The 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 range from brown to blue, including orange and white.
This mushroom is not only aesthetically remarkable, but it is also studied for its therapeutic properties, recognized for centuries in traditional Asian medicine and now studied by modern science.
1. Identification and Habitat of the Turkey Tail
The Turkey Tail is a saprophytic mushroom, which means it feeds on decomposing organic matter. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to decompose dead wood, especially in temperate forests. It is generally found on the trunks and stumps of dead or dying trees, particularly those of deciduous trees such as oak, beech, and maple.
This mushroom is characterized by its concentric layers of different colors, which resemble the feathers of a turkey tail, hence its common name. Its top is velvety to the touch, while the underside has fine, tight pores. The cap sizes vary, but they generally measure from 2 to 10 cm wide. The Turkey Tail grows in a fan shape or tight rosettes, often in large groups that cover the bark like a colorful tapestry.
Common Lookalikes of Turkey Tail
1. Oyster mushroom :
The Stereum ostrea, often confused with the Turkey Tail, has similar colored bands but with a slightly more reddish hue. Unlike the Turkey Tail, this mushroom does not have pores on the underside of its cap, which classifies it among crust fungi rather than polypores. Additionally, the texture of Stereum ostrea is tough and fuzzy, making it inedible.
2. Trichaptum abietinum :
The Trichaptum abietinum is distinguished by its whitish or grayish color with violet hues. This fungus is a violet toothed polypore, meaning it has tooth-shaped pores under its cap. The Trichaptum abietinum grows on dead conifer wood 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 gills." This mushroom can reach a size of 10 centimeters and grows on dead deciduous trees or rotten wood. However, its hairy caps and tough gills make it inedible.
Differences between the True Turkey Tail and its Look-alikes
To distinguish a genuine Turkey Tail mushroom from fakes, several characteristics can be observed:
Color :
The true Turkey Tails display a range of colors from white to brown, including blue and gray. The 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 show white and purple margins.
Shape :
The true Turkey Tails have a fan shape and are stemless, while the look-alikes have unique shapes that differentiate them. The Trametes betulina, for example, has a flat kidney shape. Although the Trichaptum abietinum is also fan-shaped, it is distinguished by its toothed underside.
Pores :
A key detail to identify 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 gill-like pores of Trametes betulina and the absence of pores in Stereum ostrea.
Presence of Algae:
False Turkey Tail mushrooms can have greenish hues, indicating the presence of algae on their surface. For example, you will often notice a layer of algae on Stereum ostrea, whereas true Turkey Tails have much less, which helps you distinguish them.
Growth :
The true Turkey Tails have a flatter growth, with a flat or leveled surface and slow growth, taking one to two months to develop, appearing in dense, overlapping layers. In contrast, the false Turkey Tails, such as Stereum ostrea, tend to grow in an upward curved manner.
2. Medicinal Properties and Traditional Uses
The Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is a mushroom recognized and studied for its composition rich in polysaccharides, notably the polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and the polysaccharide K (PSK). These compounds have been the subject of scientific research regarding their interaction with the immune system.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used under the name yun zhi. Although some studies have explored its role as part of complementary treatments, its use should be considered within the framework of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Note: In accordance with European regulations on health claims (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006), no claim of immune system strengthening or disease prevention can be attributed to Turkey Tail without official scientific validation.
3. Modern Research and Therapeutic Potential
Immune Support
The Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) contains polysaccharides, including polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide K (PSK), which have been the subject of scientific studies regarding their interaction with the immune system. In Japan, PSK is used as part of medical treatments under clinical supervision.
Research is underway to better understand the effects of these compounds on the immune system. However, according to European regulations (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006), no specific health claim can be attributed to Turkey Tail without official validation.
Digestive Health and Prebiotic Effect
The Turkey Tail is a source of fibers and polysaccharides, which can be fermented by the gut flora. These compounds are studied for their potential role in maintaining a balanced intestinal microbiota. A diverse microbiota contributes to normal digestive function and better nutrient absorption.
Note: The effects of Turkey Tail on the immune system and digestive health are the subject of studies, but do not yet have claims authorized by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
4. How to Use Turkey Tail: Supplements and Preparations
The 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.
Powders and extracts of Turkey Tail 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 ensure that the product is made from organically grown Turkey Tail and tested for purity and polysaccharide concentration.
5. Cultivation of Turkey Tail: A Sustainable Approach
The cultivation of Turkey Tail is not only possible, but it also offers many ecological and economic benefits. This mushroom can be grown on substrates such as hardwood sawdust (like oak and beech) or even some conifers. This ability to grow on a variety of substrates makes it a flexible option for both domestic and commercial cultivation.
Moreover, the mycelium of Trametes versicolor is not only used for the production of medicinal mushrooms. It is also being explored in the manufacture of myco-materials, sustainable materials created from mushrooms. These materials can be used in a multitude of applications, ranging from biodegradable packaging to construction, offering an ecological alternative to conventional materials.
If you are interested in growing Turkey Tail at home, discover our mycelium on grain spawn of Trametes versicolor, ready to be used 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 be able to identify it correctly, as there are other similar-looking mushrooms that do not have the same medicinal properties and can even be toxic. It is always recommended to consult an experienced mycologist or undergo proper training before starting to forage.
Moreover, although Turkey Tail is generally well tolerated, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation, especially if you are undergoing medical treatment or have pre-existing health conditions.
Conclusion
The Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is truly a marvel of nature, both in its appearance and its various properties. Used for centuries in traditional medicines and supported by modern research, this mushroom offers the potential for a wide range of health benefits, particularly in immune support and digestive health. Whether you choose to use it as a decoction, powder, or extract, 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, Éditions Atlas,
- Shu Zhang, Yumi Sugawara, Shiuan Chen and 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, May 15, 2020, pp. 2712–2720 (ISSN 0020-7136, PMID 31486077, PMCID 7154543, DOI 10.1002/ijc.32591, read online [archive], accessed September 12, 2023)
