Some mushrooms are highly sought-after for their use in cooking. Others get used for their medicinal benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms fall into the second category. They contain a number of beneficial compounds that make them worth consuming.
The problem is that you can’t simply eat turkey tail mushrooms like portobellos or oyster mushrooms. Their thick and woody structure makes them basically inedible to humans.
These mushrooms need to get prepared in specific ways if you want to benefit from them.
The good news is that preparing turkey tail mushrooms as a tea or supplement isn’t difficult.
In this article we’ll explain how you can use turkey tails for medicinal use. We’ll also go over how to find and identify them, what their benefits are and more. Keep reading to see if turkey tail mushrooms are something you might want to add to your daily health regimen.
And if you’re in the UK I’d love you to have a look at our MycoTonics range of medicinal extracts which includes Turkey Tail.
Turkey tail mushrooms are quickly gaining popularity for their unique flavor, texture, and potential health benefits. Though foraged in the wild, they can now also be purchased commercially, allowing more people to enjoy their culinary and medicinal properties. If you’re new to cooking with turkey tails, this complete guide will teach you everything you need to know, from initial cleaning to final preparation.
Turkey tail mushrooms, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, are a mushroom species that grows abundantly on decaying wood in forests around the world. They get their common name from their striking appearance – multiple thin, fan-shaped caps that resemble the fanned tail feathers of a turkey.
These mushrooms have an extensive history of use in traditional Eastern medicines, where they are revered for their potential immune-boosting and anti-cancer effects. Modern research has begun to confirm some of these beneficial properties, finding that turkey tail extracts may help strengthen the immune system, fight cancerous tumors, reduce inflammation, and support gut health.
In addition to their medicinal uses, turkey tails can also be an enjoyable edible mushroom, though their texture is quite tough if not prepared properly. When cooked well, they have an earthy, woodsy flavor that lends well to soups, teas, and stir fries
Choosing, Cleaning and Prepping Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Selecting High Quality Turkey Tails
When buying or foraging turkey tail mushrooms, look for specimens that are fresh, dry, and free of visible insect damage. The underside pore surface should be smooth and unbroken. Avoid any mushrooms that appear slimy, soggy or decayed. Ideally choose young, medium-sized caps that are flexible, not hard or brittle.
Cleaning Wild-Foraged Turkey Tails
For wild turkey tails, start by grooming off any debris, leaves or dirt particles using a soft brush or damp cloth Carefully trim away any excess wood or tough base portions with a knife or kitchen shears. Give the caps a quick rinse under cold running water and pat thoroughly dry with a clean towel before further prep
Pre-Cleaning Store-Bought Turkey Tails
Commercially grown turkey tail mushrooms just need a quick rinse, trim and pat dry before cooking. Check carefully for any grit remaining from the growing process and brush off if needed.
Slicing, Dicing and Chopping
Due to their fibrous texture, turkey tails should always be cut into smaller pieces before cooking You can slice them thinly, chop finely or dice into small cubes The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will become tender during cooking.
Rehydrating Dried Turkey Tails
If using dried turkey tail mushrooms, cover them with warm water and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This rehydration process helps significantly soften the texture. For quicker rehydration, you can also pour boiling water over the dried caps and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Methods for Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Sautéing or Stir-Frying
A quick sauté or stir-fry is a easy and delicious way to cook up turkey tail mushrooms. First, heat a skillet with a bit of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced or sliced mushrooms along with aromatics like garlic, ginger or onion. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are heated through and have released their moisture. Season as desired and serve!
Braising or Stewing
For more tender turkey tails with intense flavor, try braising or stewing the chopped mushrooms. Simply add them to any soup, stew or braise and allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes, until fork tender. The longer they cook, the softer they become.
Roasting
Roasting concentrates flavors beautifully. Toss prepared turkey tail pieces with a little oil, spread on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned, flipping halfway through. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy!
Adding to Hot Dishes
For a zero-effort method, you can chop turkey tails and add them directly to any simmering soup, sauce, oatmeal or grain dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. The high heat will help tenderize them nicely.
Brewing Mushroom Tea
To make a nourishing, earthy mushroom tea, simply steep chopped or powdered dried turkey tail mushrooms in freshly boiled water for at least 10 minutes. Strain and sip the tea on its own or blend with your favorite herbal tea. Add lemon, honey or ginger to taste.
Flavor Combos That Complement Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms have a lovely earthy flavor, but also do well with added seasonings. Here are some tasty combinations to try:
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Garlic, thyme, butter or olive oil – basic savory flavors
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Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger – Asian profiles
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Onions, carrots, celery – classic soup mirepoix
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Shiitake mushrooms, miso – umami bomb
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Chili flakes, cumin, cilantro – Mexican spices
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Lemon, parsley, dill – bright, herbal notes
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
In addition to their great taste, turkey tail mushrooms are packed with an array of beneficial nutrients and compounds, including:
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Polysaccharides – compounds that enhance immune function
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Antioxidants – reduce inflammation and cellular damage
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Prebiotics – promote beneficial gut bacteria
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Betaglucans – lower cholesterol and blood sugar
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Antitumor & immune-stimulating effects
Though research is still ongoing, the unique medicinal compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms hold exciting potential. Eating them regularly may support whole body wellness and a healthy microbiome.
Safety, Precautions and Storage
Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for most people to consume, however, some basic precautions apply:
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May interact negatively with certain medications like blood thinners and immunosuppressants. Those on prescription medications should consult their doctor before eating turkey tails.
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Can cause mild digestive upset if eaten raw or in excess. Cook them thoroughly and eat moderate amounts, especially when first introducing them to your diet.
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Fresh turkey tails are highly perishable. Store fresh mushrooms in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
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Dried turkey tails can be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
With their unique origin story, texture, flavor and nutrition profile, turkey tail mushrooms are an excellent ingredient to add to your culinary repertoire. Follow this complete guide to select, clean, prep and cook turkey tails properly for delicious results. Take care to enjoy them safely and you’re sure to benefit from integrating these medicinal mushrooms into your diet.
How To Find and Identify Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail mushroom identification is straightforward compared to many other species of mushrooms.
Turkey tail mushrooms don’t have any known poisonous look-alikes. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still try to positively identify them though.
You don’t want to go through all the work of collecting and preparing another type of mushroom that won’t provide the medicinal benefits that you’re looking for.
Here are some things to look for if you want to identify real turkey tail mushrooms.
When Are Turkey Tail In Season?
Depending on your location, turkey tail mushrooms may be available all year round. It will depend on the weather conditions and climate of your area.
In the Northern hemisphere, turkey tails are most common between May and December. They are particularly prevalent in the autumn and winter when most turkey tails will be releasing their spores.
How to prepare Turkey Tail and Puffball mushrooms
FAQ
What is the best way to use turkey tail mushrooms?
Can you eat turkey tail mushrooms raw?
How do you harvest and consume turkey tail mushrooms?