Where to Buy Turkey Tail Mushrooms Near Me: The Complete Guide

Turkey tail mushrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many potential health benefits. But where can you buy these medicinal mushrooms if you want to try them for yourself? This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about finding and purchasing turkey tail mushrooms near you.

What Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?

Turkey tail mushrooms, known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, are a type of polypore mushroom that grows in overlapping clusters on decaying logs and tree stumps. They are called “turkey tail” mushrooms because their various brown, tan, white, red, blue, and orange colors resemble the tail feathers of a turkey.

Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to their powerful immune-boosting polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds. Modern research has shown turkey tail extracts may help support the body’s defenses and overall health.

Where to Look for Turkey Tail Mushrooms

In the Wild

Turkey tail mushrooms grow wild throughout many temperate forests around the world. In some cases you may be able to find them growing near you for free by looking in wooded areas. Search for fallen trees stumps, and logs, especially decaying hardwoods like oak or elm.

However, exercise caution when foraging for any wild mushrooms. Unless you are absolutely certain of the identification, don’t consume mushrooms you find growing in the wild. Consuming the wrong mushroom can make you seriously ill. Forage at your own risk or go with an experienced mushroom hunter.

Online & Specialty Stores

One of the easiest ways to get turkey tail mushrooms is to order them online. Many online retailers offer dried turkey tail mushroom products, like:

• Capsules
• Powders
• Teas
• Tinctures
• Extracts

Prices and potencies can vary dramatically between brands. Always look for turkey tail mushroom supplements made from organic mushrooms with published third-party testing for purity and composition.

Some specialty brick-and-mortar stores, like health food stores or Asian markets, may also carry turkey tail mushroom products. Phone ahead to ask if they have turkey tail mushrooms in stock before visiting the store.

Grow Kits

Another option is to grow your own turkey tail mushrooms at home with a grow kit. Most turkey tail kits contain a pre-inoculated log or sawdust/woodchips substrate.

With the right moisture, temperature, and light conditions, turkey tail mycelium will colonize the grow medium and produce mushrooms. Kits make it easy for beginners to cultivate mushrooms at home.

Various gardening supply stores, specialty mushroom vendors, and online retailers offer turkey tail grow kits Prices range from $25 to $80 depending on the size and features.

Buying Dried vs. Fresh Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey tail mushrooms are most often sold in dried form, The key advantages of dried turkey tail mushrooms are

• Longer shelf life of 1-2 years or more
• Easy storage at room temperature
• Lower cost per ounce
• Concentrated potency

However, some specialty suppliers do sell fresh turkey tail mushrooms. The main benefits of fresh turkey tail are:

• Can be incorporated into recipes like stir fries
• More options for preparation like sauteeing and juicing
• Gentler drying process preserves more nutrients

The downside is fresh turkey tail mushrooms are more perishable. They also tend to be significantly more expensive by weight compared to dried.

How Much Turkey Tail Mushroom Should You Buy?

There is no established standard dosage for turkey tail mushroom supplements. The optimal amount can vary substantially based on the potency of the specific product and your individual health needs.

Most turkey tail capsules provide 500-1000 milligrams of turkey tail mushroom powder per capsule. The dosages used in research studies range from around 600 milligrams to 6000 milligrams daily.

To maintain general health, taking just 1-3 capsules (500-1500 milligrams) daily may be sufficient. For more targeted immune or gut health support, 3-9 capsules (1500-4500 milligrams) seems reasonable based on available clinical evidence.

Start with a lower dosage and work your way up slowly over several weeks to assess your individual response and optimal intake. Pay attention to any effects on energy, sleep, digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Focus on these key factors when comparing turkey tail mushroom products:

• Organic: Choose certified organic turkey tail to avoid pesticide contamination.

• Extract ratio: Look for supplements standardized to contain high mushroom extract ratios like 10:1, 20:1 etc. This ensures a concentrated dose of turkey tail bioactives.

• Beta-glucan content: Higher beta-glucan levels indicate more immune-boosting polysaccharides.

• Third party testing: Lab results verify purity and composition claims for quality assurance.

• Species authentication: DNA verification confirms the product contains true Trametes versicolor mushrooms.

• Sustainability: Opt for turkey tail sourced from growers with ethical, eco-friendly practices when possible.

• Form: Capsules, powders, teas, and extracts each have different pros and cons.

• Price: Compare cost per unit of key active compounds like beta-glucans, not just price per weight.

Recommended Places to Buy Turkey Tail Mushroom Products

Based on the criteria above, here are some top recommended sources to purchase high-quality turkey tail mushroom supplements and teas:

• Host Defense – Offers certified organic turkey tail capsules standardized to beta-glucans along with convenient powder sticks and extracts. All products feature third-party testing.

• Real Mushrooms – Sells certified organic, DNA-verified turkey tail powders and extracts with detailed lab testing. Known for exceptional quality standards.

• FreshCap Mushrooms – Source for both dried and fresh organic turkey tail mushrooms. Products are rigorously tested for actives and contaminants.

• Four Sigmatic – Specializes in mushroom teas, coffee, and elixirs. Their turkey tail, reishi, and chaga tea combines all three immune-supporting mushrooms.

• Om Mushroom Superfood – Carries a potent 20:1 turkey tail extract capsule with 45% beta-glucans, plus an organic mushroom complex targeting immunity.

• Pure Essence Labs – Offers a liquid mycelium turkey tail extract delivering 4 times more actives compared to typical mushroom supplements.

• Real Mushrooms – Sells certified organic, DNA-verified turkey tail powders and extracts with detailed lab testing. Known for exceptional quality standards.

• Mushroom Wisdom – Established company providing hot water turkey tail extracts standardized to polysaccharides and triterpenes.

For even more options, check out online retailers like Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost, and Thrive Market. Read reviews, examine product details, and refer to the criteria above to find the best turkey tail mushroom product for your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are turkey tail mushrooms legal to buy?

Yes, turkey tail mushrooms are 100% legal to buy and consume in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries around the world. There are no laws or regulations restricting the sale of turkey tail mushroom products.

Can you buy turkey tail mushroom spores?

Turkey tail spores are not commonly sold to the public. There are legal restrictions around selling spores of many mushroom species for cultivation. However, you can sometimes find turkey tail mushroom grow kits that include pre-inoculated substrates.

What’s the best way to take turkey tail mushrooms?

Most people find turkey tail capsules convenient since they provide an accurate, pre-measured dose. But you can also buy turkey tail mushroom powder to mix into smoothies, teas, or coffee. Tinctures and liquid extracts are another option.

Are turkey tail mushrooms safe?

Turkey tail mushrooms have an excellent safety profile and are generally well tolerated. But some people report mild side effects like digestive discomfort, especially at higher doses. Start with low dosages and increase slowly. Talk to your doctor before using if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.

Can you eat turkey tail mushrooms?

While not commonly eaten, the tender young edges of turkey tail mushrooms are edible. However, turkey tails become too tough and woody as they mature. Dried turkey tail capsules or powders are better options for harnessing the nutritional benefits of this medicinal mushroom.

The Bottom Line

With their immense popularity and expanding research, turkey tail mushrooms are now easier to find than ever. You can forage for them, buy turkey tail products locally or online, or even grow them yourself. Just be sure to choose high-quality organic turkey tail from reputable sources for the best medicinal value.