Is False Turkey Tail Edible? Everything You Need To Know

Foraging for wild edible mushrooms can be an exciting hobby. But it also comes with risks if you accidentally pick a poisonous mushroom. This is why it’s crucial to be able to accurately identify mushrooms before consuming them.

One mushroom that often causes confusion is the false turkey tail. So an important question is: is false turkey tail edible?

In this article I’ll cover everything you need to know about properly identifying, foraging, and eating false turkey tail mushrooms.

What is False Turkey Tail?

The false turkey tail mushroom goes by the scientific name Stereum ostrea. It’s nicknamed the false turkey tail because it closely resembles the edible turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor).

Like the true turkey tail, false turkey tail is a saprotrophic mushroom that decomposes and feeds on dead wood It grows in overlapping caps that form shelf-like clusters on fallen logs and stumps

The tops of false turkey tail caps have reddish-brown rings and whitish margins similar to the banded color pattern of real turkey tails. But there are a few key differences between the two mushrooms

• Underside: The false turkey tail has a smooth underside while real turkey tail has tiny pores.

• Texture: False turkey tail feels leathery while real turkey tail has a velvety texture.

• Flexibility: Real turkey tails are thinner and more pliable. False turkey tail is thicker and less flexible.

Is False Turkey Tail Edible?

The good news is yes, false turkey tail is edible! It’s considered non-poisonous and safe to eat.

However, false turkey tail lacks the nutritional and medicinal benefits found in real turkey tail mushrooms. Real turkey tail contains polysaccharides that are known to boost immunity. False turkey tail doesn’t contain these compounds.

So while false turkey tail isn’t toxic, real turkey tail is preferred for its nutritional value. Make sure you can confidently distinguish between the two before consuming any turkey tail mushroom.

Tips for Identifying False Turkey Tail

Here are some tips for positively identifying false turkey tail mushrooms:

• Look at the underside – false turkey tail has a smooth, pale underside. Real turkey tail has tiny pores.

• Feel the texture – false turkey tail feels tough and leathery. Real turkey tail is thinner and velvety.

• Check flexibility – false turkey tail is less pliable than the bendable true turkey tail.

• Note the shape – false turkey tail often curves up at the edges while true turkey tail lays flat.

• Consider the environment – false turkey tail grows on conifer and deciduous wood while true turkey tail prefers hardwoods.

When in doubt, flip the mushroom over and examine the underside. The presence of pores rather than a smooth underside indicates you’ve found a real turkey tail mushroom.

How to Harvest & Eat False Turkey Tail

Once you’ve confirmed you have a false turkey tail mushroom, you can go ahead and harvest it. Here are some tips:

• Use a knife to cut the mushroom off at its base. Try to leave some behind to allow it to continue generating spores.

• Clean dirt off with a dry brush or cloth. Don’t wash them as excess moisture can impact quality.

• Dehydrate false turkey tails until crispy using a food dehydrator or low oven. This helps preserve them.

• Store the dehydrated mushrooms in airtight jars or bags. They’ll keep for months this way.

To eat false turkey tail mushrooms:

• Rehydrate dried false turkey tails by simmering in water for 20-30 minutes until softened.

• Chop rehydrated mushrooms and add them to soups, stir fries, omelets, etc. They have a mild, earthy flavor.

• Grind dried false turkey tails into powder to make mushroom tea or mix into smoothies and supplements.

• Extract false turkey tail mushrooms in hot water to make medicinal broths and tonics.

While not as nutritious as true turkey tail, false turkey tail can still add an earthy, umami flavor to dishes when prepared. Enjoy them as an edible treat from the forest!

Safety Tips When Foraging False Turkey Tail

When foraging for false turkey tail, always adhere to these safety tips:

• Positive identification is essential – leave any mushrooms you can’t 100% identify.

• Avoid mushrooms growing in polluted areas or with insect damage as they may harbor toxins.

• Only harvest younger, fresh-looking mushrooms – avoid older, moldy ones.

• Learn which toxic lookalikes grow in your region to avoid accidental poisoning.

• Always cook false turkey tails thoroughly before eating to break down indigestible components.

• Refrain from overharvesting – leave some mushrooms behind on logs to allow spore dispersal.

• Know any wild mushroom foraging regulations for your location and respect conservation policies.

While false turkey tail mushrooms are considered edible, remember that consuming any wild mushroom inherently comes with a degree of risk. When in doubt, stick to enjoying false turkey tails that have been positively identified by an expert mycologist. Stay safe and happy foraging!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat false turkey tail raw?

It’s not recommended to eat false turkey tails raw. Cooking them breaks down chitin and other difficult-to-digest components. Always cook mushrooms thoroughly before eating.

What do false turkey tails taste like?

False turkey tail mushrooms have an earthy, mildly nutty or woody flavor. When cooked, they take on the flavors of ingredients they’re prepared with and have a tender, chewy texture.

Are old false turkey tails safe to eat?

It’s best to avoid old, dried out, or rotting false turkey tail mushrooms. The quality and safety declines as they age. Focus your foraging efforts on younger, fresh-looking specimens.

Can you use false turkey tail to make dye?

Yes, like true turkey tail, false turkey tail can be boiled to extract a brown dye color. However, false turkey tail dye tends to be lighter brown compared to the rich umber hues of real turkey tail dye.

Can dogs eat false turkey tail mushrooms?

Cooked false turkey tails are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. But avoid feeding dogs raw mushrooms due to the presence of chitin. Also be aware of any individual allergies your dog may have.

Conclusion

While not as beneficial as true turkey tail, the false turkey tail mushroom is an edible lookalike with a unique woodsy flavor. With proper identification and preparation, false turkey tail can be a tasty wild edible to forage. Just be sure to adhere to safe mushroom hunting guidelines. Follow these tips, trust your identification, and enjoy exploring the fungi in your local forests!