Turkey Tail , scientifically known as Trametes versicolor , is a fascinating mushroom that gets its name from its visual resemblance to a turkey's tail, due to its colored bands that vary from brown to blue, orange and white.
This mushroom is not only aesthetically remarkable, but is also revered for its medicinal properties, recognized for centuries in traditional Asian medicine and now studied by modern science.
1. Identification et Habitat du Turkey Tail
The Turkey Tail is a saprophytic mushroom, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding in the decomposition of dead wood, especially in temperate forests. It is usually found on the trunks and stumps of dead or dying trees, especially those of hardwoods such as oak, beech and maple.
This mushroom is characterized by its concentric layers of different colors, reminiscent of the feathers of a turkey tail, hence its common name. Its top is velvety to the touch, while the underside has fine, tight pores. Hat sizes vary, but are generally 2 to 10 cm wide. Turkey Tail grows in fans or tight rosettes, often in large groups that cover the bark like a colorful tapestry.
Common Resemblances of Turkey Tail
1. Stereum ostrea :
The Stereum ostrea, often confused with the Turkey Tail, has similar color bands, but with a slightly more reddish tint. Unlike the Turkey Tail, this mushroom does not have pores on the underside of its cap, which classifies it as a crust fungus and not as a polypore. Additionally, the texture of Stereum ostrea is leathery and fluffy, making it inedible.
2. Trichaptum abietinum :
The Trichaptum abietinum is distinguished by its whitish or grayish color with purple nuances. This mushroom is a purple toothed polypore, meaning it has tooth-like pores under its cap. Trichaptum abietinum grows on dead wood of conifers and reaches sizes of 1 to 4 centimeters, but it is also inedible.
3. Trametes betulina :
The Trametes betulina has visible pores on the underside of its cap, which are arranged in concentric zones of various colors, hence its nickname "multicolored polypore with blades". This fungus can reach a size of 10 centimeters and grows on dead deciduous trees or rotten wood. However, its hairy caps and leathery blades make it inedible.
Differences between the Real Turkey Tail and its Lookalikes
To distinguish a real Turkey Tail mushroom from fake ones, several characteristics can be observed:
Color :
Real Turkey Tails come in a range of colors from white to brown, blue and gray. False Turkey Tails, such as Stereum ostrea and Trichaptum abietinum, do not have this full range of colors. For example, a fresh Trichaptum abietinum may have white and purple margins.
Shape :
Real Turkey Tails have a fan shape and are stemless, while lookalikes have unique shapes that set them apart. The Trametes betulina, for example, has a flat kidney shape. Although the Trichaptum abietinum is also fan-shaped, it is distinguished by its serrated underside.
Pores :
A key detail in identifying Turkey Tails is the presence of tubular pores under their cap. You might need a magnifying glass to observe them! A true Turkey Tail has between three and eight pores per millimeter. These tiny pores differ from the lamellar pores of Trametes betulina and the absence of pores in Stereum ostrea.
Presence of Algae :
False Turkey Tail mushrooms may have green tints, indicating the presence of algae on their surface. For example, you'll often notice a layer of algae on Stereum ostrea, while true Turkey Tails have much less, which helps you tell them apart.
Growth :
True Turkey Tails have flatter growth, with a flat or level surface and slow growth, taking one to two months to develop, appearing in dense, overlapping layers. Conversely, false Turkey Tails, such as Stereum ostrea, tend to grow in an upward curved manner.
2. Medicinal Properties and Traditional Uses
Turkey Tail has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine under the name yun zhi. It is prized for its immunomodulatory properties and is often used to strengthen the immune system, fight infections and improve overall vitality.
The main active compounds in Turkey Tail are polysaccharides, including polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide K (PSK). These compounds are known for their stimulating effects on the immune system, which has led to their use as part of complementary treatments for serious diseases, including cancer.
3. Modern Research and Therapeutic Potential
Immune Support
The polysaccharides present in Turkey Tail have shown powerful immunomodulatory effects, capable of stimulating the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells. PSK , in particular, is used in Japan as an adjunct to chemotherapy treatments for patients with certain cancers, including breast cancer and gastric cancer. Studies have shown that PSK can help prolong patient survival by boosting the immune response and inhibiting tumor growth.
In addition to its use in oncology, Turkey Tail is also being studied for its potential to combat viral infections, including the herpes virus and the of human immunodeficiency (HIV). Although this research is still ongoing, the preliminary results are promising and open the way to new medical applications of this mushroom.
Digestive Health and Prebiotic Effect
Turkey Tail is also known for its benefits on digestive health. The polysaccharides it contains act as prebiotics, nourishing the good bacteria in the gut and promoting a healthy microbiome. A balanced microbiome is essential for optimal digestion, efficient nutrient absorption and a robust immune system.
4. How to Use Turkey Tail: Supplements and Preparations
Turkey Tail can be consumed in various forms, including decoction, powder, or extract. Decoctions are prepared by boiling the dried mushroom in water to extract the beneficial compounds. These decoctions are often used as a base for medicinal herbal teas.
Turkey Tail powders and extracts are commonly used as dietary supplements. They are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, whether by adding them to smoothies, soups, or taking them in capsule form. When choosing a supplement, it is important to verify that the product is made from organically grown Turkey Tail and tested for purity and concentration. polysaccharides.
5. Culture of Turkey Tail: A Sustainable Approach
Growing Turkey Tail is not only possible, but it also has many ecological and economic advantages. This mushroom can be grown on substrates such as sawdust from hardwoods (like oak and beech) or even some softwoods. This ability to grow on a variety of substrates makes it a flexible option for home and commercial growing.
Moreover, Trametes versicolor mycelium is not only used for the production of medicinal mushrooms. It is also being explored in the manufacturing of myco-materials , sustainable materials created from fungi. These materials can be used in a multitude of applications, ranging from biodegradable packaging to construction, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials.
If you are interested in growing Turkey Tail at home, check out our Trametes versicolor mycelium on mycelium on grains , ready to use on your favorite substrates to start your own production.
6. Harvesting and Safety
If you want to pick your own Turkey Tail, it is essential to know how to identify it, as there are other similar mushrooms that do not have the same properties medicinal, or can even be toxic. It is always recommended to call on an experienced mycologist or follow appropriate training before embarking on picking.
Furthermore, although Turkey Tail is generally well tolerated, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation, especially if you are following medical treatment or if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Conclusion
The Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is truly a marvel of nature, both in terms of its appearance as well as its medicinal properties. Used for centuries in traditional medicines and supported by modern research, this mushroom offers a wide range of health benefits, including immune support and digestive health. Whether you choose to use it in decoction, powder, or extract form, Turkey Tail is a valuable addition to any wellness routine.
Sources :
- Bart Buyck, Susan McCrann, Yves Crapez, Rémy Gallart, Jean-Pierre Rascol, The Secret World of Mushrooms, Paris, Atlas Editions,
- Shu Zhang, Yumi Sugawara, Shiuan Chen et Robert B. Beelman, « Mushroom consumption and incident risk of prostate cancer in Japan: A pooled analysis of the Miyagi Cohort Study and the Ohsaki Cohort Study », International Journal of Cancer, vol. 146, no 10, , p. 2712–2720 (ISSN 0020-7136, PMID 31486077, PMCID 7154543, DOI 10.1002/ijc.32591, lire en ligne [archive], consulté le )
