Where to Buy Turkey Tail Mushrooms Near Me: A Complete Guide

Turkey tail mushrooms have exploded in popularity recently thanks to their many potential health benefits. As interest in these medicinal mushrooms grows, you may be wondering – where can I buy turkey tail mushrooms near me?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying turkey tail mushrooms locally or online. We’ll discuss

• What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
• Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
• Where to Find Turkey Tail Mushrooms Near Me
• Buying Dried vs. Fresh Turkey Tail Mushrooms
• How to Store and Prepare Turkey Tail Mushrooms
• Frequently Asked Questions

So if you’re ready to try out these nutrient-packed mushrooms, read on to find out where you can get your hands on them!

What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?

Turkey tail mushrooms known scientifically as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor are a common polypore mushroom found throughout the world. They grow on dead logs and tree stumps in many different habitats.

These mushrooms get their name from the brown and tan bands on their caps that vaguely resemble the tail feathers of a turkey. They have a tough, leathery texture and contain many different health-promoting compounds.

Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Modern research has shown they contain polysaccharides, antioxidants, and other beneficial substances.

So what exactly are the health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms? Let’s take a look:

Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

There is promising scientific research that turkey tail mushrooms may offer various health benefits:

• May Boost Immune Function – Turkey tail contains beta-glucans that stimulate the immune system. Some studies show turkey tail may help boost immunity in people undergoing chemotherapy.

• Rich in Antioxidants – Contains antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids that combat cellular damage from free radicals. This helps reduce oxidative stress.

• May Support Gut Health – Polysaccharides in turkey tail feed beneficial gut bacteria. This helps maintain a healthy microbiome.

• Potential Anti-Cancer Effects – Test tube and animal studies show turkey tail extracts may suppress tumor growth. More research is needed to confirm effects in humans.

With all of these potential benefits, it’s no wonder people are interested in trying turkey tail mushrooms! Now let’s look at where you can find them near you.

Where to Find Turkey Tail Mushrooms Near Me

Turkey tail mushrooms grow wild throughout many parts of North America and other regions. Foraging for them is one option if you’re lucky enough to have them growing near you!

However, most people will need to buy turkey tail mushrooms from a store or online supplier. Here are some of the best places to find turkey tail mushrooms close to home:

At Natural Grocery Stores

Specialty grocers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare, and Natural Grocers sometimes carry fresh or dried turkey tail mushrooms. Check the produce or supplement section to see if they have any in stock.

At Local Farmers Markets

Mushroom farmers or foragers at farmers markets may offer fresh turkey tail mushrooms when they are in season. Ask vendors if they plan to have any available.

From Online Suppliers

Several websites sell dried turkey tail mushrooms that can be shipped right to your door. Foraged.com and ForestMushrooms.com are two good online sources.

From Local Foragers

You may be able to buy freshly foraged turkey tails from mushroom foraging companies in your area. Search online directories or social media to find foragers near you.

Grow Your Own

It is possible to inoculate logs with turkey tail mushroom spawn to grow your own. This requires patience and the proper growing conditions.

As you can see, you have several options for finding turkey tail mushrooms in your neighborhood or buying them online. But should you choose fresh or dried turkey tails?

Buying Dried vs. Fresh Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey tail mushrooms are most commonly sold in dried form, but you can occasionally find them fresh too. Here’s a quick comparison of dried vs. fresh turkey tails:

Dried Turkey Tail

• More widely available online and in stores
• Longer shelf life of 1-2 years
• Less expensive
• Easier to use for making extracts and teas

Fresh Turkey Tail

• Fresh mushroom flavor – not rehydrated
• Better texture when cooked
• Can see quality clearly
• Don’t have to rehydrate before using
• Shorter shelf life of 2-3 weeks

For medicinal uses, dried turkey tail mushrooms are usually the better choice. But if you want to cook with them, fresh turkey tail can be ideal.

Either way, be sure to store them properly and prep them as needed before using.

How to Store and Prepare Turkey Tail Mushrooms

To get the most out of your turkey tail mushrooms, you’ll need to store and prepare them correctly:

Storing Turkey Tail Mushrooms

• Fresh – Refrigerate in paper bag for up to 3 weeks. Do not wash before storing.

• Dried – Keep in airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1-2 years.

Rehydrating Dried Turkey Tail

• Soak in hot water for 2 hours until softened. Use 1 cup water per 1 oz mushrooms.

• Save soaking liquid to use for teas, broths, etc.

Cooking Fresh Turkey Tail

• Clean dirt off mushroom caps. Slice mushrooms into 1/4″ strips.

• Saute, stir-fry, or add to soups, stews, etc. Cook for about 5-10 minutes.

• Can also be brewed into a broth or tea. Simmer fresh mushrooms in water for 15-60 minutes.

Be sure to thoroughly cook turkey tail mushrooms, as they can cause digestive upset if undercooked. With the proper storage and preparation, you can enjoy all the healthy benefits these medicinal mushrooms have to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy turkey tail mushroom supplements?

Turkey tail supplements made from mushroom extracts are often found in natural grocery stores, vitamin shops, and online retailers like Amazon and iHerb. Look for capsules from reputable brands.

Are turkey tail mushrooms safe to eat?

Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for most people when thoroughly cooked. However, some people may experience digestive upset if they eat them raw or undercooked. proceed with caution when first eating them.

Can I find turkey tail mushrooms in the wild?

Yes, turkey tail mushrooms grow on dead logs and stumps in forests throughout much of the world. However, correct identification is crucial if foraging for them yourself.

Do turkey tail mushrooms go bad?

Fresh turkey tail mushrooms will eventually spoil within 2-3 weeks. Dried turkey tails can last 1-2 years if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Why are turkey tail mushrooms so expensive?

Wild turkey tail mushrooms are very labor intensive to collect, since they have a tough, woody texture and grow in small clusters. Cultivating them is also challenging and yields are typically low. The intensive labor increases prices.

The Bottom Line

Thanks to their powerful potential health benefits, turkey tail mushrooms are growing in popularity. While you may be able to forage for them, most people will need to buy turkey tail mushrooms near them or order online. Talk to natural grocers, farmers markets, online suppliers, and local foragers to get your hands on some. Choose fresh or dried turkey tails depending on your needs. Then store and prep them correctly to enjoy their full medicinal value. Incorporate turkey tail mushrooms into your diet today to start reaping the many purported benefits of this ancient Chinese medicinal mushroom!