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 gaining popularity for their potential health benefits and versatility in the kitchen. But many people are unsure how to properly prepare and eat them. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about enjoying turkey tail mushrooms.
What are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are a type of medicinal mushroom that grows on decaying logs in temperate forests around the world
They get their name from their striking fan-shaped appearance that resembles the fanned tail feathers of a turkey. Turkey tail mushrooms come in an array of earthy colors including shades of brown, red, blue, orange, grey, and green.
Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to boost immunity and overall health. Modern research is now confirming many of the traditional health claims associated with this mushroom.
Studies show that turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides and other compounds that may provide the following benefits
- Strengthen the immune system
- Possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties
- Support gut health and digestion
- Reduce inflammation
- Antioxidant effects to combat cell damage
However, most of the research has been limited to lab studies so more clinical trials are still needed But the promising health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms make them worth adding to your diet.
Where to Find Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Foraging for turkey tail mushrooms in the wild can be challenging since they blend into their environment and can be hard to spot. It’s also essential to be 100% certain of identifying turkey tail since some lookalike mushrooms are poisonous.
The easiest way to source turkey tail mushrooms is to purchase them. You can buy turkey tail mushroom products such as extracts, powders and dried mushrooms from specialty stores, online retailers, and some grocery stores.
When buying, opt for organic and wild-harvested turkey tail mushrooms whenever possible.
How to Prepare Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Proper preparation is key to enjoying turkey tail mushrooms and getting the most out of their potential benefits. Here are some tips for preparing them:
Cleaning
Give fresh turkey tail mushrooms a thorough wash under running water to remove dirt and debris. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth if needed. Trim away any woody or moldy bits with a knife.
Drying
To extend shelf life and make turkey tail easier to use, you can dry them. Arrange in a single layer on trays and dry in the oven at the lowest temperature, around 150°F, for 6-8 hours. A dehydrator set at 100°F can also be used. Check them periodically until completely dry and brittle.
Storing
Dried turkey tail mushrooms will keep for up to one year stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Rehydrating
Soak dried turkey tails in warm water for 30 minutes before cooking to rehydrate them and enhance flavor.
Slicing/Shredding
Turkey tail mushrooms have a tough, chewy texture. Slice them thinly or grind into a powder to make them easier to eat.
Cooking
Most people don’t eat turkey tail mushrooms raw. Lightly cook them to improve digestibility.
How to Eat Turkey Tail Mushrooms
There are endless ways to eat turkey tail mushrooms. Here are some of the most popular preparation methods:
Powder
Grind dried turkey tail mushrooms into a fine powder using a coffee or spice grinder. This powder can be stirred into smoothies, teas, soups, broths, baked goods, etc. It provides a nutritional boost without altering flavor.
Tea
Steep dried turkey tail mushroom pieces or powder in hot water for 10-15 minutes. You can drink turkey tail tea on its own or use it as the liquid when cooking grains or making soups and sauces.
Tinctures
A turkey tail tincture made by soaking the mushrooms in alcohol can help extract some of their beneficial compounds. Follow dosage on product labels as extra strength tinctures are very concentrated.
Soups and Broths
Add turkey tail mushrooms pieces or powder to any soup or broth recipe. They work well in mushroom, miso, veggie, chicken, and bone broths.
Grain Bowls
Use turkey tail mushrooms as a topping for grain bowls alongside veggies, greens, beans etc. You can sauté fresh turkey tail or simply sprinkle dried powder on top.
Omelets and Frittatas
Chopped or powdered turkey tail mushrooms make a savory addition to omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs.
Stir-fries
Sauté thinly sliced turkey tail mushrooms with your favorite veggies, garlic, ginger and stir-fry sauce.
Sauces and Gravies
Blend turkey tail powder into any savory sauce, gravy, or dip. Or simply use turkey tail mushroom tea as the liquid when making sauces.
Salad Topper
Sprinkle dried turkey tail powder onto green salads for added flavor and nutrition. The mushrooms pair well with creamy or tangy dressings.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Most sources recommend against eating raw turkey tail mushrooms. Cooking them breaks down the tough cellular walls and improves digestibility. Consuming them raw poses a slightly higher risk of side effects like digestive upset.
However, some people do reportedly eat them raw or drink the raw juice pressed from fresh turkey tail mushrooms. If you choose to try them raw, do so in very small amounts and discontinue use if any side effects occur.
How Much Turkey Tail Mushroom Should You Take?
There is no official recommended dosage for turkey tail mushroom. Extract powders and capsules generally suggest 1-3 grams per day. When drinking turkey tail mushroom tea, most people consume 1-3 cups per day.
Some studies using higher doses like 6-9 grams daily have shown immune boosting and anti-cancer effects. It’s best to start with small amounts and gradually increase to find the dosage that works for you. Be sure to buy from reputable sources and follow package directions.
Potential Side Effects
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered very safe but a few potential side effects can occur:
- Diarrhea or digestive upset if too large a dose is consumed
- Allergic reactions in those with mushroom allergies
- May interact with certain medications so check with your doctor
- Increased risk of side effects when eaten raw
Discontinue use if any unpleasant reactions occur and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
With their tantalizing flavor, nutritional qualities, and evidence-based health benefits, turkey tail mushrooms deserve a spot in your routine. Follow the preparation methods in this guide to safely unlock their full potential. Incorporate turkey tail mushrooms into your diet and enjoy experimenting with the many ways to eat them.
Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Besides boosting your immune system, turkey tail also offers some promising effects for those suffering from more serious chronic ailments as well.
You should note that many of these studies were only conducted on animals. Information on how turkey tail mushrooms impacts humans is limited. So you should always speak to your doctor before adding turkey tail mushrooms to your health regime.
Reduced insulin resistance. The first major effect of taking turkey tail as a supplement is that it can significantly reduce your blood sugar levels. It also improves insulin resistance. In people with type 2 diabetes, this could be great news.
It means that taking turkey tail extract could reduce the amount of insulin that a diabetic has to take. Plus also help to keep their blood sugar more stable.
Fighting HPV. One study on the effects of turkey tail mushroom on patients with HPV (the most common sexually transmitted infection) shows very promising results. 88% of those who received treatment with turkey tail had improved results, compared to just 5% of those in a control group.
May improve existing cancer treatments. There doesn’t seem to be any evidence that turkey tail mushrooms on their own are capable of curing cancer. But when combined with chemotherapy or other treatments, taking turkey tail seems to improve their effectiveness.
One study showed a 9% lower 5-year mortality when combined with chemotherapy. Compared to cancer patients who received just chemotherapy alone.
Preventing obesity. Turkey tail mushrooms contain a substance called beta-glucan which may be helpful in preventing obesity. In a study with mice, those given beta-glucan from turkey tail mushrooms had less weight gain on a high fat diet compared to those mice who were just fed a high fat diet but no turkey tail. https://youtu.be/MclboojL_Pc
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.
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FAQ
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