Page 254 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
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Golden Chanterelle, Cantharellus
cibarius (CANTHARELLACEAE)
Cantharellus cascadensis
Ivy Hutchinson
GOLDEN CHANTERELLES are widely distributed in EDIBLE PARTS: cap, stem
North America. Found in coniferous and hardwood KEY MEDICINAL USES: This mushroom is being in-
forests, these bright yellow mushrooms fruit on the vestigated for immunomodulatory, anti-inflammato-
ground in scattered groups, or numerously. They ap- ry, and antimicrobial properties.
pear in summer and fall. Another edible chanterelle
HOW TO EAT: These choice mushrooms have an en-
is the Cascade Chanterelle, Cantharellus cascadensis.
chanting apricot-like odor. Harvest them when they
CAP: The cap is 1.2-6.3 inches (3-16cm) wide. It be- are fresh and firm. Once you spot one chanterelle,
gins broadly convex to depressed with a recurved check under the surrounding debris for others. Clean
margin. In time, it becomes flat or vase-shaped, with thoroughly, check for creepy-crawlies, and remove
increasingly wavy or lobed margins. The dry, hairless any rough ends. Chanterelles taste best in simple dish-
surface is vivid yellow, orangy-yellow or pale yellow. es that showcase their delicate fruity flavor.
The mushroom’s firm flesh is light yellowish, with a
SIMPLE SAUTÉED CHANTERELLES: Ingredients: 1
subtle fruity odor and a mild or slightly peppery taste.
tbsp. olive oil, 1 shallot (diced), 2 garlic cloves
UNDERSIDE: The blunt false gills are close to sub- (minced), 1 lb. (0.5 kg) mushrooms (quartered), 1
distant and shallow. They run down the stem, often tbsp. butter, ¼ tsp. salt, pepper. Sauté shallots in ol-
forking or forming cross veins. They may be yellow ive oil until translucent. Add garlic (cook 1-2 min). Set
like the cap or paler, staining dull orangey-brown as aside. Wipe pan and add mushrooms. (Cook 4 min).
they become old. Add butter. (Cook 2 min). Toss with shallots, garlic,
STEM: Measuring 0.8-4 inches (2-10cm) long and salt, pepper.
0.2-12 inches (0.5-3cm) wide, the firm, solid stem is POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Jack-O-Lantern, Om-
slightly thinner at the base. Its surface is smooth, dry, phalotus illudens - bright orange or yellow; thin flesh;
and colored like a cap or underside. unforked, blade-like true gills; grows on wood; False
SPORES: 8-11 x 4-5.5 µm, elliptical, smooth; Spore Chanterelle, Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca - true gills;
print: pale yellow umbrella-shaped, not vase-shaped; velvety surface.
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