Let the photo tell the story #6
- Setting: Giant Mountain Wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains in New York
- Main Character: Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
- Plot: a versatile forest beauty and a safe bet for amateur foragers
The mushroom that dates back centuries
For anyone who has spent time in the forests bustling with hardwood trees, I am sure you have encountered the infamous Turkey Tail. I was initially drawn to these mushrooms by their vibrant, rainbow-like display. Especially in the late autumn and winter months, when the forests are bare, the colorful concentric rings of the Turkey Tails are dreamy. Their ubiquity allows for widespread recognition and a diversity of uses. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Turkey Tails for centuries, and it is an approved medical treatment in Japan. In addition to their beauty, their health benefits are endless.
Some intriguing facts about Turkey Tails
With the plethora of information out there about Turkey Tail mushrooms, it is difficult to choose a select few to showcase. That being said, I have chosen to share these stunning insights that have tickled my intrigue:
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Turkey Tails were highly regarded for their age-defying and health-boosting properties. In addition to treating specific ailments, they were employed regularly to enhance health and vitality.
- Since the 1980s, Turkey Tail has been an approved natural medical treatment in Japan. This is due to compounds found in Turkey Tails exhibiting anti-cancer and immune-boosting effects.
- In addition to its anti-cancer properties, studies suggest its use for obesity, its probiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential as a treatment for diabetes.
If you are interested in learning more about the magnificent Turkey Tails, read more here from the World Mushroom Society. You can check out their references and further reading available in the article.
A confidence booster for an amateur forager
As an amateur forager—using the term “forager” loosely here, as I prefer to find and observe on hikes rather than pick them for later—I struggle to identify species. Or rather, I seldom feel confident in my predictions. There are look-alikes and minute details to confirm one species over another. Then again, correctly identifying mushrooms is not why I enjoy “foraging.” But I find it difficult to truly learn about mushrooms, or anything for that matter, if its species is unknown. Turkey tails are one of the few mushrooms I can more confidently identify. That is, I am 90% certain this mushroom species is Turkey Tail. If you can close that 10% gap, please let me know in the comments below! The beauty of Turkey Tails is that their look-alikes are not poisonous. Thus, a misidentified mushroom won’t land you in the emergency or, worse, the grave.
Happy Trails!
