to the Lion's mane. He and his team are now cultivating 400 kilograms of the fresh mushrooms a week for customers here and in Australia