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 culinary versatility and potential health benefits. But many people are unsure how to eat this unique ingredient. This guide will provide tips on preparing cooking, and savoring turkey tail mushrooms.
What are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are a polypore mushroom species found growing on decaying wood worldwide. They get their name from their distinct fan or turkey tail-like appearance.
These mushrooms are packed with polysaccharides like beta glucans and antioxidants. Some research indicates they may provide immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
Buying and Storing Turkey Tail Mushrooms
You can find dried turkey tail mushrooms at some health food stores specialty grocers and online. Choose mushrooms that look intact without mold, dirt, or signs of dampness.
Store dried turkey tails in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They will keep for up to one year. Fresh turkey tails don’t store well, so plan to use them soon after purchasing or foraging.
Preparing Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Cleaning
Fresh turkey tails should be cleaned just before using. Gently brush off any debris with a soft brush or damp towel. Slice off any damaged or particularly tough sections with a paring knife.
Rehydrating
To rehydrate dried turkey tail mushrooms, place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 30 minutes to soften. Drain, squeeze out excess moisture, and chop or slice as desired before cooking.
Drying
To dry fresh turkey tail mushrooms, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at the lowest oven temperature, around 150°F, for 6-8 hours. Turn the mushrooms occasionally until completely dried. A dehydrator set to 100°F for 6-8 hours also works well.
Cooking Methods
Turkey tail mushrooms have a chewy, fibrous texture. They’re best when sliced thin or torn into pieces before cooking.
Sautéing
Sauté fresh or rehydrated turkey tails in olive oil over medium heat. Cook until lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, or other herbs and spices.
Soups and Stews
Chopped turkey tail pieces work well in hearty soups and stews. Try them in miso soup, vegetable broth, or mushroom-barley stew.
Stir Fries
Sliced turkey tails pair nicely with Asian-style veggies and sauces in a stir fry. Try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free sauce.
Baking
Fresh turkey tail caps or whole mushrooms can be baked at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to intensify their flavor. They develop a pleasant, chewy texture.
Powders
Grind dried turkey tails into a powder to use in soups, sauces, broths, and as a supplement. Add to smoothies too.
Making Turkey Tail Tea
One of the most popular ways to consume turkey tail mushrooms is in tea form. To make:
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Place dried turkey tail pieces in a teapot or mug. Use approximately 1 tablespoon per cup of water.
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Pour just-boiled water over the mushrooms and steep for at least 10 minutes.
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Strain the mushrooms out before drinking. Add lemon, honey or spices to taste.
Drink 1-3 cups of turkey tail tea per day. The tea keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What Turkey Tail Mushrooms Taste Like
Turkey tail mushrooms have an earthy, woody, and mildly bitter taste. When cooked, they develop a pleasant umami flavor. Their texture remains quite firm and chewy.
To balance the strong mushroom flavors, pair turkey tail with garlic, herbs, broths, lemon, or sweet ingredients like honey. They work well in blend of mushrooms too.
Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Early research indicates turkey tail mushrooms may offer some health benefits, including:
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Immune-boosting effects: Compounds like polysaccharides may enhance immune cell function.
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Anti-inflammatory properties: Antioxidants help fight inflammation.
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Anti-cancer potential: Turkey tail may help prevent tumor growth and spread.
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Prebiotic benefits: The fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
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Antiviral effects: Compounds may combat viruses like HPV and boost recovery.
More human research is still needed to confirm many of these potential medicinal effects. Talk to your doctor before using turkey tail mushrooms medicinally.
Possible Side Effects and Interactions
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, potential side effects can include:
- Digestive upset if consumed in excess
- Allergic reactions
- Blood-thinning effects
Turkey tail may also interact with immunosuppressant and chemotherapy drugs. Those with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should exercise caution with turkey tail or consult their doctor first.
Tips for Enjoying Turkey Tail Mushrooms
- Start with small amounts of turkey tail to assess tolerance. Drink 1 cup of tea or eat 1-2 tablespoons daily.
- Chop, slice, or grind the tough mushrooms before cooking to soften their texture.
- Soak dried turkey tails before using to improve texture. Discard the soaking water.
- Add turkey tail powder to dishes for a nutritional boost without altering texture.
- Mask the bitter taste by pairing with umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or miso paste.
- Brew turkey tail tea using a tea ball or strainer to remove mushroom pieces before drinking.
With their impressive nutrient profile and earthy, umami flavor, turkey tail mushrooms make a great addition to soups, teas, and other dishes. Follow proper preparation tips to get the best texture and taste from these chewy fungi. Moderation is key, especially when consuming turkey tail mushrooms for their potential health benefits.
How to Harvest Turkey Tail
If you’re heading into the woods in search of turkey tail mushrooms, it’s best to bring a small sharp knife with you. This tool will help you to easily separate the mushrooms from tree trunks and logs.
Smaller mushrooms can simply be twisted off by hand.
Where to Purchase Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Some larger pharmacies and drug stores may carry turkey tail mushrooms. They are more of a niche product though. So depending on where you live, you may have trouble finding them.
So then where to buy turkey tail mushrooms if they aren’t available in nearby stores?
Most people who purchase turkey tail mushrooms will buy them online in capsule or powdered form.
It is rare to find a company selling whole dried turkey tails, either online or in-person.
When buying turkey tails, pay special attention to the ingredients. High-quality products will contain only turkey tail mushroom fruit bodies. Lower-quality products will also contain mycelium, primordia and spores which contain little to no medicinal value.
How to prepare Turkey Tail and Puffball mushrooms
FAQ
Who should not take turkey tail mushrooms?
Can you just eat turkey tail mushrooms?
Can I eat raw turkey tail mushrooms?
What’s the best way to consume turkey tail mushrooms?
Are turkey tail mushrooms edible?
The turkey tail mushroom is edible but rather chewy, which is why it’s most commonly served as a tea or a powder in capsule form. It’s often found combined with other mushrooms as a supplement. It’s best to buy organic to avoid toxins that may be found in the soil. Mushrooms are porous and will soak up the surrounding environment.
How do you eat turkey tail mushrooms?
Simply grind the dried mushrooms in a food processor or coffee grinder until you have a fine powder. This powder is perfect for seasoning meats, veggies, and soups. Brew Mushroom Tea: Turkey tail mushrooms make a delicious tea that is perfect for boosting your immune system.
Is turkey tail mushroom good for You?
The turkey tail mushroom is a powerhouse fungus with a multitude of documented benefits. The 8 benefits of eating turkey tail mushroom include boosting the immune system, helps fight cancer, improves nervous system function, and other benefits. The turkey tail mushroom is a powerhouse fungus with a multitude of documented benefits.
Can turkey tail mushrooms make tea?
Diverging from the traditional culinary landscape, turkey tail mushrooms unfurl their potential in the realm of teas. A poetic infusion emerges when these mushrooms steep in hot water for a span of 10-15 minutes, producing a tea brimming with nuanced flavors and wholesome resonance.