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They're baaaaaaAAAACK! That's right folks - ya heard it here first: Our favorite sweet and nutty friends have arrived and the season is young!
For weeks we've been scouring our *special spots* in the Chapel Hill area and after some good rainstorms and muggy heat, they've finally popped up! So far we've got loads of baby "Golden Chanterelles" "Appalachian Chanterelles" and "Cinnabar Chanterelles" all fruiting in our neck of the woods.
How to Forage Chanterelle Mushrooms
First and foremost, learn about Chanterelle mushrooms! Don't worry, we've made it easy. Sit back, relax, and watch this informative video about different species of chanterelles, where they like to grow, and how to properly identify them!
Location Location Location - Chanterelle mushrooms grow scattered and tend to fruit in great numbers; All you have to do is know where to look! Here's a broad idea of what you'll want to look for across all species: Sloping landscapes and hillsides leading down to streams, creeks, and/or rivers. They like forested, shady, mossy areas.
Trees & Soil - Note these mushrooms are mycorrhizal, meaning they fruit from the soil rather than from wood or leaf litter and the mycelial network has a symbiotic relationship with trees. Therefore, you'll not only want to be searching in a forested area, but also be sure to be looking at the ground rather than fallen logs or stumps. The great thing about chanterelles is their vibrant colors. Typically you won't need to dig through brush to spot their bright bodies... though once you find one, you'll want to be sure there's not more hiding beneath the brush (*Always wear gloves or use sticks when stirring up brush as it is snake/tick season!*)
A Knife is Key - Because these babies are mycorrhizal, this is one of those times you'll want to make sure to bring your knife along for the forage. Aim to cut the stem just above the base to avoid adding unnecessary dirt and debris to your basket or bag. These mushrooms are easy to clean in comparison to other edibles, but a great way to jumpstart that cleaning process is to leave the soil-covered base behind.
Any questions about chanterelle mushrooms? Let us know!
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