LightofMorn: Chanterelles

During my first years exploring back roads and foothills, I never saw any Chanterelles. But after finding my first one, protruding from a roadside berm, I began to see them everywhere. They are so distinctive with their bright gold color and wavy fluted edges. Their scent is wonderfully wholesome. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are delicious to eat!

Click here for Chanterelle Recipes

WARNING:
Never, ever eat wild mushrooms without having them positively identified by an expert. There are at least two types of toxic mushrooms similar to the chanterelle. Do not take any chances. A single mistake could be your last.

14 March 2006 Along a nearby back road, was quite surprised to find a handful (OK... an arm full) of large chanterelles. Habitat is all. Don't bother seeking them under Bay Laurels, Sycamores, Willows or Manzanitas. Look for oaks growing in areas with good drainage. If the ground's low, it will be too wet. At higher elevations, the soil will be too dry. With practice you'll be able to spot habitat instantly and when fully attuned, you'll be able to smell chanterelles before you see them.

19 March 2006 It's not unusual to find chanterelles growing along back roads or even in roadside gutters. The next time a flash of bright gold catches your eye, look again because you may be seeing a chanterelle and not just another piece of roadside litter.

During my first years exploring back roads and foothills, I never saw any Chanterelles. But after finding my first one, protruding from a roadside berm, I began to see them everywhere. They are so distinctive with their bright gold color and wavy fluted edges. Their scent is wonderfully wholesome. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are delicious to eat! Click here for Chanterelle Recipes WARNING: Never, ever eat wild mushrooms without having them positively identified by an expert. There are at least two types of toxic mushrooms similar to the chanterelle. Do not take any chances. A single mistake could be your last.

One winter I found this monstrous Chanterelle reaching for the light in a totally unexpected habitat. Its color against the dark earth was so bright, I spotted it from the road above. It weighed 1.6 lbs. and measured, as you can see, 8" around its base and nearly 10" across its crown.

14 March 2006 Along a nearby back road, was quite surprised to find a handful (OK... an arm full) of large chanterelles. Habitat is all. Don't bother seeking them under Bay Laurels, Sycamores, Willows or Manzanitas. Look for oaks growing in areas with good drainage. If the ground's low, it will be too wet. At higher elevations, the soil will be too dry. With practice you'll be able to spot habitat instantly and when fully attuned, you'll be able to smell chanterelles before you see them.


10 March 2006 Just when I thought the season was over, stumbled upon 2.5 lbs chanterelles. Large and small, they were in peak condition in spite of recent rains. Vying for his place in the sun, found our red moggie "Og Roe" lounging beside the day's take.


19 March 2006 It's not unusual to find chanterelles growing along back roads or even in roadside gutters. The next time a flash of bright gold catches your eye, look again because you may be seeing a chanterelle and not just another piece of roadside litter.


Happy Valentine's 2004! The Chanterelles were in full bloom today. In two areas - not known for mushrooms in general, let alone chanterelles - I found nearly 10-lbs worth. Most were very large - half the thickness of my wrist with crowns as broad as my hand. I was astonished. I never expected to see so many in a single area. Truly an amazing day!

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