Some mushrooms are highly sought-after for their use in cooking. Others get used for their medicinal benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms fall into the second category. They contain a number of beneficial compounds that make them worth consuming.
The problem is that you can’t simply eat turkey tail mushrooms like portobellos or oyster mushrooms. Their thick and woody structure makes them basically inedible to humans.
These mushrooms need to get prepared in specific ways if you want to benefit from them.
The good news is that preparing turkey tail mushrooms as a tea or supplement isn’t difficult.
In this article we’ll explain how you can use turkey tails for medicinal use. We’ll also go over how to find and identify them, what their benefits are and more. See if adding turkey tail mushrooms to your regular health routine is something you should consider doing by reading on.
Ever felt captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of turkey tail mushrooms? Well now you can cultivate these fascinating fungi in your own backyard with this easy-to-follow guide!
What are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are a type of polypore mushroom that grows in overlapping, fan-shaped formations on logs and stumps. They are characterized by their vibrant colors, ranging from orange and yellow to brown and black, and their distinctive concentric zones
Benefits of Growing Turkey Tail Mushrooms:
Beyond their captivating aesthetics, turkey tail mushrooms offer a plethora of health benefits. They are known to possess potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties making them a valuable addition to any health-conscious individual’s diet.
How to Grow Turkey Tail Mushrooms:
Growing turkey tail mushrooms is a relatively straightforward process that can be accomplished in three easy steps:
1. Log Preparation:
- Cut the logs: Select healthy, living trees and cut them into logs measuring 3-8 inches in diameter and 36-40 inches in length. It’s crucial to cut the logs during the dormant season and let them rest for at least two weeks before inoculation.
- Drill the holes: Using a drill, create evenly spaced holes across the surface of the logs. The number of holes will depend on the size of the log.
- Inoculate and seal: Fill the holes with turkey tail mushroom spawn, which can be purchased online or at specialty mushroom suppliers. Seal the holes with wax to prevent contamination and retain moisture.
- Label the logs: Clearly label the logs with the date of inoculation and the type of mushroom spawn used. This will help you keep track of your progress and identify any potential issues.
2. Incubation and Moisture Management:
- Incubate the logs: Place the inoculated logs in a shaded, humid environment with temperatures between 50-70°F. A greenhouse or a shaded area under trees is ideal.
- Manage moisture: Regularly check the moisture content of the logs and mist them with water if necessary. The logs should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Harvesting Mushrooms:
- Monitor for fruiting: After several months, you should start to see small, white bumps emerging from the holes. These are the primordia, the initial stage of mushroom growth.
- Harvest when mature: Once the mushrooms have reached their full size and color, carefully cut them from the logs with a sharp knife.
Additional Tips:
- Use hardwood logs: Turkey tail mushrooms prefer to grow on hardwood logs such as oak, maple, and birch.
- Avoid contaminated logs: Ensure the logs you use are free from any signs of disease or insect infestation.
- Be patient: Growing turkey tail mushrooms requires patience. It can take several months for the mushrooms to fruit.
Growing turkey tail mushrooms is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty and health benefits of these fascinating fungi. By following these simple steps, you can cultivate your own turkey tail mushrooms and reap the numerous rewards they offer.
Where Do Turkey Tail Mushrooms Grow?
You can find turkey tail mushrooms almost anywhere in the world. They also grow year-round.
Therefore, wherever you live, these are among the simplest mushrooms to find in the wild. You can go out into pretty much any forest and find turkey tail mushrooms with a little luck.
When looking for turkey tails, pay special attention to hardwood trees. Look near the base of dead stumps, on the trunks of downed trees, or even on branches. Although turkey tails mostly grow on hardwood, you can sometimes find them on coniferous trees as well.
How to Harvest Turkey Tail
The best thing to have with you when searching for turkey tail mushrooms in the woods is a small, sharp knife. This tool will help you to easily separate the mushrooms from tree trunks and logs.
Smaller mushrooms can simply be twisted off by hand.
How to Grow Turkey Tail Mushrooms at Home
FAQ
How long does it take to grow turkey tail mushrooms?
Is turkey tail hard to grow?
How long does it take for turkey tail to colonize?
What happens if you take too much turkey tail mushroom?