Immune-Boosting and Regenerative Turkey Tail Broth: Nourishing and Warming for Cold Days

I ventured into the woodland today for a little fungi hunt (I know, I’m a bit silly), and the ground was dusted with a layer of snow. As I wandered, I thought to myself, "Hmm, maybe there won’t be anything for Fungi Friday this week."

The ground was slippery, and the tree branches were heavy with the icy crust, so I decided to call it a day and head back home.

I went back home and walked through our garden. I spotted a few young turkey tails sprouting through the ornamental bird’s claws on the log.

Popping out of the snow,

sprouting through the bottom of the plant pot,

And all over the log.

I was pleased to see them.

With the weather being cold and us staying more indoors.
It is just in time for us to need an immune boost!

Turkey tails have polysaccharides that help enhance immune cells' activity, such as macrophages and T-cells. These compounds also help balance immune function and reduce inflammation. They also have phenols that fight oxidative stress. In some studies, turkey tails fight viral infections.

Wet and frozen, I picked some of them to include in my immune-boosting broth.

Turkey tails are thin, pliable, velvety, and with multicolour zones and light edges.

White underside with pores.

I have added the following to enhance its immune-boosting and restorative effect!

Nettle Leaves: Packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, and zinc, which help regenerate blood and support immune health.

Rosehips: High in vitamin C and antioxidants that strengthen immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular repair.

Garlic: It contains allicin, which boosts immune cells, has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and supports regeneration.

Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich, helping regenerate tissues and supporting immune and digestive health.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which reduces inflammation, supports immune function and promotes cell regeneration.

Cayenne (optional): Improves circulation, has antimicrobial properties, and supports overall regeneration.

Sweet potatoes and carrots are high in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support immune function, protect cells from oxidative damage, and aid in tissue repair and regeneration.

These ingredients help strengthen the immune system by boosting cell activity and reducing inflammation. They also provide essential nutrients that help promote healing and regeneration throughout the body.

So here it is! 🍄

Immune-Boosting Turkey Tail & Nettle Broth with Rosehips

Ingredients:
1 cup turkey tail mushrooms (chopped)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 sweet potato (optional for sweetness)
2 carrots (optional, for depth)
2 garlic cloves (crushed)
1-inch piece of ginger (sliced)
1 tsp turmeric powder (optional, can be overpowering but very beneficial)
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/4 cup dried rosehips
2 cups fresh nettle leaves (washed)

Optional: thyme, bay leaves, or parsley

Instructions 🍄

Wash, Chop and Combine all ingredients in a large pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer gently for 1-2 hours to extract the nutrients and flavours.

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Drink warm

or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pour and Reheat as needed.

Taste-wise, this broth is rich and savoury, with the turkey tail and chicken stock giving the umami base. The sweet potato and carrots add natural sweetness, while ginger and garlic give a warming, slightly spicy kick. Turmeric adds earthy warmth, and rosehips offer a subtle tangy sweetness, balancing the flavours.

Overall, the broth is hearty, nourishing, and well-rounded, with a smooth, silky texture. Knowing it's beneficial makes it even more enjoyable to sip and perfect for warming up on chilly days!

This post is dedicated to @fungifriday by @ewkaw and to all fungi friends!

Happy FungiFriday, everyone!

Mariah 😊💗