Witch's Brew Offering "Coffee with Benefits"

is the first Palm Harbor cafe to offer a new brand of coffee that contains an extract made from a medicinal mushroom.

According to Witch's Brew owner Lesley Klein, Organo Gold Gourmet Coffee is often referred to as a "coffee with benefits" because it contains Ganoderma extract, which is made from the medicinal reishi mushroom.

The reishi mushroom is also known as a red mushroom and has the scientific name of Ganoderma lucidum. According to Klein, it dates back to dynasties in China and has been used to treat certain ailments and promote good health. The government website, National Institute of Health says the reishi mushroom has been used extensively as "the mushroom of immortality" in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries for 2000 years. 

Klein says adding the coffee to the Witch's Brew cauldron of beverages seemed like the right thing to do, "I like the idea of coffee with benefits," she said.

Klein has been getting good feedback from her customers about the coffee and a tea that Organo Gold makes, which also contains Ganoderma extract.

"A lifelong tea drinker says the tea was among the nicest he's had," she said.

Palm Harbor resident, Tom Sevilla is the local distributer for Organo Gold Gourmet Coffee. He drinks the coffee and likes the effect it has on him, "It brings you up and keeps you level, so you have sustained energy," he said.

Organo Gold Gourmet Coffee beverages are available in several gourmet drinks at the Witch's Brew: Black Coffee, Latte, Mocha Latte, Green Tea & Hot Chocolate.  The cost for a cup is the same as a regular coffee or tea:  $2.00 for 12 oz cup of Black Coffee or Green Tea; $2.50 for a 16 oz cup; $3.00 for a 12 oz cup of Café Latte and $4.00 for a 16 oz cup. 

Various medical websites like rxlist, webmd and drugs.com have more information about the reishi mushroom. Of course, if you're curious about the safety of the reishi mushroom extract, or have concerns about possible interactions it may have with medications you take, be sure to talk with your doctor.

The Witch's Brew is a cafe and gathering spot with a magical theme. It is located in historic downtown Palm Harbor at 1219 Florida Ave. (727) 483-9210.