Turkey Tail mushrooms contain various pigments, including phenols, which give them a range of colors, from browns to deep blues, blacks, and grays. These pigments protect the mushroom from UV radiation and environmental stresses.
Fun Fact:
The banded pattern and iridescent effect of turkey tails are also a result of structural coloration. The unique arrangement of the fungal cells within the mushroom's surface layers causes light to scatter and reflect in different ways, creating a rainbow-like or velvety appearance. This is similar to how butterfly wings and peacock feathers produce color.
Turkey Tail is a highly medicinal mushroom that grows on hardwood, has beautiful multicolored zones and it is very easy to identify. Although not directly edible due to its tough texture, they can be made into a powder and boiled or made into a tincture when covered with ethanol for 2 weeks, then diluted or boiled to remove the alcohol. Contains a cancer therapy drug sold under the name Krestin, PSK that has recently gained approval by the FDA for adjunct cancer therapy due to its lack of toxicity while modulating and improving immune function during chemotherapy.
Cap
Fan shaped, thin, silky and velvety, with concentric zones of various colors
Fertile Surface
Porous, white to gray, with white spore print
Stipe
None present
Look-alikes
Trichaptum biforme
Purple-tinged Polypore
Lenzites betulina
Gilled Polypore
Stereum ostrea
False Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail (Left)
vs.
False Turkey Tail (Right)
False Turkey Tail
(Alternate View)
| Edibility & Taste | Tough but sweet, better powdered |
| Grows On | Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Elm, Eucalyptus, Hickory, Honey Locust, Maple, Oak, Plum, Poplar, Douglas Fir, Fir, Pinon Pine, Spruce |
| Fruiting Temps | 70˚F/21˚C– Wild fruiting occurs typically in late summer and persists all winter |
| Availability | Year-round |
Nutritional Benefits
Nutritional content of 1 cup (86 grams)
-
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat:<1 gram
- Fiber: 30 grams
- Beta-Glucans: 3-6 grams
- Polysaccharides: 12 grams
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Medicinal Benefits
High in:
- Beta-Glucans PSP/PSK (known for their immune-supporting properties. These compounds enhance the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, helping the body fight infections and potentially inhibiting tumor growth)
- Antioxidants (including phenols and flavonoids which help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress that can lead to inflammation, cellular damage, and chronic disease.)
- High fiber content, which acts as a prebiotic (feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced microbiome. A healthy gut is associated with improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and better mental health.)
- Vitamin D (plays a crucial role in bone health and immune function)
Fun Fact:
Variations in moisture, light exposure, and the specific substrates where the fungi grow can also influence the shades and intensity of the colors in turkey tails.
Mycoremediation Potential
- Contains Laccase and peroxidase, which are capable of breaking down complex organic molecules, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in oil, gasoline, and coal tar
- Decomposes pesticides and herbicides
- Biosorption of heavy metals
- Biodegradation of Green Polyethylene
- Biodegradation of antibiotics and hormone disruptors
- As a wood-decaying fungus, turkey tail is adept at breaking down lignin and cellulose, the primary components of plant material. This ability translates well to environments where plant-based waste is an issue, such as in agricultural or paper industry waste.
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I love the turkey tails! I bought the spawn and my mushrooms won’t stop fruiting! I’ve had 3 giant flushes so far. They have awesome bags that grow quickly.
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Helped me grow my own gourmet mushrooms... Easy ordering and prompt shipping... And beautiful fruits!!!
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Ordered turkey tail to plug some logs and had some questions and they helped me right away. Great product and fast free shipping.
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Growing Instructions
Turkey tail mushrooms grow on logs, whether natural or inoculated. Leave your log outside to fruit naturally when the conditions are right. Heavy rainfall or a drop in temperature will cause your log to fruit.
Click the links below for growing instructions!
Click the links below for growing instructions!
Links
- Read: How to Plug Stumps
- Read: How to Plug Logs
- Explore our Dried Turkey Tail Mushrooms
- Explore our Immunity Blend Extract
- Explore our Turkey Tail Double Extract
- Explore our Turkey Tail Plug Spawn
- Explore our Turkey Tail Sawdust Spawn
- Zone Fruiting Map
Recipe
Turkey Tail Mushroom Double Extract with Herbs
Ingredients:
– Dried Turkey Tail Mushrooms (Trametes versicolor): 2 cups, chopped or powdered
– Dried Astragalus Root: 1 cup (immune-supportive)
– Fresh Ginger Root: 1/2 cup, chopped (anti-inflammatory and warming)
– Dried Elderberries: 1/2 cup (antioxidant-rich and antiviral)
– Vodka or Grain Alcohol: Enough to submerge the mushrooms (at least 40% ABV)
-Filtered Water (for decoction)
Optional: Honey (for sweetening after extraction)
Directions:
Step 1- Alcohol Extraction
1. Place the turkey tail mushrooms, astragalus root, and ginger in a glass jar.
2. Pour enough vodka (or grain alcohol) over the ingredients to fully submerge them.
3. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Step 2- Water Decoction
1. After the alcohol extraction period, strain the liquid into a separate jar and set it aside.
2. Transfer the strained mushrooms and herbs into a pot. Add elderberries and enough filtered water to cover the ingredients.
3. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-4 hours, adding water as needed to keep the herbs submerged.
4. Let cool, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Step 3- Combine the Extracts
1. Measure the volume of the water decoction. Combine it with the alcohol extract in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio (water decoction to alcohol).
2. Stir well, and transfer the final extract into amber glass bottles for storage.
Dosage:
• Take 1-2 dropperfuls (approx. 1-2 mL) daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Store the extract in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
This herbal blend balances the immune-boosting properties of turkey tail with the warming and antiviral qualities of ginger, elderberries, and astragalus.
– Dried Turkey Tail Mushrooms (Trametes versicolor): 2 cups, chopped or powdered
– Dried Astragalus Root: 1 cup (immune-supportive)
– Fresh Ginger Root: 1/2 cup, chopped (anti-inflammatory and warming)
– Dried Elderberries: 1/2 cup (antioxidant-rich and antiviral)
– Vodka or Grain Alcohol: Enough to submerge the mushrooms (at least 40% ABV)
-Filtered Water (for decoction)
Optional: Honey (for sweetening after extraction)
Directions:
Step 1- Alcohol Extraction
1. Place the turkey tail mushrooms, astragalus root, and ginger in a glass jar.
2. Pour enough vodka (or grain alcohol) over the ingredients to fully submerge them.
3. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Step 2- Water Decoction
1. After the alcohol extraction period, strain the liquid into a separate jar and set it aside.
2. Transfer the strained mushrooms and herbs into a pot. Add elderberries and enough filtered water to cover the ingredients.
3. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-4 hours, adding water as needed to keep the herbs submerged.
4. Let cool, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Step 3- Combine the Extracts
1. Measure the volume of the water decoction. Combine it with the alcohol extract in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio (water decoction to alcohol).
2. Stir well, and transfer the final extract into amber glass bottles for storage.
Dosage:
• Take 1-2 dropperfuls (approx. 1-2 mL) daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Store the extract in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
This herbal blend balances the immune-boosting properties of turkey tail with the warming and antiviral qualities of ginger, elderberries, and astragalus.
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