The Turkey Tail, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, is a fascinating mushroom named for its visual resemblance to a turkey's tail, due to its colored bands ranging 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, meaning it feeds on decomposing organic matter. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping decompose dead wood, especially in temperate forests. It is typically found on trunks and stumps of dead or dying trees, especially deciduous ones like oak, beech, and maple.
This mushroom is characterized by its concentric layers of different colors, reminiscent of a turkey's tail feathers, hence its common name. Its top is velvety to the touch, while the underside has fine, tight pores. Cap sizes vary but generally measure 2 to 10 cm wide. The Turkey Tail grows in fans or tight rosettes, often in large groups that cover bark like a colorful tapestry.
Common Lookalikes of the Turkey Tail
1. Stereum ostrea :
The Stereum ostrea, often confused with the Turkey Tail, shows similar color bands but with a slightly more reddish tint. Unlike the Turkey Tail, this mushroom has no pores on the underside of its cap, classifying 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 purple hues. This mushroom 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, arranged in concentric zones of varied colors, hence its nickname "multicolored gilled polypore." 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 Lookalikes
To distinguish a true Turkey Tail mushroom from the fakes, several characteristics can be observed:
Color:
True Turkey Tails display a range of colors from white to brown, including 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 show white and purple margins.
Shape:
True Turkey Tails have a fan shape and are stemless, while look-alikes have unique shapes that differentiate them. Trametes betulina, for example, has a flat kidney shape. Although 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 show 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:
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. Conversely, false Turkey Tails, such as Stereum ostrea, tend to grow curved upwards.
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 a complementary treatment, its use should be considered within the context 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
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) contains polysaccharides, including polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide K (PSK), which have been scientifically studied for their interaction with the immune system. In Japan, PSK is used as part of medical treatments under clinical supervision.
Research is ongoing 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
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 gut 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 being studied but do not yet have authorized claims by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
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 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 polysaccharide concentration.
5. Cultivation of Turkey Tail: A Sustainable Approach
Cultivating Turkey Tail is not only possible but 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 home 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 eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials.
If you are interested in cultivating Turkey Tail at home, discover our grain spawn of Trametes versicolor, ready to be used on your favorite substrates to start your own production.
6. Harvesting and Safety
If you wish to harvest your own Turkey Tail, it is essential to know how to identify it properly, as there are other similar mushrooms that do not have the same medicinal properties and may even be toxic. It is always recommended to consult an experienced mycologist or undergo proper training before foraging.
Furthermore, although the 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 preexisting health conditions.
Conclusion
The Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is truly a marvel of nature, both in appearance and in its diverse properties. Used for centuries in traditional medicines and supported by modern research, this mushroom offers the potential for a wide range of health benefits, notably in immune support and digestive health. Whether you choose to use it as a decoction, powder, or extract, the 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, , p. 2712–2720 (ISSN 0020-7136, PMID 31486077, PMCID 7154543, DOI 10.1002/ijc.32591, read online [archive], accessed )
