Chanterelle genus 

The Chanterelle Genus is truly fascinating! Chanterelles are the gold star of the mushroom world and not just because of their colour. However, it's important to note that there are actually a few different types of chanterelles, including craterellus and cantharellus mushrooms, all of which are edible and absolutely delicious. It is worth noting some varieties are actually quite rare (I found one last year called the blackening chanterelle which had only had 5 other recordings of being discovered in the uk). There are three types of chanterelles on a foragers radar they are:

First, we have the Black trumpets, which I like to call the "trumpet of death." These mushrooms are greyish black and almost impossible to spot amidst the litter. 

The winter chanterelles, which have a brown cap with a yellow stem and are also quite challenging to find. 

And finally the Chanterelle mushroom itself which is what you're likely to spot on master chef.

Historical records indicate that chanterelle mushrooms have been consumed since the 16th century. They gained popularity among wealthy French aristocrats, as serving this mushroom at one's table was seen as a symbol of wealth. Not only are chanterelle mushrooms incredibly tasty, with their delicate flavour and excellent texture, but they also offer various medicinal benefits. They possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as antioxidants and essential amino acids. Chanterelles can even help improve liver function, reduce cholesterol levels, aid in preventing thrombosis, and potentially combat certain types of cancers. Truly amazing, isn't it?

Now, the challenge lies in finding these remarkable mushrooms. While they can be quite prolific in the areas they grow, they are not the most commonly found mushrooms in England. You are more likely to come across them in Scotland. Chanterelles are slow-growing, often taking a week or two to develop into a sizable mushroom that is ready to be picked, revisiting the spot a week later is often a good idea as they've then had a chance to do their sporing thing too. Good luck on your chanterelle hunting adventure!

 Identifying features for cantharellus mushrooms:

• The caps yellowy orange in colour, initially flat and irregular in shape when young, but later becoming inverted like a goblet with wavy edges

• The gills differ from those of other mushrooms, resembling folds or ruffles, similar to how fabric would look when gathered on a table

• The folds run down the stem (decurrent)

• The inner flesh of the mushroom firm and white

• It has a fruity aroma, reminiscent of apricots

• The spores are brownish yellow in colour

• The mushrooms typically found near beech, birch, oak, or pine trees

• They tend to grow in damp, mossy banks

If you answered yes to all of these questions, there's a good chance you have encountered a cantharellus mushroom.

Identifying features for craterellus

• Caps either grey black or brown

• Caps have a hole in the centre that runs all the way down the stem which is hollow

• Gills are either absent or like those of a chanterelle and folds rather than true gills

• Stem is either the colour of the cap fading to a paler grey or is bright yellow and can have the look of a double stem (winter chanterelle sometimes gets called yellow legs)

• Flesh is thin but not brittle

• Smell mildly sweet or mushroomy

• Growing mainly with beech but can be found with oak, birch, pine and fir

• Spores whitish cream to yellow

If you've said yes to all these you could have a craterellus mushroom