Turkey Tail Mushroom Coffee – Easy Guide | SolidGrounds
The turkey tail mushroom has been used in Chinese and Japanese medicine for over 1000 years but is now gaining popularity in the West for its health benefits. Extracts of turkey tail mushrooms are being infused into coffee to create a medicinal beverage that proponents claim can boost immunity, reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and possibly even combat cancer. Research shows the bioactive compounds in turkey tail mushrooms, like polysaccharides and antioxidants, offer evidence-backed benefits ranging from supporting immune function to having anti-tumor effects.
Preparing turkey tail mushroom coffee simply involves brewing or infusing coffee beans with 500-1000mg turkey tail powder per cup. However, the article advises exercising caution as side effects are possible for some. It’s recommended to use pure certified organic extract and to consult a doctor before adding this supplement, especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medications.
Foraging in the Forest for Health with Turkey Tail Mushroom Coffee
Deep in the old growth forests of North America and Europe grows Trametes versicolor, commonly known as the turkey tail mushroom due to its striking bands of color resembling the feathers of a turkey. Valued in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for over 1,000 years as a tonic for vitality and longevity, the humble turkey tail mushroom is now gaining notoriety in the Western world for being brewed into a medicinal coffee beverage.
Proponents claim that infusing coffee beans or grounds with concentrated extracts of turkey tail mushrooms creates a supercharged elixir that can boost immunity, fight inflammation, enhance digestion, and even protect against diseases like cancer. The combination of turkey tail’s purported therapeutic bioactive compounds with coffee’s caffeine kick is part of the appeal for adventurous health seekers. But does the fusion of forest fungi and stimulating java live up to the hype when examined under the microscope of science?
What Does the Research Say?
Modern studies focused specifically on health impacts of consuming turkey tail mushroom coffee are limited. However, extensive research has demonstrated bioactive polysaccharides and antioxidants present in Trametes versicolor mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelium offer a range of evidence-backed benefits:
Immunity & Cold/Flu Defense
Compounds like polysaccharopeptides (PSPs) and triterpenoids structurally resemble human immune receptors and act as immune system modulators, increasing resistance to infections. Human trials show turkey tail extracts support quicker recovery and reduced severity/duration of upper respiratory infections.
Gut & Digestive Support
Prebiotics in turkey tail feed healthy gut microbiota, reducing gastric inflammation to ease digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea. The mushroom also combats growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and candida overgrowth.
Anti-Tumor Effects
Unique complex sugars called beta-glucans inhibit development and spread of cancer cells, preventing angiogenesis (creation of blood vessels to feed tumors). Combining with chemotherapy enhances outcomes for certain cancers.
Antioxidant Protection
High concentrations of ergosterols neutralize excess free radicals that can damage DNA and other cell structures if too abundant due to factors like stress, pollution, poor diet, etc. This helps slow cellular aging.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Steroids like polyporenic acid C offer systemic inflammation regulation without side effects of NSAIDs, benefitting inflammatory conditions throughout the body and brain.
Energy Enhancement
Caffeine from coffee paired with B vitamins like riboflavin in turkey tail provide steady energy and mood lift without crashes later. Some report cognitive boost as well.
Preparing Your Own Turkey Tail Mushroom Coffee
Getting these tantalizing benefits is as easy as infusing pre-made coffee or brewing beans with turkey tail mushroom powder, available from specialty retailers focused on medicinal mushrooms. To avoid fillers and additives, look for pure extract from certified organic sources extracted using dual-extraction into both hot water and ethanol. 500-1000mg per 6 ounce cup is an effective dose. True aficionados seeking the highest quality make their own extract at home to have fresher potency. Pairing turkey tail with other antioxidant-rich mushrooms like chaga can enhance benefits even more.
The rich, exotic flavor profile of turkey tail mushroom coffee takes well to the addition of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and vanilla. Consuming 1-2 cups daily allows you to tap into over a thousand years of traditional mushroom medicine wisdom, fused with the satisfying richness of coffee.
Exercise Caution As You Forage for Fungi
While relatively safe for most people when high quality ingredients are used in reasonable amounts, some side effects are possible if improperly consumed. Allergic reaction can occur with any mushroom product in sensitive people. High doses may produce gastrointestinal upset or drowsiness in some. Those on immunosuppressant drugs should avoid turkey tail due its effects on immune response. As with any new supplement routine, consult your physician before adding medicinal mushroom coffee to your diet, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on prescription medications, to ensure safety based on your health status.
FAQs and Answers
Can I grow Turkey Tail Mushroom at home for my coffee?
Yes, it is possible to grow turkey tail mushrooms at home to use for making your own turkey tail mushroom coffee! Here are some tips:
- You will need a shady spot outdoors to grow turkey tail mushroom spawn plugs or inoculate logs. They thrive in cool, damp areas in partial shade. Having trees nearby helps.
- Purchase plug spawn or liquid mushroom culture containing Cerioporus squamosus mycelium (the scientific name for turkey tail mushrooms). Reputable mushroom growing supply shops sell these.
- Inoculate fresh oak or other hardwood logs by drilling holes and inserting plug spawn. Or soak cardboard/burlap and apply liquid culture. Keep moist and wait 4-12 months for full colonization & fruiting.
- Once turkey tail mushrooms form, harvest them when the caps are still flattened. Then dehydrate thoroughly (using food dehydrator).
- Process dried turkey tails into a fine powder (using blender, coffee grinder etc). Store in airtight jar away from light/moisture.
- To make turkey tail mushroom coffee, use 1-2 teaspoons powder per cup of coffee. Can also make extracts for even more concentrated effect.
It takes patience but cultivating your own turkey tail mushrooms allows you to grow organic mushroom material for coffee at a lower cost. And it’s a fun, rewarding hobby for mushroom enthusiasts!
Where to buy Turkey Tail Mushroom for coffee?
Here are some recommendations for where to buy turkey tail mushroom powder or extract for making your own turkey tail mushroom coffee at home:
- Online: There are several e-commerce retailers that specialize in medicinal mushroom supplements and powders. Some reputable options include:
- RealMushrooms.com – They have organic certified turkey tail powder
- FourSigmatic.com- Sells certified organic blended mushroom coffee with turkey tail
- MushroomRevival.com – Range of high-quality mushroom extracts
- Specialty Health Stores: Stores focused on supplements, nutrition and natural health may carry turkey tail mushroom powder or extracts. Popular chains to check include:
- Whole Foods Market
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Earth Fare
- Amazon: Turkey tail mushroom powder and extracts can be found with various brands/prices on Amazon. Look for products with certifications like USDA organic, non-GMO verified etc.
- DIY: You can grow your own turkey tail mushrooms at home too fairly easily and make your own extracts or powders. Useful for controlling quality + freshness.
Look for organic certified pure turkey tail mushroom from responsible sources free of fillers, additives. Dosage is often 500-1000mg powder per serving, with capsules/tinctures as convenient options too.
Are there ready-to-use Turkey Tail Mushroom coffee on the market?
Yes, there are several ready-to-use turkey tail mushroom coffee options available on the market these days to make enjoying the potential benefits of this medicinal beverage convenient:
- Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee With Turkey Tail – This blend combines instant coffee with turkey tail and chaga mushrooms along with adaptogen herbs like rhodiola rosea. Just add hot water.
- Real Mushrooms Turkey Tail Coffee – Pre-ground coffee beans infused with Duanwood Reishi, Cordyceps, turkey tail and other mushroom extracts. USDA organic certified.
- Peak Performance Organic Mushroom Coffee – Contains a blend of coffee beans with turkey tail, cordyceps, lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms. Sold in convenient k-cups.
- Hive Medicinals Mushroom Coffee – Turkey tail powder along with other mushrooms like cordyceps are combined with high-quality light roast coffee beans.
- JAVA Organique Mushroom Coffee – This is an instant mushroom coffee with turkey tail plus chaga and other antioxidant ingredients. Lab tested for purity.
- Om Organic Mushroom Coffee – Coffee blended with turkey tail, chaga and adaptogens like astragalus root. Non-GMO, fair trade.
So there are quite a few ready-made options that make getting the benefits of turkey tail into your daily coffee simple. Be sure to follow preparation guidelines and suggested dosage amounts.
How do I add Turkey Tail Mushroom powder to coffee?
Adding turkey tail mushroom powder to your regular coffee is easy. Here are some tips:
- Purchase high-quality organic turkey tail mushroom powder. Dosage recommendations are typically 500mg to 1000mg per cup of coffee.
- Measure out the desired amount of turkey tail powder and mix it thoroughly with a small amount of hot water first. This will dissolve the powder fully to avoid clumping when added to coffee.
- Brew coffee as normal, using your preferred beans, brew method (drip, pour over, french press etc) and flavor add-ins. Make sure it’s piping hot when turkey tail mix is added.
- Add the pre-mixed turkey tail mushroom powder mixture into the freshly brewed coffee. Stir well with a spoon to fully dissolve and incorporate the powder.
- You can add other supplements if desired too like coconut oil, ghee or collagen powder. Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup or stevia if desired.
- Drink immediately for maximum potency from compounds in the dissolved turkey tail mushrooms. Effects can start being felt within 30-60 minutes typically.
- Store any leftover coffee with turkey tail powder in an airtight container in the refrigerator and drink within 12-24 hours.
Let the robust flavor and health giving goodness of turkey tail mushrooms infuse into your daily cup of joe! Adjust amounts based on benefits experienced.
What devices you need to make a perfect Turkey Tail Mushroom coffee?
Here are the key devices that would be helpful to have on hand for making high quality turkey tail mushroom coffee at home:
Coffee Grinder – A burr grinder or manual grinder allows you to grind whole coffee beans evenly for consistent extraction and full flavor. Freshly ground beans make the best base for mushroom coffee blends.
Measuring spoons – Accurately measuring out supplements like turkey tail powder is important to achieve the effective dosages to experience benefits. Stainless steel spoons allow precise measurements.
Food scale (optional) – For the most precision, using a food scale to weigh dosages of turkey tail powder can allow you to replicate optimal mushroom amounts. Helpful for experiments to determine ideal dose.
Coffee maker – Specialty coffee makers like French press, pour over or cold brew machines extract robust coffee concentrates perfect for pairing with earthy mushroom tastes. But standard budget drip makers work too.
Thermometer – Water heated to the ideal 195-205°F temperature range extracts the most beneficial compounds from medicinal mushrooms added to coffee. Use a thermometer to check.
Frother/whisk – If making mushroom infused coffee beverages with steamed milk like lattes or cappuccinos, a battery milk frother or whisk creates lovely airy texture.
High speed blender (optional) – Blending turkey tail infused coffee concentrates with ingredients like MCT or coconut oil and butter creates a frothy “bulletproof” style beverage for energy and cognition.
With these devices in your arsenal, you’ll whip up professional quality turkey tail mushroom-enhanced coffee drinks with ease right at home!
