Chanterelle Mushroom

Name: Chanterelle mushroom (Cantharellus cibarius and related species) — a golden-yellow to orange, trumpet-shaped wild mushroom with blunt, forked ridges instead of true gills, and a fruity aroma often compared to apricots. It is also called girolle in French.

Description

Chanterelles grow in woodlands across Europe, North America and Asia, living in partnership with tree roots (a mycorrhizal relationship), which is why they have never been successfully farmed and are still foraged from the wild. They have been prized by cooks since at least the 18th century, and are a classic ingredient in French, Scandinavian and Eastern European cooking.

The flavour is delicate, fruity and peppery, with a slightly chewy, meaty texture. Chanterelles have poisonous look-alikes, such as the jack-o'-lantern mushroom, so wild picking requires expert knowledge.

Main nutrition value

Chanterelles provide vitamin D (more than most mushrooms), potassium, copper and fibre, with a good number of antioxidants, and are low in calories.

How best to be consumed

Chanterelles are best cooked simply, to showcase their flavour.

1. Clean gently with a brush and damp cloth, rather than soaking, since they absorb water.
2. Dry-sauté first to release moisture, then add butter, shallots and thyme.
3. Serve on toast, with eggs, in cream sauces, risotto or with chicken and fish.
4. Never eat them raw.
5. Buy from reputable suppliers, or forage only with an expert.

Overconsumption could cause…

Chanterelles are safe when correctly identified and cooked.

1. Mushroom poisoning from mistaken identification of wild fungi, some of which are deadly and look very similar to edible kinds, so never eat wild mushrooms unless an expert has identified them.
2. Digestive upset from eating mushrooms raw, since cooking breaks down their tough cell walls and destroys natural irritants.
3. Allergic reactions or digestive upset in some people, and stomach discomfort from the fibre (chitin) and sugars in mushrooms in large servings.
4. Contamination with heavy metals or radiation in wild chanterelles from polluted areas, so source them carefully.

GroupsMushroomsFungi (mushrooms)Low fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin DFresh

Related foodsWhite Button MushroomMaitake MushroomMorel MushroomOyster MushroomShiitake MushroomEnoki Mushroom

Wikipedia — Cantharellus cibarius, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharellus_cibarius