Golden Chanterelle

Chanterelle
  • cap is up to 15cm wide, depressed in the center, smooth, dry, uniform egg-yolk yellow.
  • mature specimen is funnel shaped, immature specimens should be avoided.
  • forking ridges (rib-like folds) are present rather than gills; they descend onto the stem.
  • flesh is firm, yellowish, does does not change color when bruised.
  • stem is solid, orange tinted, tapering slightly to the base.
  • grows solitary or in groups on the ground, but not clustered at base of trees, and never on wood.
  • appears in the summer and fall.
  • has a pleasant, mild taste and mild, fruity odor; cook before eating.
  • an edible look-alike is the Smooth chanterelle (Cantharallus lateritis), which is similar in appearance but grows under oaks, has a pinkish hue and reduced ridges.
  • warning: do not confuse with the poisonous False Chantarelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca), has gills rather than ridges, often grown on decaying wood, tastes foul and causes stomach upset.
  • warning: do not confuse with the poisonous Jack-O'Lantern Fungus (Omphalotus illudens), which grows in large clusters on roots, stumps, or at the base of trees and has an unpleasantly sweet odor.
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