Humans have been using medicinal mushrooms for hundreds of years, but in the West, these important fungi are only now starting to get the attention they deserve. This group of potent mushrooms includes the well-known shiitake, a mainstay of stir-fries, and the almost eerie cordyceps, which emerges from a live caterpillar in the wild.
Without a doubt, ingredient lists for a range of products that promote health, like ground coffee and nutrition snacks, now include these superfoods. If you want to incorporate mushrooms into your diet in a sustainable way, we recommend making your own at home!
There are nearly endless benefits to consuming mushroom powders. From overall immunity to improved cognition, functional mushrooms are considered superfoods for a reason. Below is a short list of some of our favorite benefits.
Mushroom powders are easy to use and incorporate into your daily routine. You can add them to recipes, dissolve them in water, or mix them with your preferred beverage for an extra nutritional boost.
There are several methods for creating your own medicinal mushroom powders, but these are our two favorites. The first is quite simple, while the second is a little more complicated. Choose the method that works best for you.
Are you ready to unlock the power of turkey tail mushrooms? This versatile medicinal fungus boasts a wealth of health benefits, and making your own turkey tail powder is a fantastic way to incorporate it into your daily routine. While the process may seem daunting at first this guide will walk you through each step, making it easy and accessible for everyone.
Before we dive in, let’s address a common question:
Is it possible to just boil and simmer whole turkey tails before drying and powdering them?
A: While this method is simpler, it may not extract the full range of beneficial compounds. Turkey tail’s tough cell structure, called chitin, is indigestible by humans. Our hot water extraction method breaks down this barrier, ensuring you reap the maximum benefits.
Now. let’s get started!
1. Gather Your Tools:
- Turkey tail mushrooms (fresh or dried)
- Scissors or knife
- Drying rack or dehydrator (optional)
- Food processor or blender
- Stock pot
- Large pan
- Sheet pan
2, Clean and Prepare Your Turkey Tails:
- Fresh mushrooms: Gently wipe off any debris with a toothbrush or damp rag. Avoid submerging them in water.
- Dried mushrooms: Rehydrate by soaking in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Cut the mushrooms into small pieces for faster drying.
3. Dry Your Turkey Tails:
- Air-drying: Arrange the pieces on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area for 6-12 days, flipping them occasionally.
- Dehydrator: Spread the pieces on dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 115°F (46°C) for 12-24 hours, checking every hour after the 12th hour.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°F (65°C), crack the door open, and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet. Dry for 3-4 hours until brittle and leathery.
4. Process the Dried Tails:
- Pulse the dried pieces in a food processor or blender until you achieve a coarse powder. Don’t worry if some pieces remain larger; this is normal due to the tough nature of turkey tail.
5. Extract the Beneficial Compounds:
- Place the coarse powder in a stock pot and add just enough water to cover it.
- Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, allowing the water to turn a rich brown color and the mushroom scent to fill your home.
- Reduce the liquid by simmering until it becomes a thick sludge.
6. Dry the Extract:
- Spread the thick sludge on a sheet pan and dehydrate using your preferred method:
- Oven: 150°F (65°C) for 2-3 hours.
- Dehydrator: 115°F (46°C) for 4-8 hours.
- Air-drying: Several days in a warm area, breaking up the pieces as they dry.
7. Powder the Dried Extract:
- Break the dried extract into smaller pieces and blend it into a fine powder. This ensures easy storage and use.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own turkey tail mushroom powder. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Now, let’s explore the incredible benefits of turkey tail:
- Boosts Immune System: Turkey tail contains polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which modulate the immune system, enhancing its response to various threats.
- Supports Brain Health: Studies suggest turkey tail may improve cognitive function, reduce mental fog, and protect against age-related decline. It also possesses potential as a treatment for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Promotes Gut Health: Turkey tail acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a balanced microbiome. This can aid digestion, metabolism, and weight management.
- Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties: Turkey tail boasts a range of antioxidant and antibacterial compounds, potentially protecting against infections and chronic diseases.
Recommended Dosage:
Aim for a daily consumption of 1-3 grams of turkey tail powder for maximum benefits. It can be added to smoothies and soups, or it can be encapsulated for convenient consumption.
Remember: Turkey tail is not a miracle cure, but it’s a powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy its benefits and experience the positive impact it can have on your well-being!
To make a mushroom extract powder:
- If using fresh mushrooms, give the fruiting bodies a quick wash or brush if necessary. Chop the mushrooms finely and add them to a big pot that has ten times as much water as the mushrooms need. Simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Allow to cool completely. Place all the ingredients in a blender with the water and fruiting bodies, and blend until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Dry the mixture. This can be achieved by either pouring the mixture onto baking trays that have been lightly oiled and placed in an oven set to the lowest setting with the door ajar, or by pouring it onto fruit leather trays in a dehydrator set to 95°F.
- Using a food processor or spice grinder, chop the dried mixture into small pieces and blend it into a fine powder.
Method 2: Make an Extract Powder
Method two is a bit more complicated, but it has its benefits. Using this technique, an extract is first made in order to extract more of the fungi’s medicinal properties. After the extract is made, we’ll need to dry it before processing.
Note: If you plan on making a powder out of reishi antlers, we highly recommend this method. Reishi’s leathery texture makes it more challenging to powder without first creating an extract.
Turkey Tail Extract 2018 – Super easy to make / very healthy mushroom -Trametes versicolor tincture
FAQ
How to make turkey tail mushroom into a powder?
How much turkey tail mushroom powder should I take?
Can you make turkey tail mushroom powder at home?
Turkey tail has a slew of science-backed benefits, and making a mushroom powder is one of the most versatile ways to enjoy them. The process is somewhat complicated, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Read on to learn how you can make turkey tail mushroom powder at home and discover how it can improve your everyday life.
How do you use turkey tail mushroom powder in tea?
Conveniently include nutrients from turkey tail powder (or other functional mushroom) in teas using two simple steeping methods. Using a teapot, kettle, or saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add turkey tail mushroom powder to a tea infuser and place in the hot water or stir directly into the water.
How to cook turkey tail mushrooms?
Clean the turkey tail mushrooms and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add all the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned.
What is turkey tail powder?
The powder is created by drying (or dehydrating) crushed whole turkey tail mushroom bodies. Turkey tail powder often has a woody, soft taste that can be easily added into smoothies, coffee, tea (or even boiled as its own tea), various foods, and more. Turkey tail powder is great to use for a boost of antioxidants, nutrition, and fiber.