Turkey tail mushroom, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, is a medicinal mushroom known for its impressive health benefits. With a rich history, this colourful mushroom got its name due to its resemblance to a wild turkey's fanned-out tail.
Revered in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in China and Japan, where it was used for its immune-boosting benefits, in India, with our rich culinary heritage of spices and plant-based healing, turkey tail mushroom has become a popular fungus. The article explores the history, health benefits, and uses of turkey tail mushrooms.
History Of Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushrooms have a history stretching back over 2,000 years. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, they have been widely used to promote longevity. They became popular as a powerful adaptogen, helping the body manage stress and improve resilience. In recent years, Western medicine has begun to study turkey tail mushrooms, particularly for their anticancer properties. They contain compounds like polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which have immune-modulating effects.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Turkish Tail Mushrooms?
Here are some health benefits of this edible fungi:
Boosts Immune Health
Turkey tail mushrooms contain beta-glucans. This ingredient is beneficial for fighting infections and boosting overall immunity stimulating the immune system
Keeps Oxidative Stress Away
These mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenols, which help to fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Potential Anticancer Properties
Compounds like PSK and PSP in turkey tail mushrooms inhibit cancer growth and enhance chemotherapy's effectiveness in the long run.
Enhances Liver Health
Known for their detoxifying effects, turkey tail mushrooms support liver function and help remove toxins from the body.
Also Read: Enoki mushrooms: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses And Recipe Of This Wild Fungi
Culinary Uses of Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushrooms are tougher and chewier than others, making them better suited for teas, soups, and slow-cooked dishes. They can be powdered, sliced thin, or used to make broths. In Indian cuisine, their earthy flavour pairs well with aromatic spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper, creating nourishing dishes. Here are two Indian-inspired recipes that highlight the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms
Turkey Tail Mushroom And Lentil Soup
This hearty, immune-boosting soup combines the earthy flavors of turkey tail mushrooms with protein-packed lentils and traditional Indian spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried turkey tail mushrooms, thinly sliced or broken into small pieces
- 1 cup and rinsed red lentils
- 1 small, chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 4 cups mushroom broth
- Fresh chopped cilantro to garnish
- Lemon wedges optional
Method
- In a pan, add ghee, once hot add cumin seeds, letting them crackle
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until the onions turn golden brown
- Add turmeric and coriander powder and stir it occasionally
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for some more time
- Add turkey tail mushrooms and cook until they become soft
- Pour in the vegetable or mushroom broth, followed by red lentils. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are fully cooked and the mushrooms have softened.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves
Also Read: Oyster Mushrooms: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses And Side Effects
Turkey Tail Mushroom Chai
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried turkey tail mushrooms, broken into small pieces
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 4 green crushed cardamom pods
- 5 to 6 whole cloves
- Fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup almond or regular milk (optional)
- 2 tsp honey (optional)
Method
- In a tea pan combine turkey tail mushrooms, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer
- Strain the tea into cups and sweeten with honey or jaggery according to taste
- Enjoy this mushroom chai warm as a soothing, antioxidant-rich beverage
Inspired by the soothing flavours of Indian chai, this turkey tail mushroom tea is a warming drink packed with antioxidants and immune-supportive benefits.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Edible Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting Quality Life
María Elena Valverde, Talía Hernández-Pérez
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4320875/
