Turkey Tail Liquid Culture Syringe

Turkey Tail, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, is a colourful mushroom that resembles the feather tail of a turkey, which explains its English name. In the Netherlands, it is known as the Elfenbankje, probably because of its layered and multicoloured appearance. This striking appearance is more than just pretty. Traditionally, the Turkey Tail has been valued for centuries in Asia, especially in China and Japan, where it was used in traditional medicine. The ancient beliefs in its power are now supported by modern scientific research in Asia, which continues to make the mushroom popular there. The phenols present, such as flavonoids, are just some of the beneficial compounds in Turkey Tail. However, it is best known for the presence of polysaccharide-k (PSK) and polysaccharide peptides (PSP), substances that have received special attention in research for their potential health benefits. With the Turkey Tail Liquid Culture Syringe, you can easily and quickly grow Turkey Tail at home. They already contain ready mycelium, which ensures smoother and more stable growth than with spore solutions. The contents of the syringe are for colonizing substrates only and not for direct consumption.

Contents

These items are further packed in a zip-lock bag to further protect against contamination.

• 1x 10ml liquid culture in a syringe
• 1x alcohol swab
• 1x sterile needle

Use

• Add 2-5ml to each litre or jar of sterilised grain.
• Shake the liquid culture well before use; the Turkey Tail mycelium may clump.

After use

• Store it again in the fridge.
• Dry the needle thoroughly before replacing the protective cap to prevent rust.
• Optional: use a lighter to heat the needle and evaporate any remaining water. Then let it cool down before replacing the cap.
• Put the liquid culture in a ziplock bag for extra protection and place it back in the fridge.

These instructions will ensure that the liquid culture remains effective and usable for as long as possible.

What substrate do we culture on?

Hardwood (beech, oak, yellow-brown oak, alder, poplar, aspen, elm, ironwood, apple, cherry and other fruit trees)

Growing conditions

• Phase 1: Mycelial growth
• Temperature: 24 - 29°C
• Humidity: 90 - 100%
• Duration: 14 - 21 days
• Light: n/a

Phase 2: Primordia formation / fruiting

• Temperature: 10 - 24 (up to 27)°C
• Humidity: 95 - 100%
• Duration: 7 - 14 days
• Light: 500 - 2,000 lux

Phase 3: Fruit formation and harvesting

• Temperature: 18 - 24°C
• Humidity: 85 - 90 (95)%.
• Duration: 45 - 70 days
• Light: 500 - 2,000 lux
• Crop cycle: two to three flowering periods over three months

Storage advice

• Use the liquid culture within two months.
• Store it in the fridge or another cool, dark location.
• Avoid exposure to UV light.