Trametes versicolor, popularly known as the Turkey Tail mushroom, is found worldwide. It is abundant in North America, China, and Japan. It gets its vivid name from its appearance—it looks like a turkey’s tail. It is functional and non-toxic, and different communities have used them for their medicinal properties for centuries.
Unfortunately, there are lookalikes of Turkey Tail mushrooms without the wellness compounds this mushroom is known for. Fortunately, these duplicates are non-toxic. But since they are nowhere as beneficial as the original, there is no point in consuming them.
Turkey Tail has made a name in the world of functional mushrooms. Today, you will find tinctures, capsules, and Turkey Tail mushroom gummies that make enjoying its benefits easy. If you want to know how we pinpoint the original or simply want to add new insights to your mushroom knowledge, here it is!
5 Tips to Identify Turkey Tail Mushrooms
● They Have a Rich Brown Color
The shape and color of ripe Turkey Tail mushrooms look just like a turkey’s tail. They sport rich browns and, often, multicolored stripes aligned with the contours of their shape.
● The Bottom is White
Next, check the shroom’s underside. If it is bright white, it’s a fresh Turkey Tail.
● There is No Algae
If you see algae growing on what you thought was Turkey Tail, you have picked up a lookalike. Algae do not grow on the original Turkey Tail.
● Numerous Tiny Pores
The mushroom’s underside should be filled with tiny holes known as a polypore. We recommend carrying a small hand lens, so if you have picked up a lookalike that feels smooth, you can use the lens to be sure.
● Soft and Dry to the Touch
Checking the texture is another step. Turkey Tail mushrooms typically feel soft and flexible, almost velvety to the touch, but their overall feel is dry and tough.
Lookalikes of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Several shrooms look like Turkey Tails, but only the original mushroom is used to make supplements like the best turkey tail mushroom capsules. You’re most likely to run across these:
● Stereum ostrea: False Turkey Tail
Identify a False Turkey Tail by looking at the underside of the mushroom. If you notice that the bottom is pore-free and completely smooth, it is not Turkey Tail. Although not a typical identifier, a False Turkey Tail can curve upward at the edges, whereas the original may have more plane growth.
● Trametes betula: Gilled Polypore
Gilled Polypore or Maze Polypore mimics a Turkey Tail pretty closely. Like ostrea, checking the underside will tell you the difference.
● Violet Toothed Polypore: Trichaptum biforme
This one’s just as common in the forest. Check the underside for pores. Additionally, you will see that the cap is different. The margin of this lookalike is usually purple or lilac, unlike Turkey Tail, which has a white margin.
Enjoy Turkey Tail Without the Hard Work
Do you want to reap the benefits of this shroom without the hard work? Get Essential Mushroom’s Turkey Tail mushroom supplements. Pop a gummy, swallow a capsule, or go sublingual with our tincture.
Also Read: Mushroom Benefits For Men and Women
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