Are Turkey Tail mushrooms edible?

Turkey Tail mushrooms are scientifically known as Trametes versicolor. Known for their striking resemblance to the colorful plumage of a turkey's tail, these mushrooms are a common sight on dead logs and tree stumps. But the question on many foragers' and enthusiasts' minds is: Are Turkey Tails edible, and what should you know before considering them for your next dish?

Turkey Tails are technically edible, but they are not typically consumed for their culinary value due to their tough and chewy texture. Instead, they are most often used for medicinal purposes.

Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in compounds like polysaccharopeptides, including PSK and PSP, which have been studied for their immune-boosting properties. While you might not find them in a gourmet dish, Turkey Tails are commonly prepared as a tea or extracted into tinctures.

A Front Runner in Medicinal Mushrooms

Turkey Tail stands out in the medicinal mushroom community for several reasons. It has been the subject of extensive research, particularly in its role in supporting cancer treatment and enhancing the immune system.

PSK, known as Krestin in Japan, is approved as an adjuvant cancer treatment, helping to improve the survival rates of patients with certain cancers when used in conjunction with conventional therapy. Its immune-modulating effects are not just beneficial for cancer patients but also for those looking to enhance their overall immune resilience.

Foraging and Use

For those interested in harnessing the benefits of Turkey Tail mushrooms, foraging can be a rewarding endeavor. These mushrooms are relatively easy to identify with their concentric rings of varying colors and their ubiquitous presence on dead wood. However, proper identification is crucial, as there are similar-looking species. Once properly identified and harvested, Turkey Tail mushrooms are typically dried and then boiled or steeped to make a healing tea or extracted into tinctures.

While they are not typically consumed like gourmet mushrooms due to their chewiness, they can still be used in cooking to extract their healthful compounds, primarily through long simmering processes like making teas or broths. Here's how you can prepare and cook Turkey Tail mushrooms:

How to cook turkey tails?

Turkey Tail Tea

Ingredients:

• Dried Turkey Tail mushrooms
• Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the Turkey Tail mushrooms by gently brushing off any dirt or debris. If you've foraged them, ensure they're properly identified and safe to consume.
2. Slice or Break: If the mushrooms are large, break them into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
3. Simmer: Place the mushrooms in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the mushrooms to simmer for 1-2 hours. The longer you simmer, the more concentrated the tea will become.
4. Strain: After simmering, strain the liquid to remove all mushroom pieces. The resulting liquid will have a dark color.
5. Serve: Drink the tea as is, or add a sweetener like honey or sugar to taste. Some people mix the tea with other herbal teas to improve the flavor.

Turkey Tail Broth

Ingredients:

• Dried Turkey Tail mushrooms
• Water
• Optional: Onions, garlic, ginger, herbs, and other vegetables for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Clean the Turkey Tail mushrooms and prepare any additional vegetables or herbs you'll be using by chopping them into large pieces.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the Turkey Tail mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs. Cover with water.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 2-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavors and compounds will be extracted.
4. Strain: Strain the broth to remove all solid pieces. You should be left with a flavorful and healthful broth.
5. Serve: Use the broth as a base for soups, stews, or drink it on its own. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes on Cooking Turkey Tail Mushrooms:

• Turkey Tail mushrooms are incredibly tough and are not softened by typical cooking methods. Therefore, they are not used for culinary purposes in the same way as other mushrooms like Portobello or Button mushrooms.
• The primary method of 'cooking' is extraction into teas or broths, where the beneficial compounds are drawn out over long periods of simmering.
• After making tea or broth, the remaining mushroom material is usually discarded as it remains tough and woody.
• Always ensure mushrooms are well cleaned and correctly identified before use.

Remember, while Turkey Tail mushrooms are not your typical kitchen ingredient, they can still be a valuable addition to your diet through these preparation methods, primarily aimed at accessing their potential health benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new medicinal foods into your diet, especially if you have health conditions or are taking medications.